Now that spring is here, chances are you will be spending more time outside. And, with summer coming soon, changes in the weather and our routines can mean more sun exposure for our skin. Combat signs of early aging and get your skin prepped for the change in season with these tips from Laser Artistry & Medi-Spa.
Stop Using Sun-Sensitive Products
Some anti-aging products contain light-sensitive ingredients. If you use these products, you will need to switch to a milder product during sunny weather. “If you don’t, the sun’s rays will cause you to peel,” says Sydney Smith, manager at Laser Artistry.
Laser Artistry carries the Zein Obagi Medical ZO Skin Health Line, which is safe to use in the spring and summer. “One of the great things about this line is that it lightens the skin without causing damage in the sun,” says Melissa Richardson, aesthetician at Laser Artistry. “So you can keep your skin looking its best without this annoying side effect.”
Switch Moisturizers
If you are currently using a moisturizer, you are probably going to want to move from a heavy to a lighter one, depending on what the weather is doing. Sydney explains that lighter products, such as serums and sunscreens, are best for spring and summer.
However, she adds, “If you really want to be good to your skin, ditch the moisturizer. We actually don’t use them or recommend them with our product line, because when you use moisturizers your skin becomes dependent on it, the same as when you use a lip balm on your lips. Yes, there is a transition period, but in the long run it’s better for your skin to not use them.” Instead, they say to lightly exfoliate every day, which will normalize your skin.
Increase Your Sunscreen SPF
“We highly recommend you wear sunscreen all year round, but you will need to up the protection as the sun starts to shine or if you travel to a warmer climate. Now is the time to change that SPF from 30 to 50,” says Sydney.
Even if it’s overcast, your skin is still exposed to those damaging sun rays. In fact, you can even get sunburnt on a cloudy day, so it’s important to raise that SPF. “We see a lot of people come in with sun damage on the left side of their body just from driving their cars,” Sydney adds. “And people should reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes, or sooner if they go in the water.”
Choose the Right Sunscreen
Most of us do not really pay much attention to the type of sunscreen we use – we look at SPF and then smell. But there are actually two types of sunscreen – physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens are mineral-based and contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, Sydney suggests using a physical sunscreen.
“While the FDA has tightened guidelines and prohibited the use of cancer-causing ingredients, people should still be careful,” Sydney says. She adds that “natural” or “organic” labels do not guarantee a better product. The only thing to really look for, she advises, is the zinc and titanium ingredients.
The ZO Skin Health Line has a physical sunscreen mixed with a makeup primer to further simply your morning routine so you can have fun in the sun sooner. Sydney says it’s also a “super screen,” protecting your skin from other damaging lights such as fluorescents and computer screens.
Use Safe Exfoliation Methods
“And many people think they have dry skin when it’s really just dead skin that is flaking off because they don’t exfoliate,” Melissa explains.
“You should exfoliate every day, even if you have rosacea,” Sydney adds. “If you don’t, all your products will just sit on top of the dead skin and won’t penetrate past it. Your skin may appear greasy or oily as well,” Sydney explains.
Rather than using harsh products (like retinoic acid) in the spring and summer, Laser Artistry recommends more manual exfoliation in the spring and summer, like a scrub.
“Glycolic acid is another option that won’t cause peeling, but will help slough off dead skin,” Sydney says. Laser Artistry also recommends a light chemical peel in the spring and summer, so you don’t have to skip sunny days outside.
Now is the Time for Summer Prep
Last, but certainly not least, spring is the time to get ready to look your best during the summer. For example, Sydney suggests Botox treatments be completed before the summer, when you will be squinting more, as a preventative measure against fine lines and wrinkles. Eyelash extensions are a great service so you can avoid mascara. It also gives you fuller, longer lashes so you wake up ready for fun in the sun.
And it is the last chance for intense pulse light (IPL) laser treatment. “Since you can’t be tan before or have sun exposure after IPL or hair removal, spring is the ‘last call’ to do treatments before the sunny summer months,” says Melissa.
This is because the laser picks up skin pigment, resulting in white stripes or spots when the laser removes the tan. The laser also won’t see hair to remove. Laser Artistry won’t preform these treatments if there is a risk, but it can be disappointing if you were trying to look your best for a special event.
Laser Artistry does offer two treatments that are safe to do year round – Radiofrequency Treatment, which tightens the skin, and Laser Genius, which helps with texture or scarring. Laser Genius is safe as long as you have not come straight from the tanning bed.
Whether you have graduations, weddings, vacation or family picnics to attend, these tips from Laser Artistry & Medi-spa will have you looking your best this spring and all summer long.
To make an appointment, visit the Laser Artistry & Medi-Spa website or call 360-753-4221.
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