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Summer Skin Protection Must Haves

Skin changes in the summer, and some of these changes can be permanent. Skin gets darker, more oily and clogged. You skin may become thicker, often the result of sun damaged. All this leads to unwanted pigmentation and even wrinkles.



Pigmentation changes are the most noticeable change. How you care for your skin during the summer can have a lasting effect on the healthspan of skin cells. Healthy calls are directly connected to how vibrant, healthy and even toned your skin will look in the future.


Here are seven things to do right now to minimize the damage and maximize glow:




  1. Right up front you need to make your sunscreen a priority. You must wear a sunscreen every day (rain or shine) throughout the summer. When UV light hits your skin it creates oxidative damage that plays havoc with your cell's DNA. DNA carries the instructions necessary to tell cells how to function. When damage occurs the cells become a bit off in their formation and metabolism. Irregular cells die prematurely, or worse - they become senescent cells. These damaged cells should be eliminated, but instead they hang around, slightly inflamed. This inflammation can be passed on to adjacent cells, causing more damage and inflammation.

UV damage stimulates your skin to protect itself by stimulating melanocytes to produce a tan. Not just a burn but a tan is also the result of sun damage. Your skin becomes pigmented. The amount of pigmentation varies from skin to skin. Lighter skin tones have less intrinsic pigmentation and are more likely to burn. A burn is even greater damage to the DNA in your skin cells, and creates a higher risk of skin cancer.

The more you tan the more damage accumulates and the likelihood of increased prolong pigmentation. Sometimes this damage isn't visible for decades. I have one client who rarely burned. She spent years in the sun without worry. Then, in her late sixties she developed multiple skin cancers as well as spotted pigmentation all over her face. The argument continues about whether to choose a physical or chemical sunscreen. Here are my thoughts: Physical sunscreens are gentler for sensitive skin because they stay nearer to the skin's surface. Since they don't absorb the UV rays the way chemical sunscreens do.the skin stays cooler, less disruptive for sensitive nerve endings. Chemical sunscreens are more cosmetically elegant because they smooth on more easily and are often boosted by multiple antioxidants and soothing ingredients. When you get down to it they both depend on applying enough sunscreen (about the length of your index finger. for your head, neck and decolletage) and reapplying every couple of hours when in a sun situation. Make sure your sunscreen is broad spectrum and a 30 SPF or higher. And choose one that you really like the way it feels on your skin. That way you'll be more likely to use it every day.


  1. Pigmentation doesn't just come from unwanted ultraviolet damage from the sun. Heat triggers melanocytes (pigment producing cells) toproduce more melanin. This can be aparticular problem for those with melasma. People who experience melasma (flat, brownish-gray patches that usually occur on your forehead, cheeks, nose, upper lip and chin) are especially prone to heat-induced discoloration. In addition, high heat can also trigger inflammation. Inflammation is bad news for your skin, because it leads to breakdown of collagen and elastin, which are the "building blocks" that keep our skin firm, bouncy and youthful looking. 


One nice way to keep your skin cool is to carry with you a toning mist that contains soothing herbs like aloe vera or licorice root. If I'm in a sun situation I bring a small cooler with me containing a spray toner that I've left in the fridge overnight. I spray it on several times during the day. My skin feels so much more comfortable and hydrated.



  1. Upping your antioxidants in summer is important for protecting cells from UV damage. When an antioxidant rich serum is layered under sunscreen these protective ingredients (usually derived from superfruits) not only serve to protect your cells but also boost the efficacy of your sunscreen. Make sure you also get plenty of antioxidants from eating fresh fruits and vegetable during the summer. Antioxidants are most plentiful in brightly colored fruits and vegetables.


  1. Vitamin C is a valuable antioxidant with protective properties against oxidative stress from the sun. Make sure your Vitamin C serum is the ester version of Vitamin C. Esters like magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate are versions of Vitamin C that are a lot gentler on your skin and reduce inflammation. They are especially effective when you wear them during the day when your skin needs more protection.


Try mixing one pump antioxidant serum with two pumps Vitamin C Serum.and wear them together under your sunscreen.


  1. Keep in mind that heat and sun exposure thickens your skin because heat increases the rate your cells replicate during the summer. Because the old cells don't naturally fall off the skin can become dull and leathery. The solution here is to step up your exfoliation in summer. A gentle way to do this is by choosing to do an enzyme peel once or twice a week. An enzyme peel is gentler than an acid peel. Enzyme peels use fruit or plant proteins to gently dissolve surface dead cells, while acid peels use chemical solutions to break cellular bonds deeper within the skin. My favorite enzyme peels contain enzymes from papayas, pineapples, and figs. I like to use a mild scrub first. Then let the peel sit on your skin for about five minutes. I do all this in the shower and the result is very soft, smooth skin.

  1. Try mixing your HA Serum with a peptide rich serum created especially to protect those important collagen fibers. But, not just any HA though. A three dimensional hyaluronic acid serum created to penetrate deeper into the skin than regular hyaluronic acid. Palmitoyl Pentapeptide is a longevity boosting peptide that acts as a powerful collagen booster. Included in your formulation look for Edelweiss . This plant extract has an excellent ability to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Edelweiss also has clinical studies showing 10% to 56% reduction of surface of sagging skin with the results of tightening, contouring and lifting effects.



  2. You may want to change your nighttime moisturizer. Focus on hydration, brightening and collagen boosting instead of heavy emollient creams that could be too heavy for summer. With a serum underneath a light lotion may be all you need to protect and hydrate. Lighter ingredients are best. Choose a Vitamin C rich moisturizer that helps brighten your skin.



Elizabeth believes in "Longevity Skincare", the idea that beautiful skin can endure throughout one's lifetime when utilizing the best that science and nature has to offer. In her forty plus years as a master esthetician Elizabeth discovered what really works, what truly makes a difference in creating a beautiful complexion. Longevity by Elizabeth Renee is a science-based skincare line that appreciates skin of all ages. As skin changes throughout your life you can keep looking youthful and vibrant, no matter what your chronological age. Longevity by Elizabeth Renee is a line that provides hydration, nutrition and protection from environmental aging. Your skin will receive high performance ingredients to help energize and repair its cells, resulting in a healthy skin with an enduring, vital glow


 
 
 

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