Top tips to get glowing skin this summer

Tags

beautiful skin, Chemical peel, exfoliation, healthy skin, Hyaluronic Acid, retinol, Summer Skincare, sunblock

Avoid the summer skin problems the easy way

Summer is coming back with a bang! We can’t wait to break out of our winter scarves and coats, to let the Sun kiss our skin again. A potential problem though is that human skin is very sensitive, and the blazing summer Sun can make the matters worse. Skin plays a very important role in our body, personality and beauty, so it makes sense that we do what we can to avoid potential skin issues before they occur.

If we take care of some essentials, then we can achieve a glowing and shiny skin perfectly suited to the summer Sun. A radiant skin increases our outward beauty and who doesn’t want to look beautiful. Follow these tips to preserve yourself from the damaging effects of the Sun whilst getting a lustrous skin that you will love.

Tip 1: Chemical Peeling

The chemical peel is also known as chemexfoliation and it can be considered as one of the best ways to achieve glowing skin. The method is simply to use a chemical to hasten skin exfoliation while stimulating new skin generation and restoration. This newly restored skin will appear even in skin tone and with minimal wrinkles.

Doctors Note: It is essential to take care of your new skin as it will be temporarily sensitive and Sun sensitive.

Chemical peels are normally conducted on the face, neck or hands. This method will reduce both fine lines and deeper wrinkles caused by Sun damage or aging.
We also use chemical peels to treat dark pigmentation spots, acne and acne scars when appropriate. This 1^st tip will create that glowing skin you are dreaming of, but it would better to complete your chemical treatments before the height of summer simply due to skin sensitivity.

Tip 2: Hyaluronic acid skin rejuvenation

You might have come across hyaluronic acid in the beauty world as it plays a vital role rejuvenating and hydrating the skin.

In this treatment, minute amounts of hyaluronic acid are injected into the skin with multiple injections, to raise the skin’s hyaluronic acid content. Creating a bank of HA within the skin is not dissimilar to taking a spare water bottle on a hike. It acts as a hydro-reserve within the skin allowing the skin to function optimally. This means elastic, fresh and vibrant skin that is associated with youth.

A HA Skin Rejuvenation treatments takes roughly 60 minutes to complete, downtime is minimal and the results will last the entire summer. This is the perfect all natural treatment and every single client gains immediate benefit from undergoing the treatment.

Doctors Note: ensure that you use daily Sunblock to minimize skin dehydration from the Sun, and don’t forget to reapply.

Tip 3: Exfoliating cleanser

To give your skin a youthful appearance, it is very important to cleanse daily and pamper it regularly. Exfoliating your skin will improve your complexion by naturally removing the dead skin cells. This is the best way to get the glowing skin this summer as it cleanses deeply and clear pores whilst giving rejuvenating results to your skin. Exfoliation is the method of eliminating the top layer of dead, epidermal skin cells that dull the external surface of the skin to expose a fresh and bright skin.

Doctors Note: There are physical and chemical exfoliation cleanser products on the market. Make an appointment to discus what would world best for your skin, and on your holidays.

Tip 4: Daily Moisturiser with Sunblock

Moisturising your face is one way to look and feel younger as daily moisturiser application will keep your skin soft, supple and hydrated. It is often a good idea to apply moisturiser twice a day.
The ideal time to moisturise is after the shower as your skin will be moist which will help in the absorption of the lotion. Before applying the moisturiser, cleanse your face thoroughly then apply gently using a circular motion. This application method will help the moisturiser reach the pores and repair underlying skin issues. By using the right moisturiser and using it daily, you will see great benefits over time.
Doctors Note: To achieve better results, use a moisturiser that is specifically made for the face, containing Sunblock protection up to SPF 15 or higher.

Today there are numerous products on the market that offer active ingredients including retinol and Hyaluronic Acid. It is my best advice to use the most researched product available to your budget. Make an appointment to discuss your homecare regime.

