With weekend trips to the beach, days lounging by the pool and basking in the sun, there are so many reasons to love summer.
But summer fun can take a huge toll on your skin. From chlorine in the pool to the sun’s intense rays, your skin can suffer in the summer even if it’s not immediately noticeable. Sun protection is so important, even when you’re younger, but many people skimp on sunscreen in the summer—even as they sit outside for countless hours reading a book, sunbathing or just getting fresh air. These activities not only jeopardize the look of your skin, but also its health, putting you at greater risk for developing skin cancer.
- Slather on the Sunscreen: Well, not exactly, but you need to use enough sunscreen to protect your skin. You should use at least an ounce (a shot glass full) of sunscreen on any areas of your body that will be exposed while you’re outdoors. This is especially critical because more radiation from the sun’s ultraviolet rays is reaching the Earth’s surface, increasing the potential for premature skin aging, skin cancer and eye damage such as cataracts.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Water is one of Mother Nature’s best skin treatments. Eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day can help replenish your skin and combat dryness, a byproduct of too much sun exposure. Water also helps to plump the skin and diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores. You can meet your daily water requirement by consuming liquids and by eating foods, such as fruits and vegetables, with high water content. Drinking enough water is one of the first steps to skin rejuvenation, but it isn’t a cure-all. Several treatments also can lead to greater improvements in your skin’s texture and appearance.
- Try a Chemical Peel: Chemical peels are a greatnon-invasive skin treatment, especially if you aren’t ready to try laser treatments. If you want to liven your complexion, smooth your skin’s texture and brighten its tone, chemical peels are a worthwhile option. The process is pretty straightforward: we first cleanse your skin and then use either a glycolic or lactic acid solution that causes dead skin to shed or peel. After this, we apply sunscreen and a moisturizer. With a chemical peel, your skin will look more radiant and youthful within a week.
- Explore Laser Treatments: Laser treatments can help renew your skin by minimizing red or brown skin spots, acne scarring and reducing the appearance of wrinkles, which become more visible after sun exposure. Laser treatments resurface and smooth the skin, balance uneven skin pigment and even aid in collagen production, a protein that strengthens the skin. Advances in technology, such as a new “dot laser,” can noticeably improve your skin’s appearance in one treatment, with minimal recovery time. Dot lasers are more comfortable for patients and minimize the pain often associated with laser treatments.
- Beneficial Topical Creams, Microdermabrasions & Facials: Facials, microdermabrasion and topical creams are also effective for treating sun-damaged skin. Retin-A and Vitamin A products can help replenish skin cells, improve skin texture, and the appearance of fine lines and dark spots. Microdermabrasion and facials are both relatively inexpensive, but effective ways to combat summer skin damage. Aesthetic Enhancements offers skin brightening and clarifying facials and microdermabrasion treatments that cleanse, exfoliate and restore the skin to its peak health and vitality.
The skin is the body’s largest organ, so it’s important that you take care of it. At Aesthetic Enhancements, our goal is to help you look and feel your best—and that starts with beautiful and healthy skin. Carefree summer fun can have a lasting impact on your skin, so now is as good a time as any to improve your skin’s health and overall appearance. We’re here to help you, so don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a skin analysis and consultation.