Summer Skin Prep: Protecting Your Investment

So we've spent the past few, colder months diligently working on skin revision – whether that involved peels, battling dryness, or targeting hyperpigmentation. Now, with it getting warmer and us being outside more often, it’s likely we’ll experience stronger sun exposure and increased heat so we need to shift the focus to protecting those results and maintaining healthy, vibrant skin.

It’s important to understand that increased sun exposure and heat can be incredibly damaging to our skin if not managed correctly. We're not just talking about sunburns. Intense UV radiation and sustained heat contribute to a range of concerns: from accelerating the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to premature fine lines and wrinkles, to triggering stubborn hyperpigmentation and increasing skin sensitivity. These are often those very issues we diligently worked to correct and improve during the cooler months with our peels and specialized treatments. All that effort to achieve a smoother, clearer, more radiant complexion in the winter can quickly be undone without a strategic approach to summer skincare.

But summer doesn't mean pausing your skincare goals, or being nervous to face the sun (that actually provides so many healing health benefits!) - we just need to adapt the approach and quite honestly, respect the sun. Knowing how to navigate these changes is key to keeping your complexion clear, healthy, and radiant all season long.

Your Summer Skincare Shield: Protection is Crucial

Summer skincare begins with intentional protection, extending beyond just sunscreen application. 

• Brimmed Hats: A physical barrier is incredibly effective. Invest in a wide (or ultra wide!) brimmed hat to provide shade for your face, neck, and décolletage, significantly reducing direct UV exposure.

• Window Tints: UV rays penetrate glass, meaning incidental exposure occurs even when driving or working near a sunny window. Consider professional window tints, or temporary filters, for your car or home to block a significant amount of the harmful rays

• SPF as Hand Lotion: Your hands are particularly susceptible to premature aging and sun damage. Keep a dedicated SPF in your car or bag and use it as your regular hand lotion. Reapply frequently, especially after washing your hands or before prolonged sun exposure.

• Consistent Reapplication: Sunscreen efficacy diminishes over time. Reapplication is non-negotiable – every 1-2 hours when in direct sunlight, swimming, or sweating, and regularly throughout the day even with casual exposure.

For facial sun protection, I love mineral SPF. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which are absorbed into the skin, mineral sunscreens utilize zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which sit on the skin, creating a physical barrier to literally reflect UV rays away. My personal favorite is Face Reality's Mineral Matte SPF 28. For the body, Supergoop is great and for tinted sunscreens and convenient powder reapplication options, Colorescience is an excellent choice.

Maintain Your Momentum: In-Clinic Treatments & At-Home Exfoliation

It’s also worth noting that you should not discontinue your professional skincare treatments.  In fact, consistent monthly treatments become even more vital during the summer months. The type of treatment may shift however, to address other concerns.

• Combat Buildup: Increased heat leads to more sweat, oil production, and accumulation of environmental debris. Daily sunscreen application also contributes to potential pore congestion if you’re not cleansing properly and thoroughly. Regular professional treatments are essential for thorough cleansing and exfoliation, preventing breakouts and maintaining skin clarity.

• Strategic Exfoliation: We shift from more aggressive peels to gentler exfoliation methods that are safe for summer. This helps maintain healthy cell turnover without compromising your skin's protective barrier.

• Weekly Rejuvenation: For gentle yet effective weekly exfoliation (1-2 times a week), GlyMed Plus Oxygen Deep Pore Masque is a fantastic choice. Unlike harsh acid peels, this masque utilizes oxygen to purify and brighten the skin, gently sloughing away dead cells without causing irritation. It's an excellent way to maintain a fresh, radiant complexion throughout the summer.

Repair & Restore: Your Post-Sun SOS Kit

Even with diligent protection, we’ve all had days where you just get a little too much, unintended sun exposure. Having the right products for immediate repair and restoration is crucial for mitigating damage.

• Immediate Sunburn Response: DMK’s Beta Gel & Solar Damage Gel: Consider this your powerful duo for a sunburn emergency. Applying DMK Beta Gel within 30 minutes of a sunburn can significantly reduce the visible damage. Its potent beta-glucan content and inherent healing properties work to quickly calm inflammation and support rapid cellular repair, minimizing redness and the long-term impact of the burn. Complementing this, DMK Solar Damage Gel is specifically formulated for post-sun recovery. Rich in aloe and vitamin E, it directly soothes skin inflammation and redness, deeply rehydrates the epidermis, and actively works to restore the skin's natural barrier. It directly addresses the immediate consequences of solar damage and supports the skin's effort to return to a healthy state. Both products are designed to bring vitality back, aiding the skin's recovery to a firmer, plumper, and replenished state after sun exposure.

• Overnight Recovery: GlyMed Plus Cell Protection Balm is amazing for intensive overnight repair after sun exposure and skin restoration. It creates a protective occlusive barrier that locks in moisture and supports the skin's natural healing process. Enriched with deeply emollient shea butter and anti-inflammatory live yeast cell derivatives, it's ideal for soothing and repairing compromised skin.

Protect Your Investment to Glow all Summer

Don't compromise all the hard work you've invested in your skin this past winter! By proactively preparing your skin, diligently protecting it, maintaining consistent treatments, and having a reliable repair kit, you can embrace all the summer season has to offer while still safeguarding your results. Here’s to enjoying your summer – responsibly, confidently, and with the fresh, healthy skin you've worked so hard for!

Best,

Maria