Call the practice today or visit the Facebook / Twitter page

Advertisements

The other half of UV damage

Tags

aesthetics, alpha rays, anti-ageing, beta rays, how to prevent UV-A damage, irregular pigmentation, photo-ageing, Skin protection, skincare, Summer Skincare, sunburn, Sunlight, Sunny South Africa, UV damage, uva, uvb

Complete your UV protection to prevent skin ageing

Living in South Africa we are aware of a few home-truths: 1. Sun damage from overexposure is a significant cause of wrinkles and premature ageing. (Not to mention cancer). 2. Escaping the harsh South African sun requires multiple approaches i.e. sunblock, protective clothing and avoiding the sun during the harsh hours. 3. Even under the most heavy and cloudy day we are still susceptible to UV damage.

What we are not so aware of, however, is the role that indirect UV damage causes. Much of what we are taught or read about relates to direct sun exposure and the ageing effects thereof, these are called Beta Rays, but little is spoken about the damage caused to your skin from driving, common household lights or even watching TV.

 

Alpha and Beta rays

There is a common misconception that Alpha Rays (UV-A) does not damage the skin or cause visible skin ageing. This may be true in the sense that damage is not immediately felt or visible, but make no mistake the damage is being done.

UV-A light is far more prevalent than UV-B in that as much as 95% of all the UV light reaching earth is considered UV-A. This means we are exposed much more to the effects of UV-A.

Another harmful consideration is the UV-A Rays are equally prevalent during the day and night, can also penetrate clouds but importantly for us in South Africa, can penetrate glass i.e. while you are driving – this makes them specifically harmful to our driving/outdoor/social lifestyles.

 

A scary thought

UV-A is the ray responsible for your tan. The risk, however, is that this tanning ray causes cumulative damage in the basal layer of the epidermis and this has now been proven to increase your risk of skin cancer. As for visible skin ageing, Alpha rays essentially damage your skin’s DNA. This means you may not necessarily feel sunburn but your skin cells will not reproduce as effectively as they should for your age and you hasten your skin ageing.

 

How do you prevent UV-A Damage?

The answer is quite simple. First, understand and respect the Alpha Rays and take protective measures. Sunblock’s, hats and clothing are of paramount importance.  One can also purchase protective shields for your car and house windows.

To reverse Alpha Ray damage requires treatment of the deeper dermis, so treatments will often be a little more aggressive i.e. Deeper Chemical Peels, Dermapen or PRP Therapy. The purpose of aesthetic treatment for UV-A damage is to hasten cellular turnover to eradicate damaged cells as fast as possible in the correct layer of the skin.

 

The best advice would be to make an appointment to see Dr. van der Mescht and let her evaluate your treatment needs. Dr Martina prides herself in the art of graceful ageing and she will certainly have a minimal downtime protocol to match your unique skin needs. Call today on: 011 954 0070. You can also connect via Facebook

THE PERFECT SUMMER SKINCARE MORNING ROUTINE

Tags

a complete skincare routine, exfoliate, home care skin routines, lip balm, perfect skincare routine, simple skincare routines, Summer Skincare, Sunscreen, youthful skin

We all love the long, lazy Summer days that allow us to take good care of ourselves and our skin.

 

Today, I want to talk about the perfect Summer skincare morning routine that will keep you looking fabulous this Summer and all year round too!

• Keeping a thermal water spray next to your bed and spraying it all over your face as soon as you wake up is a great way to refresh your skin and give it a quick moisture fix.

• Before you eat your breakfast is to drink 2 or 3 glasses of water. Even better is to squeeze half a lemon in a cup of hot water. It will flush out toxins and will help clear your skin from the inside out!

• For breakfast, eat something healthy but satisfying: how about oatmeal and fresh fruits? You could also make a quick smoothie using spinach, bananas, protein powder and coconut milk? Consuming fresh fruits in the morning brings your body a ton of precious vitamins and gives you a well needed boost of energy.

• Finish your breakfast with your skin’s best friend: green tea! Unbeatable when it comes to antioxidants, two or three cups of green tea a day will make a huge difference to your skin and body.

