Summer is here which means more pool and beach visits, BBQ’s , sun dresses and bathing suits. No one is really ever bathing suit ready. Cellulite, uneven skin tone, veins and broken capillaries be gone! This year you don’t have to fear revealing more skin thanks to Dr. G’s tips on how to look summer ready.
The culprits that scare us away from stripping down to our tiny bikinis are issues most women deal with. With a few tricks you’ll feel comfortable this summer!
“A fake tan is very helpful in disguising body issues. The darker the skin appears the fewer imperfections and uneven areas will be noticeable.”
Dr. G
The Culprit: Facial redness
The solution:
Limit the use of alcohol as it dilates blood vessels
Limit outdoor exercise during hottest hours of the day
Limit retinol, glycolic acid and aggressive exfoliators
Increase use of anti-inflammatory products with cooling/ soothing ingredients such as, red tea (Rooibos) alpha lipoic acid, green tea and oatmeal.
The Culprit: Cellulite
The solution:
A healthy diet full of essential fatty acids and leafy green vegetable and fruit is the best defense against cellulite.
Exercise is also extremely beneficial due to the increase in circulation
Sweating will increase circulation and flush salt out of the body
However, cellulite is genetic in some cases and not much can be down to fully get rid of.
Products that contain caffeine may be beneficial for smoothing out the appearance of cellulite.
Dry brushing skin removes dead skin cells and increases circulation. This may help to breakdown stubborn cellulite and prevent
Pour yourself a glass of bone broth. Bone broth is high in collagen, protein and Glucosamine, all help keep joints healthy, strengthen the immune system and fight cellulite.
The Culprit: Varicose veins
The solution:
Varicose veins are extremely hard to get rid of but can be managed by keeping weight at a healthy level, exercising and elevating the legs when possible.
Try wearing support socks or compression socks to assist in better circulation.
Self-tanners will help to cover uneven skin tone and color.
The Culprit: Lumpy Bumpy Skin
The solution:
Exfoliation is crucial in correcting lumpy and bumpy skin.
Look for a body scrub that contains both physical and enzymatic
Dry brushing. Dr. G tip: Remember to always brush towards the heart so the lymphatic system can flush and drain the fluid.
Going into the Summer season there is so much to be excited about – longer days, BBQ’s, Sun, Sand and beach, but it’s also a time where we need to put skin protection on the top of our list. We sat down with Dr. G to understand what being “Sun Safe” really means and also learn about some post-sun skin tips from the king of reversing sun damage.
What are your sun protection recommendations for someone dealing with rosacea?
“The sun is arguably the most common trigger for Rosacea. Rosacea suffers need to be particularly sun smart and practice what I like to call ‘Smart Sun Safety’ or SSS. SSS consists of the use of a physical sunscreen, containing Titanium or Zinc oxide, protective clothing (which includes a hat and sunglasses) and not being exposed to the sun during high-risk hours of the day. When choosing and SPF avoid ingredients such as phalates, sulfates, artificial fragrances, preservatives and mineral oil. A physical sunscreen is always better in my opinion than a chemical one. Chemical sunscreens, due to the nature of having to be absorbed into the skin, can interact and cause irritation, rashes or clogged pores. Dry mists or sprays may be more beneficial for Rosacea suffers as there is no rubbing of skin needed thus possibly aggravating skin and causing more redness and irritation. Post ‘sun care’ is very important for Rosacea suffers also. Look for calming ingredients such as green tea, red tea or chamomile, which target redness, inflammation and irritation while delivering a cooling sensation.”
Sun protection before make-up is one thing, but is it necessary to reapply SPF during the day?
“Reapplying sunscreen throughout the day is crucial to proper sun protection. When in direct sun (at the beach, pool or on a boat), sunscreen should be reapplied every 30-45 minutes. Sunscreen should always be reapplied after swimming even if you have on waterproof sunscreen. A physical sunscreen is always better than a chemical one. Chemical sunscreens, due to the nature of having to be absorbed into the skin, can interact and cause irritation rashes or clogged pores. Another downside to a chemical sunscreen is that the sun has to actually touch and reach the skin, whereas a physical sunscreen is blocking the UV rays from ever touching the skin.”
And if so, what are your recommendations for reapplying sun protection after make-up?
“A dry mist or spray will allow over and after makeup coverage without messing up makeup and adding bacteria from the fingers to the skin.”
Are there any products outside of an SPF that we should be using to prevent against harmful UVA/UVB rays?
“The use of potent anti-oxidants have been proven to fight against free-radical damage (from UVA/UVB rays and environmental stressors) that break down skin cells and cause premature aging. Using a potent-packed anti-oxidant rich daily serum is equally as important as SPF to ensure that you are protecting the skin on multiple levels.”
What are three routine related things people should do/no do before visiting a clinic for a treatment – specifically to reverse sun damage (pigmentation/dehydration)? And why? (ie: are there ingredients they should avoid, medications, drinking water etc.)
