Double Down on Your SPF Applications
It's important to wear sunscreen no matter the time of year and no matter how much or how little time you spend in the sun. However, the warmer months usually mean we're covered less, so remember to apply to your scalp, neck, chest, arms, legs, and feet, as well.
"Every part of your body should be covered in SPF on a daily basis in the summer. Keep products in your bag for easy access because you don't know where the day will take you, and you must always be prepared," says Bobbi Del Balzo, the lead medical aesthetician at New York's Deep Blue Med Spa. "The sun rays are very strong and reflect off the ground and many surfaces. Just because you may be in the shade doesn't always mean you're protected. Many burns come from reflected lights and hazy skies."
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Start Using a Bacne-Busting Body Wash
While sweating doesn't cause "bacne" — aka back acne — Dr. Lortscher says that it's true that moisture produced by sweat may encourage the acne bacteria to go wild and cause problems. If you struggle with this, he says to use a body cleanser that specifically targets acne.
"[Use] this product every other day in the shower to start, and then increase to daily as tolerated," he advises, adding that you should seek out products that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and pyrithione zinc. "It's best to avoid isopropyl myristate, laureth-4, or sodium lauryl sulfate, which can worsen acne in some people."
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Get More Consistent With Your Exfoliation
"Many people avoid exfoliation during the winter months because it can dry out skin, but as the weather warms up and the humidity increases, we are better able to tolerate acids and stronger formulations of active ingredients," notes Dr. King. "Spring is a great time to exfoliate and brighten the dull skin that has accumulated during the winter."
She says that both chemical and physical exfoliation can be incorporated into your spring and summer skin care routines, and that this advice literally applies to your entire body. There are scalp scrubs, body scrubs, foot scrubs, and gentler facial scrubs you can take advantage of. And if you're really digging it, consider pampering yourself at the spa with a professional treatment.
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Load Up on Antioxidant-Rich Products
"Antioxidants can be used all year, but they may be particularly helpful during the spring and summer to avoid sun damage and hyperpigmentation," says Dr. King. "When the skin is exposed to UV rays from the sun, free radicals are generated that can damage DNA and accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Topical antioxidants, like vitamin C, can donate electrons to stabilize the free radicals and decrease sun damage."
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Keep an SPF Lip Balm Within Reach
Your lips are an easy place to forget sunscreen, but the skin here is very delicate and therefore susceptible to damage. "SPF lip balms come in different shades and tints to give you a little color and protection at the same time. Make sure to reapply all day," says Del Balzo. "If you are prone to cold sores on your mouth, this is even more important because the sun will cause flare ups. Also, exfoliating your lips a few times a week will help them from feeling pruned from the sun."
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