• It is now time to wash your face. Use a gentle, soap free cleanser that will not dry out your skin. Massage the product with the tips of your fingers in circular motions for a minute or two.

• It is a great idea to exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells, clear your complexion and improve your skin tone but make sure your exfoliating method is not too harsh or it may backfire!

• Once your skin is squeaky clean, apply moisturizer all over your face and down your neck. This is a crucial step in everyone’s morning routine that should not be skipped, even if you have oily skin and even in the Summer.

• The next step is combatting crow’s feet with a good quality eye cream. Once again, using your fingertips, gently massage the skin around your eyes for a couple of minutes underneath and to the sides and make sure it penetrates well. A good tip is to massage using your ring fingers as they are not as “strong” and therefore apply less pressure than your other fingers.

• After your moisturizer, but a good 20 minutes before leaving the house, apply Sunscreen. You should choose a good quality one with an SPF of at least 30. Apply it all over the areas that will be exposed that day and do not forget about your hands, ears and feet.

• Finish your routine with a nourishing lip balm that contains SPF and keep it in your purse, along with your Sunscreen, in order to be able to reapply throughout the day.

• Do not forget to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun rays and if you know you will be out for a few hours, bring a wide brimmed hat too! Lastly, remember to drink a lot of water regularly and to stay in the shade as much as possible.

Did you enjoy this article? Are there any Summer tips you would like to share with us? What is your favourite part of a Summer’s day?

Remember that you can connect with me via Facebook & Twitter

OVERCAST WITH A CHANCE OF SUNBURNS

Tags

anti-ageing, can you get burnt when it is overcast, do UV rays pass through clouds, Skin Care, Summer Skincare, Sunscreen, youthful skin

If you have been following me here on the blog and on my Facebook page, you know that the past few months have been all about Sun protection and preventing skin ageing caused by the Sun rays.

In this article, I want to explain why overcast days are no different than Sunny days when it comes to protecting your skin. Many of us tend to skip the Sunscreen when the Sun is hidden behind the clouds because we assume that the Sunrays cannot reach us. Overcast days are very deceiving and often end in bad Sunburns simply because we were not prepared.

Did you know?! Up to 80 percent of the Sun’s UV rays can pass through clouds!

As you probably know, there are two types of Sun rays that reach the earth: UVA and UVB rays. To briefly recap, the UVB rays damage your skin immediately and are responsible for tanning of burning your skin. UVA rays are the ones that age your skin and can go through clouds, smog or glass.

Understanding how UV rays affect us

The UV rays are measured in “levels”. It is an international scale ranging from 1 to 20 that indicates the amount of UV radiation that reaches the earth’s surface. If a UV ray reaches a level of 3 or above, it will most likely damage your skin. UV levels vary constantly, depending on ozone depletion, as well as seasonal and weather variations. If you are interested, a few apps are available to help you keep an eye on the daily UV levels

The effect of clouds

The clouds do affect UV levels as they can increase or reduce their intensity. Influencing factors include – what type of clouds are present that day and their thickness / depth. As I mentioned earlier, UV rays are very powerful and can penetrate through thin clouds, which means that the UV levels that will reach you will still be high on an overcast day. Another reason why cloudy days can be misleading is because sometimes, UV rays can reflect off the edge of a cloud, which in turn increases their levels.

Can I skip Sunscreen when the weather is cooler?

We often tend to assume that if the weather is cooler and the skin does not feel as hot, we will not get burnt, or at least not as quickly. But even though your skin feels more comfortable, it is getting the exact same dose of UV radiation as when the temperatures are high. Keep in mind that there is no correlation between UV levels and temperature.

Remember to apply a thick layer of Sunscreen on all exposed areas of your body, (including your face, ears, arms, hands and feet), 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. Do not forget to protect your lips with a lip balm with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply Sun protection (Sunscreen and lipbalm) every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating to ensure optimal protection.