Do not exfoliate, use peels or Retinoid type products the night before or morning of the facial, especially if you tend to be sensitive. A reputable spa will usually request paperwork be filled out listing any medications being taken or applied topically. The aesthetician should ask you if you’re taking medications or using Retin-A or retinoid products. Since Retinoids are aggressive they do not mix well with ingredients like Glycolic and Vitamin C to name a few. Some skin types can handle it but most will be irritated, so why take the chance.
Why is exfoliation important for maintaining healthy, youthful skin?
“Exfoliation is extremely important. The removal of dead skin cells will make skin look younger, tighter and absorb treatment products better.”
What does ‘un-exfoliated’ skin look like?
“I always use the example of an unpeeled onion. Before an onion is peeled or skin is exfoliated it appears dry, crackly, dull and lackluster. Un-exfoliated skin can look rough, uneven and have dark spots, as there is a build up of dead skin cells, dirt and bacteria.”
What are some mistakes people make when it comes to exfoliating?
“Over exfoliation is a common mistake people tend to make. Over exfoliation can occur from overuse (too many days in a row), too harsh of an acid for specific skin types (sensitive skin does better with Lactic acid as opposed to Glycolic), scrubbing too hard, or mixing too many exfoliation ingredients at once (don’t scrub and peel together). Over exfoliation can also happen if skin is already dry, sunburned, wind burned or during seasonal changes.”
What are your top recommendations for exfoliating at home?
“Exfoliate skin two to three times a week, unless you suffer from rosacea or eczema. Depending on the season and climate, exfoliation can be increased or decreased. Both physical and chemical exfoliation is recommended but never on the same day. Rosacea and Eczema suffers should use chemical exfoliators and gentle gel based cleansers.”
What is the best way to treat a sun burn?
“While skin is still damp, use a gentle moisturizing lotion (but not petroleum or oil-based ointments, which may trap the heat and make the burn worse). Repeat to keep burned or peeling skin moist over the next few days. The use of an anti-inflammatory serum is also recommended – look for ingredients like aloe vera, red/green/black tea and Vitamin E as it helps to soothe aggravated skin and reduce redness.”
What is one surprising complexion cures you’ve learned on the job?
“I’ve been in practice for over 40 years and one cure I always recommend and go back to is a cold compress. Cold compresses relieve issues related to sunburn, bug bites, redness, itchiness, inflammation and can be made anywhere. Sometimes simple and natural is the best.”
As spring approaches we are teased by up and down temperatures. Every season we discuss how to adjust your skincare regimen and spring can be particularly tricky due to the unstableness of the weather. Hydration is still a major concern during the spring but sunnier, clearer skies lead to more sun damage and pollution.
When discovering how to change your regimen it is important to know your skin type. Below are the most common skin types and a few seasonal changes to try.
Combination Skin
Combination skin simply means there are two or more skin issues occurring at the same time. Combination skin is usually oily in the T-zone (forehead and nose and chin), while other areas are dry and/or flaky. This is a very common skin type. Signs that you have combination skin would be large looking pores, shiny skin and blackheads. The term ‘combination skin’ can also be used when referring to the presence of wrinkles, rosacea, dryness or breakouts that are present in certain areas of the face.
Dr. G says:
“Remember the most important step in a combination skin regimen is exfoliation. Exfoliation helps fight the build up of dead skin cells and bacteria and will help ward off breakouts, excessive oil and large pores.”
Changes to try:
Flip-flop your exfoliation products. If you usually use a physical scrub, try an acid peel or wipes and vice versa
Use anti-oxidant serums to spot treat the different problem areas of the face. Warmer weather means the skin can withstand more aggressive treatments.
Oily Skin
Oily skin types usually display dull or shiny skin, a thick complexion, blackheads, pimples, or other blemishes. Oily skin types are very prone to acne.
Dr. G says
“The good news for oily skin types is that they tend to develop fewer wrinkles as they age.”
The best way to take care of oily skin is to exfoliate frequently. Look for AHA cleansers (lactic, glycolic or fruit acids) or a BHA or Salicylic acid (would be most appropriate for acne sufferers). Clay masks can also be very helpful in controlling oil production. There is a misconception that oily skin doesn’t need to moisturize. If the skin is very oily an oil free moisturizer will help keep the sheen of the skin down. However facial oils, especially silicone free and dry oils can also be beneficial.
Tips to try:
Invest in an oil free SPF
Reintroduce an oil free moisturizer during warmer months (especially if you live in humid climate)
Try a clarifying mask-look for soothing ad detoxifying ingredients Camphor and Sulfur
Dry Skin
Dry skin types can be defined as skin that itches, has scaling, redness or dry patches. Dry skin types may also just feel tight, itchy and lacking in hydration. During the spring, dry skin can still feel in need of extra hydration. Introducing a multi-tasking oil to your daily regimen can be beneficial. Look for oils that hydrate and brighten, which are good for coming out of the dead of winter and targeting dull skin.
Dr. G says:
“Eating a diet high in omega fatty acids and hydrating fruits will help internally to battle dry skin.”
Tips to try
Place a small humidifier near the bed while sleeping
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