We all need to adapt our skin care routines during the hot, humid summers.
1. We all sweat more during a sticky August day. To keep your face looking fresh, your summer cleanser and moisturizer should be a touch more drying to control oil production. Look for cleansers that contain drying and acne fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid, and moisturizers that are lightweight. For acne prone individuals, oil control for the rest of your skin is also important so be sure to use a body cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
2. No sunscreen is truly “waterproof” or “sweatproof,” since all sunblocks will dissolve in water eventually. In fact, these labels will soon be a thing of the past since the FDA has ruled that only the term “water resistant,” with a time limit, can be used on a label. If you are swimming, exercising, or even just sweating from a day of walking around, you should reapply your sunscreen every 1-2 hours for continued protection.
3. Sunscreens with an SPF below 15 do not protect against skin cancer or premature aging. The FDA will now require these products to state that they only protect against sunburns, but not against the carcinogenic effects of the sun. Make sure you pick a sunscreen with enough SPF.
4. Swim shirts and brimmed hats with UV protection are very popular right now. You see every toddler and young child at the pool or beach wearing them. If adults are mindful enough to protect their children from large doses of sun exposure, shouldn’t the same rules apply to big people? Protecting yourself with a swim coverup that contains SPF and a wide brimmed hat means you will be stylish and safe at the beach!
5. During the summertime, sun spots can darken with sun exposure. Being vigilant about sun protection and using a prescription strength lightening cream containing hydroquinone at night can help keep those sunspots light and your skin tone even.
Today’s article is brought to us by:
Board-certified Short Hills, New Jersey, dermatologist and Columbia University faculty member Richie Lin, MD, FAAD. Richie L. Lin, MD of Dermatology Consultants of Short Hills, is a board certified dermatologist with strong roots in northern New Jersey. Raised in Millburn, and a graduate of Millburn Senior High School, Dr. Lin went on to graduate magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University with a BA in music literature. He then returned to New Jersey and earned his doctorate of medicine from UMDNJ – New Jersey Medical School, during which time he was elected to the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. Dr. Lin trained in internal medicine in San Francisco before completing his dermatology residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. During residency, Dr. Lin was chosen to serve as the Chief Resident in the Division of Dermatology. After residency, he joined the faculty at the New York University School of Medicine. Dr. Lin has now returned to Short Hills, New Jersey to practice, while teaching at Columbia University.
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