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Summer is a bit kinder to the skin than winter is. The air is warm and humid, which helps skin stay hydrated. On the other hand, the sun is at its most powerful which is both a blessing and a curse. The good news is there are simple things a person can do to enjoy the benefits and reduce the drawbacks of summer. Here are some top summer skincare tips from Dr. David A. Baird of Farmington Dermatology.

Drink Plenty of Water

This is always a good idea, but it is especially important during the hot days of summer when the body loses water through sweating. Experts recommend eight glasses of water a day. Staying hydrated keeps your whole body in good health, and this includes your skin.

Use Sunscreen

Sunscreen protects the skin from the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays while allowing for some fun in the sun. During summer, dermatologists recommend a high sun protection factor or SPF. SPF tells the person how much longer they can stay in the sun before their skin starts to burn. So if they can tolerate 20 minutes of sun before problems arise, a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 allows them to stay in the sun for 600 minutes, or 10 hours. In addition to contributing to premature aging signs, sun exposure can increase your risk of skin cancer. Keeping your skin protected with SPF is important to your skin’s overall health.

Dermatologists also recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen. This protects the skin from both UVB and UVA light. UVB light burns the skin while UVA light ages it. Even if you have a darker skin tone and don’t burn easily, it’s important to use SPF to prevent aging signs and damage.

Apply Lip Balm

Like the rest of the skin, the lips also need protection. Lip balm should have an SPF of at least 15 and applied every two hours depending on how long the person is in the sun. They should not put Vaseline, baby oil or any other shiny substance on the lips. Lipstick should have SPF, be a dark color, and be more matte than glossy.

Wear Broad-Brimmed Hats

Since the top of the head and ears are also at risk for sun damage, it’s a good idea to wear hats with broad brims when going outside during the summer. These hats aren’t just protective, but they can be stylish too.

Wear UV Absorbing Clothes

Now there are clothes that have been treated to absorb ultraviolet light. However, a person doesn’t need to go out of their way to find protective clothing. Clothing made of unbleached cotton, thin silk, and especially lustrous polyester can absorb UV light, especially if they are dark in color. Knits also keep ultraviolet light away from the skin.

Cut Back on Moisturizer

The humidity in summer air means that a person can cut back on their moisturizer. What kind of moisturizer depends on the person’s skin type. For example, people with oily skin can use a very light moisturizer during the summer, people with dry skin should use light creams, and people with normal skin can use moisturizers that are water-based. Make sure any moisturizer or makeup put on the skin is non-comedogenic, which means it doesn’t block the pores. If you’re unsure of what products will best suit your skin type, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.

Schedule an Appointment

If you have any concerns regarding your skin’s health or want to achieve your best-looking summer skin, schedule an appointment with Dr. Baird at Farmington Dermatology. Call our Farmington, MI office at (248) 213-8575 or request an appointment through our online form.