You should follow these guidelines all year round, no matter what the weather. Protecting your skin will not only help you look younger, it will help protect you from developing skin cancer.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article? Remember to follow me on Facebook and Twitter where I post daily and feel free to leave comments and questions to which I will reply as soon as I can.

If you would like to find out more about the treatments available at my Krugersdorp practice or would like to book an appointment, simply phone my rooms on 011 954 0070/3

BEACH TIPS YOUR SKIN WILL LOVE

Tags

Ageing, anti-ageing, Beach Tips, Dr VD Mescht, irregular pigmentation, Skin, Skin Care, Summer Skincare, wrinkles, youthful skin

If you are planning to spend time at the coast this Summer, you will definitely have to be mindful about protecting your skin every day. You may not know this but the Ocean is one big Sun reflector. This means that you are more at risk for Sunburns and Sun damage on the shore than anywhere else. Not only is Sunburn frustrating, unsightly and painful, it also risks your safety in the grander scheme of things.

Leave a comment right here on the blog or on my Facebook page where I also post daily.

 

1. WEAR SUNSCREEN

I have said it over and over again but I cannot emphasize this enough – Sunscreen is a step that cannot be skipped. It is the number one beach essential, the first item you should put in your suitcase and that has to remain in your beach bag at all times. My advice is to buy one with a high SPF that is waterproof this way you can swim without worrying about getting burnt. Never, ever lie in the Sun without putting on a good SPF and remind your loved ones about this too! You do not want to suffer the nasty repercussions of intense Sun exposure.

When it comes to Sunscreen application, I want to share 3 tips that most people tend to overlook:

• Apply Sunscreen in forgotten areas:hairline, ears, tops of feet, toes, eyelids.
• Sitting in the shade does not mean you are safe:You can still get Sun-burnt under an umbrella, especially by the Ocean. So remember to apply and reapply Sunscreen, not matter where you are.
• Be aware of oily skinned areas:The areas of your face where you have larger pores (usually the sides of the nose and the centre of your forehead) produce more oils.  These natural oils tend to breakdown Sunscreen quicker, so pay attention and reapply more often.

 

2. PROTECT YOUR LIPS

Do not forget your lips when applying SPF. Exposure to UV rays can bring out skin conditions (like cold sores) but also accelerates ageing around the mouth and dehydrates the skin. So it is especially important to keep the sensitive skin of your lips well protected. Find a good, nourishing balm that includes a good SPF of at least 15.

 

3. COVER UP!

Even covered in SPF, on a hot day, it is likely that you will start to feel the burn. To avoid feeling uncomfortable, always pack a sarong in your beach bag to cover yourself up. Pick a light and pretty fabric that will allow you to stay cool and elegant but will keep you shielded at the same time.

 

4. WEAR A HAT

Wearing a wide-brimmed hat will further reinforce your Sun protection. Indeed, it is the best way to ensure that your face gets a good amount of shade but it also brings an element of chic to your beach look. Of course, wearing a wide-brimmed hat does not mean you can skip the Sunscreen.  Remember: Sunscreen is not optional!

 

5. AFTER THE SUN

When you get back home after an outing at the beach, shower thoroughly and immediately for the salt from the Ocean will cause havoc on your skin and hair. I also recommend that you apply a good quality after-Sun product or a rich body butter all over your body as well as a thick layer of moisturizing cream on your face and neck. This step will help to replace lost moisture, soothe singed skin and prevent peeling.

I hope these tips will come in handy this Summer. As always, it was wonderful for me to share my knowledge with you all. Optimal Sun protection ensures beautiful, smooth, young looking skin for longer but most importantly, it gives you peace of mind, knowing that you are staying safe and healthy.

If you want to give your skin a little pick-me-up before next year, do not hesitate to phone my practice on 011 954 0070/3. I offer chemical peels, non-surgical skin rejuvenation, mesotherapy and much more!

THE CONSEQUENCES OF OLD SUN EXPOSURE

Tags

aesthetics, Ageing, anti-ageing, Dr VD Mescht, irregular pigmentation, Skin, Skin Care, Summer Skincare, Sunscreen, wrinkles, youthful skin

In the past decade, we have been bombarded –and rightfully so- by the message that the Sun is our skin’s worst enemy. We now know too well that high frequency Sun exposure leads to premature ageing but most importantly, causes skin cancer.

