I want to maintain my skin care regimen this summer, but I spend quite a bit of time by the pool with my kids and participate in lots of outdoor activities. Are there products and treatments I should avoid this summer?
Obviously, it is important to protect yourself from the sun, but it is also wise to take some extra precautions with corrective skin care products and treatments. Most products are probably fine to continue to use, but you should avoid anything that may create sun-sensitivity or cause your skin to flake or peel. When you exfoliate the surface of the skin, it can become more vulnerable to UV radiation, so you should be especially careful this time of year. I recommend backing off of aggressive chemical exfoliants including alpha-hydroxy acids and retinoids. These products can still be part of your routine, but use them a few times a week instead of every day and avoid them altogether when you know you will be spending a significant amount of time in the sun.
Continue to hydrate your skin with a light, water-based moisturizer and don't forget antioxidant protection in addition to daily sunscreen. I also recommend that my clients refrain from corrective skin treatments like facial peels and Micodermabrasion, especially if they have pigmentation issues. It just doesn't make sense to peel the skin and head outside into the summer heat when you can actually worsen the condition of your skin. An ultrasonic facial that can hydrate, brighten, and illuminate the skin is a good alternative to aggressive treatment protocols during the summer months.
- Gina Thompson, Clinical Skin Care Specialist and Camouflage Makeup Artist
