Many of us look forward to spending time outdoors, soaking up sunshine, and enjoying our favorite events of the summer season. However, those of us in Lafayette know the intensity of the Southern sun is no joke! To help you maintain a healthy glow throughout the upcoming summer months, the skin experts of Laser Skincare of Louisiana have put together this go-to guide of essential skincare tips to help your skin receive the care and protection it needs this summer.
Never skip the SPF
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable skincare staple year-round, but even more so when the sun is more intense and you’re spending more time outside. The standard application protocol for most brands is to apply SPF on all exposed areas of your skin and reapply every two hours.
Just remember that swimming or sweating will naturally remove your sunscreen more quickly, so you’ll need to double-check the label for guidance on how often you need to reapply in these cases—some formulas offer longer protection periods than others. A wide-brimmed hat and full-coverage SPF-rated clothing or swimwear are additional options if you are going somewhere or participating in activities that make sunscreen reapplication difficult.
We recommend using an SPF of at least 30, and for optimal protection, choose mineral sunscreens with active ingredients like zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. These ingredients are great for people with sensitive skin and create a physical barrier on your skin to absorb UV radiation.
Our top pick for everyday SPF
Our go-to sunscreen is SkinBetter Sunbetter SPF. This medical-grade sunscreen applies beautifully, is clinically tested, and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Plus, it comes in various forms—cream, stick, or compact—to suit different preferences and lifestyles.
Make sure you’re using (more than) enough!
Using the correct amount of sunscreen is just as important as choosing the right SPF. For your face, try the two-finger method to ensure you’re using enough to fully protect your skin: apply a strip of SPF to your index and middle fingers, then spread it evenly over your face and neck.
Most people need about 1 ounce of sunscreen—roughly the amount that could fit in a shot glass—to cover the body. You may find you need a little more or a little less depending on what you’re wearing. Tip: If you have a part in your hair, dab a little along the part line to prevent burning your scalp!
Add-in antioxidants to support your skin’s protection
Using a vitamin C or antioxidant serum adds an extra layer of protection against sun damage. UV rays create unstable molecules called free radicals and can damage your skin cells, eventually leading to various signs of aging and diminished skin health. Adding an antioxidant serum to your skincare routine helps combat this damage and brightens your complexion for a natural glow. New to antioxidants? We have serums that support different concerns like discoloration, acne, and aging—ask us to help you choose the right one for you!
Tip: While topical skincare products should absolutely be your first line of defense for keeping your skin in ship shape for summer, what you eat can also help support your skin from within. Antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries, oranges, spinach, almonds, and brown rice (just to name a few) help your body neutralize free radicals before they can damage your cells.
Be sure to dab a little sunscreen on the part of your hair to prevent burning your scalp!
Hydration is key
As with SPF application, staying hydrated can look a little different in the summer, and you’ll probably need to adjust how you moisturize your skin. Swap heavier creams for lighter, hyaluronic acid-based moisturizers to prevent a greasy look and feel while still nourishing your skin.
Don’t forget to increase your water intake as well; you’ll need to replace the extra you lose through sweat! Staying hydrated inside and out helps keep your skin plump and helps prevent that tight, dry feeling and flaking.
Use retinoids responsibly
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to stop using certain skincare products during the summer, but you may need to adjust how you use them. Retinoids, such as retinol and Retin-A (tretinoin), are prime examples as these powerful ingredients can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so you’ll need to be extra vigilant with your sun protection. As long as you don’t have any sudden skin changes like redness or sensitivity, you can carry on with your retinol routine. If you do notice increased sensitivity, reduce how often you use these products until your skin calms and you’re comfortable. Being more generous with sunscreen or wearing a hat helps most people continue using retinol without issue all summer long.
Go have fun in the sun!We hope you found this summer skincare guide helpful in learning how you can maintain your skin’s health and appearance this summer! If you have any questions or need personalized advice, the skincare experts at Laser Skincare of Louisiana are here to assist you. Feel free to submit a contact form online or give us a call at (337) 456-3282 to get started.
References »
Cole C, Shyr T, Ou-Yang H. Metal oxide sunscreens protect skin by absorption, not by reflection or scattering. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine.. 2016 Jan;32(1):5-10. doi: 10.1111/phpp.12214.
Ivarsson J Jr, Pecorelli A, Lila MA, Valacchi G. Blueberry Supplementation and Skin Health. Antioxidants (Basel). 2023 Jun 12;12(6):1261. doi: 10.3390/antiox12061261.
Poljšak B, Dahmane R. Free radicals and extrinsic skin aging. Dermatology Research and Practice. 2012;2012:135206. doi: 10.1155/2012/135206.
Carlsen MH, Halvorsen BL, Holte K, Bøhn SK, Dragland S, Sampson L, Willey C, Senoo H, Umezono Y, Sanada C, Barikmo I, Berhe N, Willett WC, Phillips KM, Jacobs DR Jr, Blomhoff R. The total antioxidant content of more than 3100 foods, beverages, spices, herbs and supplements used worldwide. Journal of Nutrition. 2010 Jan 22;9:3. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-9-3.
Skin Cancer Foundation. (2023, January 19). When Beauty Products Cause Sun Sensitivity.
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