Avoiding the Sun and protecting our skin and our eyes from the Sun rays are great habits that benefit us more than we realize. But the truth is, few people knew how bad the Sun was 20 or 30 years ago. Back then, most people could not get enough of the Sun and would just spend their summer days baking for hours without any protection whatsoever.

Here is the scary part: Even though you may think that your skin was not really affected by this intense and consistent exposure, the damage done a few years ago is unfortunately working its way to the surface and there is not much you can do about it now.

Fine lines, wrinkles, sagging jaw lines, patches of mottled pigmentation and age spots are emerging. You may think these are due to the normal process of ageing but it is very likely that the Sun is the main culprit. The occurrence of skin cancer is rising and this type of cancer is becoming the most prevalent. Rates of melanoma, the less common but more dangerous form of skin cancer, have more than quadrupled since the 1980s. And once again, it is not occurring because of how you treat your skin now but how you used to treat it 10, 20 years ago.

And if you think that only middle aged people are affected by skin damage and skin cancer, think again! Shockingly, melanoma is one of the most common cancers among the 15-34 age group! A bad Sunburn in childhood could double your risk of developing melanoma later. Experts see the Sunburnt DNA as a real time bomb because even when the Sunburn fades, you are not safe: damage remains.

As I mentioned earlier, the effects of Sun damage take years to manifest themselves. The number of years does depend on the extent of your Sun exposure but also on your skin tone (pale skin tones are the most susceptible to damage) and your lifestyle (where you live, what you eat and how well you protect yourself)

So what can you do to prevent future damage and make sure your skin is strong?

1. The obvious first answer is: protect your skin. I cannot say it enough. Choose a good quality Sunscreen with high SPF and apply it daily on your face, neck, chest, hands and any other area that will be exposed, even on a cloudy day, no matter the season. It takes 2 minutes of your day and could save your looks as well as your Life! Wearing Sunglasses, a hat and staying in the shade as much as possible will also help keep you safe.
2. Your lifestyle has a huge impact on how well your skin can deal with the Sun and how it reacts to it in the long run. Unsurprisingly, the way and what you eat will make a difference. Eating a healthy diet that is packed with antioxidants (lycopene – found in tomatoes, beta-carotene – found in carrots, and vitamin E – found in green leafy vegetables, seeds and nuts) does slow down the gradual damage within your skin while toxic habits, such as smoking, accelerates it. Making the right choices will add many healthy years to your Life!
3. If you have noticed damage on your skin such as brown marks, rough texture, sagging, lines and wrinkles – seek a professional skin consultation. Do not waste time and money on skincare brands that are not appropriate to your needs and that will not deliver. Aesthetics South Africa offers a wide range of treatments to improve pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles such as chemical peels and non-surgical skin rejuvenation using injectables.

We also stock Heliocare, a gold standard Sun protection range which comes in the form of a traditional cream as well as convenient pills to help you help you maintain a more youthful and healthy skin such that you can still enjoy the Sun safely in moderate amounts. To book a consultation, do not hesitate to call the practice on 011 954 0070/3.

Do not forget to follow me on Facebook and Twitter where I post daily about all things aesthetic – and feel free to post questions and comment and I will get back to you as soon as I can!

 

How to Heal Sunburn

Tags

anti-ageing, irregular pigmentation, Skin Care, skin rejuvenation, Summer Skincare, suncare, youthful skin

 

You forgot the sunscreen or did not apply enough, it has happened to us all.

Even after using sunscreen, sun rays often cause damage to the skin. Unfortunately, the damage is done, but you do not have to suffer! Super-soothing botanicals and cooling gels can help prevent peeling and reduce redness and inflammation.

You can even try some home remedies for sunburn skin. There are many simple ingredients at home that can help undo any damage that may occur, and to further protect it from the ageing effects of UV rays.

