TSG Tip: Essential Summer Skincare
There’s no doubt that spending time in the sun is one of the greatest summertime pleasures, be that poolside, at the beach, or simply enjoying the fresh air in your own backyard. But while exposure to sunlight is great for boosting Vitamin D levels, it is also a powerful element that has its limitations. To help us address our warm-weather skincare needs and combat some skincare myths with ease, we spoke with Dr. Sarah Gee, our scouted source for all things dermatology and the co-founder of Austin Skin — a national leader in the field of dermatology with three offices in the greater Austin area.
TIPS
Hydrate frequently and invest in a wide-brimmed hat: Summers in Texas are hot, humid, and sunny and these elements can bring out all sorts of summer skincare issues. Dr. Sarah Gee’s top tips include; hydrating frequently, seeking shade as much as possible, wearing wide brimmed hats, and sporting cool/ wicking UPF clothing. Here in Austin, the single most important thing is to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun. Sun causes over 90% of skin cancers. At Austin Skin, their board-certified dermatologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. In their office, they see around 20 skin cancers a day, mostly on the face. Lucky for us, shielding your skin from the sun is a fully preventative measure.
Wear Sunscreen: Sunscreen prevents skin cancer and significantly prevents skin aging. The best sunscreen is one you will wear and will reapply every 2-3 years. Choose a sunscreen SPF 30 or higher and one that is Water Resistant for 80 minutes if you’ll be in water. A higher SPF is beneficial (Ex. 50 or higher) because it can make up for under application which is a very common reason sunscreen can fail. Remember that you must use at least one ounce of sunscreen for the body (a shot glass or more) and a large nickel sized dollop for the face.
“First of all, both chemical (organic) and physical (inorganic) sunscreens are safe and they work.” – Dr. Gee
At Austin Skin, the Harvard-trained dermatologists have a few favorites like, La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF 60 Melt in Milk for adults or Banana Boat Mineral Foam for the littles. When it comes to sensitive skin, their pick is Colorescience Flex or SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum, and when it comes to the favorite sunscreen for facial pigmentation: Colorescience Flex. Finally, a favorite sunscreen for severe sun damage and history of facial skin cancers: Eucerin SPF 100 Actinic Control
Makeup with Sunscreen is NOT Sunscreen. When it comes to makeup that has sunscreen within the ingredients, Austin Skin deems it insufficient – as they do any powder or spray. In Texas, this even applies to our cloudy days. The doctors joke that really at night in Texas is the only time you should not be wearing sunscreen.
Skin Checks Save Lives. If you have a history of skin cancer, typically it is advised to get skin exams with a board certified dermatologist every 6 months, and should definitely be part of your summer skincare routine. If you have a history of melanoma you might be advised to see a dermatologist more quickly. Risk factors for melanoma include a family history of melanoma in a first degree relative, history of atypical moles, tanning bed use, blistering sunburns, and red hair, and if you have these please consider seeing a dermatologist annually. And of course if you have any particular lesions that you are concerned about, do not wait to have them evaluated. Warning signs for skin cancer include: non healing, easily bleeding lesions, a pimple that doesn’t go away, ugly duckling or changing moles, painful, sensitive or scaly spots especially in sun exposed areas.
Forgo ablative lasers and chemical peels during the summer months (if you can’t stay completely out of the sun). Summer is definitely a slump for in-office cosmetic treatments. With busy schedules, travels galore and kids out of school and routine, it’s hard to find downtime and with the sun, it’s often required. Because Austin Skin advises avoiding sun during the healing process, the summer months are just plain hard. Of course, if you are able to effectively hide from the sun while you heal, there aren’t any restrictions, though it should be noted that many patients forgo ablative lasers and chemical peels during the summer months. Neurotoxin, facial fillers, radiofrequency + microneedling, and vascular lasers (to treat redness and blood vessels) are totally safe.
Austin Skin is a boutique private practice that has two (soon to be three!) locations in the greater Austin area – Austin/Bee Cave, Smithville and San Marcos (coming soon!). Our five board certified dermatologists have expertise in a wide range of dermatology services including medical dermatology, pediatric dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, preventive skin screenings, surgical excisions, and Mohs micrographic surgery. Across their locations, the practice has a culture of joyfulnessand fun and each doctor deeply cares for the patients. We’re proud to call them our #scouted dermatologists since Volume 8! Next time you’re looking for medical dermatology or cosmetic appointments, we hope you’ll call Austin Skin.
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