For some, summer is a challenge for skin. Sure, you have the golden glow that the sun brings, but what about the dehydration, the overactive oil glands from the heat, and the damage the exposure to the sun creates? These are all problems that can be solved quickly and easily.
1. Dehydration. It’s not enough to just put a moisturizer on your face. In order for moisture to bind to the skin, you need to exfoliate. Using a high quality exfoliator for the face (do NOT use those horrible apricot scrubs) is perfect. Especially if it has glycolic acid in it. After exfoliating, pat dry, and apply a moisturizer that has hyaluronic acid. Although it’s an acid, it is great at binding moisture to the skin.
2. Overactive oil glands. Unfortunately, the sun can cause the oil glands to kick into high gear. The heat causes the glands to overproduce oil, making you even more acne prone. It’s imperative to clean the face three times a day, and then apply an oil absorbing moisturizer on top (preferably one that is anti-bacterial). Better yet, apply a very small amount of tea tree to your existing moisturizer. Adding moisture to the skin actually tricks the skin into thinking there is enough oil, and oil production will slow down.
3. Sun Damage/Repair. Okay, we all know the sun is damaging. However, here is something you may not know. Applying topical antioxidants to the face actually helps to decrease damage, when applied 30 minutes before sun exposure. Antioxidants help to strengthen and improve the skins natural defense mechanism. They also help to strengthen the cells. Stronger cells mean less damage. This coupled with taking supplements (or eating fruit) is a great way to fight sun damage (and possibly reverse it).
Photo Credit © Tomasz Tulik | Dreamstime.com
Tags: health, moisturizer, skin, skincare, sun
2 comments
Posted by: Letitia Eppes on August 3, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Good evening Christopher,
I loved your article, good tips abound.
I would like to ask a question:
What moisturizers would you recommend for over 40, dry, African American skin?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Have a great evening,
Letitia
Posted by: Christopher Drummond on August 4, 2009 at 1:57 am
First, I’m not a huge fan of the expensive brands. As an esthetician, I believe that you don’t need to spend top dollar for great skincare. So, don’t buy into the hype and spend hundreds of dollars for creams and potions. You are literally wasting money.
I must also say I’m a fan of using natural products. Pangea organics (http://pangeaorganics-store.sparkart.net/index)has some great creams that are organic and natural, and they work wonders. If you have a tendency for dry skin, this would be great, because they also have essential oils, which balance the skin. I really like this line for your skin type, and as an added bonus, you are using a very eco friendly line.
Remember, it’s not the brand name, it’s the ingredients. Educate and empower yourself by becoming more knowledgable about the products and ingredients you use!!!!
And be sure to top the skincare off with an all natural makeup line also!!!