It is all about getting the inflammation down as soon as possible to curb damage in the skin and to calm redness. And to do this, these are your options:

• Soak a facecloth in a bowl of skim milk and ice and apply it to the area for five to ten minutes.
• Take aspirin or ibuprofen and apply hydrocortisone cream.
• Apply cooling balms generously over-exposed skin, preferably at the first sight of a pink glow.
• You can also apply aloe vera gel on the affected area, allow it to dry and then rinse off with cool water.

Even in South Africa, where we should know better, we are still not fully aware of the severe and often irreversible damage that a bad sunburn can cause to the dermis and the epidermis.
Did you know that one blistering sunburn doubles your risk of melanoma?
Remember to get a yearly skin exam by a doctor and perform a self-examination once every few weeks to detect early warning signs of carcinomas and malignant melanoma. Skin cancer is highly dangerous so make sure to look out for a new growth or any skin change.

Sunlight touching your skin means much more than a golden tan or a sufficient dose of vitamin D. Do not be fooled: UV light causes photo-ageing in the form of brown spots, coarse skin and wrinkles, whether you have burned your skin or not!

When sunlight comes in contact with skin a cascade of damage results (including the stripping of barrier lipids) causing inflammation, production of reactive oxygen molecules that affect healthy cell growth, and stimulation of collagen destructing enzymes.

You need to remember that avoiding the sun is the best all year round habit you can take up and your best bet is to treat your skin with age-fighting ingredients to help undo any damage that may have occurred, and to further protect it from the aging effects of UV.

Remember to follow please find me on Facebook and Twitter where I post daily!

Summer Sun Skin Care

Tags

aesthetics, anti-ageing, Dr VD Mescht, Heliocare, Skin, skincare, Summer Skincare, Sun Tan Lotion, Sunscreen, wrinkles, youthful skin

There is a big difference between applying sunscreen and applying it the right way! In this article, I will explain how you should always protect your skin and I will give you plenty of tips to enjoy Summer days out with total peace of mind.

If you are looking for great skincare advice, please call my rooms on 011 954 0070/3 and make sure you follow me on Facebook and Twitter!

Face

Applying sunscreen onto your face is absolutely crucial as the face is a common area to develop basal and squamous cell carcinoma, the most prevalent forms of skin cancer. What’s more, sun exposure will also result in unsightly dark patches, fine lines and crow’s-feet. Many women mistakenly assume that their makeup will protect them from the sunrays simply because it has SPF. But the truth is, you never apply enough makeup to achieve significant protection.

Sunscreen remains your best ally! Ideally, choose one that is light weight and oil-free, especially if your skin is prone to breakouts.

Another good idea would be using a moisturizer with a high SPF. But remember, if you run out of sunscreen, wear a wide brim hat or a baseball cap.

If you have been touched by the Sun – I have written extensively about facial rejuvenation so make sure to read my articles on Botox and fillers right here on the blog!

 

Eyes

We have all gotten back from a Summer’s outdoor day without having used adequate protection. The skin around your eyes is very thin and fragile and ages fast if not taken care of. Sunscreen can sometimes irritate the eyes by bringing about redness and/or tears. To avoid that, choose a formula that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide which are unlikely to irritate your eyes.

Most importantly, too much exposure to UV light raises the risks of eye diseases, including cataracts, growths on the eye, and cancer. So put your sunglasses on! They can block 100% of UV rays and will rest your eyes from the bright sun.

 

Lips

Most of us completely forget to protect our lips but like any other area of exposed skin, it gets hit and thus damaged by the sun. Your ideal shield: SPF 30 lip balm. If you do not have any, wear your favourite matte lipstick but do avoid lip glosses as their shiny textures intensify the sunrays and increase the damage.

 

The forgotten areas

Please remember, when you apply sunscreen on your upper body, do not leave out your neck, chest or hands! Especially if you are regularly on the road, your hands will be hugely affected by the Sun. It only takes a few seconds yet makes a huge difference: Better safe than sorry!

