Q. I love this time of year when I attend music festivals, art walks and outdoor concerts. What can you recommend to help keep my skin protected and refreshed?
Dr. Linda Miles, D.O.M., responds:
With all the excitement surrounding these summertime events, it is so easy to forget about the health of your skin. The scary truth is that even an hour outside (let alone a whole day) can cause immediate hydration imbalance and long-term damage. But don’t fret! There are simple things you can do to keep your skin healthfully protected and refreshed, naturally.
No Sweat
Hot weather, makeup, sweat and dust can lead to excess oils and build-up, leaving pores clogged, potentially causing future breakouts. I recommend carrying Very Clear® Acne Wipes in your tote – they’re a quick, convenient way to remove impurities and refresh over-heated skin. Each oil-free, fragrance-free, pre-moistened wipe contains 0.5% salicylic acid to lift away pore-clogging dirt and impurities. Plus, with some of my favorite soothing botanicals such as willow bark, aloe and chamomile, these easy, one-step wipes also calm redness and irritation for clearer, healthier-looking skin. At any event, you can feel great with these instant cleansing refreshers and confident knowing you’re keeping future breakouts at bay.
Antioxidant Protection
Protecting your skin from intense sun rays and sweltering climes is essential for maintaining a healthy, radiant complexion for many years to come. While this can be challenging during spring and summer, antioxidants are here to the rescue. Research shows that applying antioxidants topically can help protect skin from damaging UV rays and delay signs of premature aging, so think of antioxidants as the perfect complement to sunscreen. Plus, applying antioxidants after sun exposure can help skin recover more quickly. Try derma e® Evenly Radiant® Day Crème SPF 15 or Age-Defying Moisturizer SPF 15 for antioxidant-rich hydration plus SPF protection.The Evenly Radiant® Day Crème SPF 15 contains antioxidants from vitamin C and Vitamin E — it’s perfect for sun-exposed skin that’s prone to uneven tone, brown spots or dullness. The Age-Defying Moisturizer SPF 15 contains antioxidants from astaxanthin and green tea — it’s ideal for addressing multiple signs of aging including fine lines, wrinkles or environmental damage.
No Puffery
After the event, even with the right precautions, too much sun, alcohol or salty, fatty foods may leave you looking weathered and worn out. For irritated or puffy eyes, reach for derma e Soothing Eye Gel. This lightweight, fragrance-free gel contains anti-aging antioxidant Pycnogenol® to promote healthy circulation, helping to de-puff the eye area. Enriched with nourishing green tea, skin-tightening witch hazel and soothing aloe, this soothing yet refreshing gel is going to be your go-to for fresh, radiant, recovered eyes. And, for added cooling benefits, store it in the refrigerator before applying.
Keeping skin healthy during the outdoor summer season can be a challenge, but hopefully these tips will help you look your best as you’re having fun in the sun, and well after.