Summer Sun Guide: How to Avoid Dryness, Wrinkles, and Burns

Summer is here, we’re looking forward to beach trips and barbecues, but we’ll skip the sun damage, thank you very much. Sun exposure can wreak havoc on the skin causing dryness, excess oil production, fine lines, and wrinkles. We know you’ve heard the warnings before, but have you heeded them? Any dermatologist will tell you the sun is your skin’s worst enemy, and while avoiding UV rays entirely is unrealistic, we recommend a three-part regimen for before, during, and after sun exposure. Here, we break it down in a way that’s easy to follow, with product recommendations that will leave your skin healthy and glowing all summer long.

1. Load up on antioxidants and vitamins.
Antioxidants are warriors against skin damage, so a daily dose of good-for-you ingredients prior to sun exposure can actually help protect your skin well in advance of UV exposure. Load up on antioxidant-rich berries and use a daily face moisturizer.
2. Sunblock vs. sunscreen: What should you use?
What’s the difference between sunblock and sunscreen? Sunblock is literally a physical layer of zinc oxide or titanium oxide that blocks sun rays from penetrating the skin. Think of the thick white layer of goop on a lifeguard’s nose. It’s highly effective and blocks radiation, but it’s thick and can clog pores. Most of us use sunscreen because it absorbs into the skin and is much less visible.
When choosing a sunscreen, make sure it’s broad spectrum, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
No matter sunscreen what you use, it needs to be reapplied every 2-3 hours.
3. Hydrate and nourish skin after sun exposure.
The sun zaps skin of its moisture, which can cause excess oil production and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Give your skin some TLC after a day outdoors with a moisturizing overnight gel treatment with red seaweed, white tea, and vitamins A, B5, C, D, and E to combat environmental damage.
And don’t forget that the sun chaps the lips. Give them a coat of Lip Treatment oil to nourish and restore much needed moisture.

The Kopelson Clinic offers a myriad of advanced dermatological treatments and procedures, Dr. Kopelson and his staff provide personalized clinical suggestions and cosmetic dermatology services to customize each patient’s specific medical and cosmetic concerns.

Click here or contact The Kopelson Clinic to schedule an appointment today.