 

Order is important

I always like to clarify that sunscreen goes on after moisturizer (yet another crucial step in your daily skincare routine) and other skin treatments but before makeup. If you do not wear any makeup, sunscreen should be the last product you put on your skin.

Ideally, apply 1/4 teaspoon of sunscreen on your whole face to ensure adequate coverage. Repeat application onto the forgotten areas mentioned above. And do so 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. This gives the sunscreen enough time to be absorbed into your skin and offer you ultimate protection. Do not forget to re-apply every couple of hours.

I hope you enjoyed this article, remember that we stock Heliocare, an amazing sun protection skincare range that we will talk about later this month. If you would like to know more about what I offer at my practice, do not hesitate to call 011 954 0070/3.

Remember to follow please find me on Facebook and Twitter where I post daily!

5 Simple SUMMER SKINCARE Secrets

Tags

healthy skin, protecting the skin, Skin Care, Summer Skincare, youthful skin

Summer is here and making sure that your skin gets optimal protection from the sun is vital. Not only does the sun makeyour skin age much faster, it can also cause serious health issues such as skin cancer, especially here in Sunny South Africa. Not only do you need to know how to prep your skin for the summer days, you also need to know how you can maintain and improve its quality.

There are many simple habits that you can include in your daily skin care routine. These tips will prepare your skin for the summer season and at the same time make you look radiant as ever.

Remember, if you would like to receive advice about summer skincare, I am more than happy to help you find what your skin needs. Simply phone my rooms on 011 954 0070/3 to schedule an appointment and do not forget to follow me on Facebook and Twitter where I post daily!

1. Keep your skin hydrated

Dehydration, air conditioning and excessive sun exposure all lead to dry skin and to solve this problem the only way is to keep the skin moisturized.  To do this, up your skincare routine’s level of hydration with intensive, providing highly nourishing masques once or twice a week.

Other options to hydrate your skin would be:

• Toners, which are a refreshing moisturizing step that will prep you skin and and even out its porosity.
• Light textured moisturizing serums to be applied it before your facial sunscreen, in order to restore the skin’s moisture barrier, increase cellular turnover and strengthen your skin’s natural defence mechanism.

 

2. The best healthy habits are often the simplest: Drink more water!

Not only dehydration is bad for your skin, it also causes headaches and dizziness.

Make sure you carry a bottle of plain, pure water with you – Not only it will help detoxify your skin, but you will feel great, more energized and focused!

Did you know!? If you drink caffeinated beverages, you must triple the amount of water you drink!

 

3. Out with the old, in with the new: Exfoliate!

Incorporating exfoliation into your skin care regime is a must to avoid dull skin! Exfoliation helps to prevent congestion by removing old, dry, dead skin cells, toxins and other deposits which allows for new skin cells to surface.

Try to exfoliate your skin in the morning prior to using a toner, moisturizer and applying sunscreen. You should exfoliate your skin properly once a week only and no more than that.

 

4. Come in for regular chemical peels

An in-office salicylic acid peel twice a month is brilliant to keep your skin looking amazing in summer and throughout the year. It clears up dulling, dead skin cells, which not only helps even out any discoloration, but also draws excess oil out of the pores and leaves skin less shiny.

At my practice, you can get a superficial chemical peel which is a combination of trichloroacetic acid and glycolic or salicylic acid. Ideally, it is a very good habit to have it done two or three times every summer. It clears out the pores, kills bacteria inside, and slows oil production. And it tightens the look of pores.

 

5. Stick to a proper skin care routine:

It is important to follow a proper skin care routine and even more so during the summer days as the increase in sweat and humidity causes your skin’s pores to clog, resulting in acne and break outs. In addition, excess sweat also spreads any bacteria that are on the surface of the skin.

To prevent skin problems, try to keep your skin clean by washing your face twice daily with a gentle face cleanser. Also use a toner once daily to remove excess oiliness and keep your skin refreshed.

For more Summer Skin Satisfaction – please find me on Facebook and Twitter where I post daily!