Healthy and Wealthy

Hot weather, salt water, humidity, and chlorine take their toll on our skin during the summer months. Don't neglect your skin this season. Most skin aging occurs during the hot months, so consistent, regular facials and a good home care routine are your best defenses! Here are a few common sense tips for surviving the lazy, undisciplined days of summertime.

- WEARING SUNSCREEN EVERY DAY WILL SIGNIFICANTLY CUT BACK ON ACCUMULATIVE SUN DAMAGE

Recent information from the UCLA skin research department indicates that 78% of all the sun damage incurred in a lifetime is from incidental exposure! You may say, "I'm not out at all during the day." Just walking to your car, and even driving in your car will subject you to unnecessary sun damage. Windshields do nothing to protect you from UV rays! Wear a moisturizer that contains a sun block with a minimum of SPF #15. Apply it in the morning so you'll be covered all day!

- FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM BACK BREAKOUTS, AVOID HAIR CONDITIONER CONTAINING PANTHENOL

If back breakouts trouble you, an ingredient in your hair conditioner could be causing the problem! Panthenol, well-known for strengthening the hair, may be a potential pore-clogger. Look for conditioners that do not contain this ingredient, exfoliate your back with a mild soap and loofah three times a week, and your back will be in great shape this summer! Using Tea Tree Blemish Lotion will also help keep your back free from breakouts!

- FOR CONTROLLING EXCESS OIL ON THE SKIN, AVOID USING A BAR OF SOAP ON YOUR FACE

One of the biggest complaints we hear during the summer is, "My skin gets so oily!" The binders that hold a bar of soap together are in an alkaline base (high pH balance), which will strip all the water and natural oils out of the skin, causing the surface of the skin to dehydrate. Your skin cells need to stay moist in order to be healthy. Without water, your skin will produce more oil to compensate for the lack of water, which is that last thing you want in the heat of the summer! Using soap can also cause more breakouts as the dehydrated cells can cause a layer of dry skin cell buildup, which can trap oil and keep the pores clogged.

- AVOID DAIRY PRODUCTS IF YOUR SKIN IS PRONE TO BREAKOUTS

With the heat and humidity, breakouts are a real concern for many people. And we've all heard that greasy foods and chocolate cause breakouts. In our experience, when breakouts are cyst-like in the chin and jawline area, most often this is related to excessive dairy products in your diet. Try cutting down on cheese, milk, ice cream, and frozen yogurt, and watch your skin clear up! There are many other ways to get calcium in your diet, such as green veggies and orange juice containing calcium.

- WHEN SOOTHING A SUNBURN, AVOID APPLYING LOTION. INSTEAD USE COLD YOGURT!

A common misconception about soothing a sunburn is that you should continue to re-apply lotion (especially aloe vera-based lotion) to keep the skin moist. But layering lotion on sunburned skin traps heat, keeping the skin red longer. Skin must breathe to let out heat. Cold plain yogurt applied to the skin works as an anti-inflammatory and heat remover. Apply, let dry for 15 minutes, and rinse. Repeat every hour.

- MAKE SURE THAT YOUR HAND CREAM CONTAINS SUNSCREEN

Did you know that the majority of aging that occurs on the hands (sun spots and wrinkles) is attributable to driving in the car with your hands on the steering wheel? Make sure to use a hand cream with an SPF of at least #15 every day. Try Renee Rouleau The****utic Hand Cream SPF #25.

- FOR SOOTHING SENSITIVE SKIN, KEEP YOUR PRODUCTS IN THE REFRIGERATOR

For skin that has redness or rosacea-like symptoms, the constant summer heat can keep skin looking red and irritated. Keep your products in the refrigerator so that when you use them, they not only feel refreshing, but the coldness acts to constrict capillaries. This helps to reduce redness.

- DON’T RELY ONLY ON YOUR SUNSCREEN

Sunscreens wear off, sweat off, and wash off, so reapply every hour if you are out in the sun. Also, wear a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing to guard your skin against sun damage. If you want to look young, avoid the sun! No amount of sun exposure is damage-free. A little sun means a little damage, and a lot of sun means a lot of damage. And suntan beds are the worst!

- FINALLY, GET YOUR ZZZZS

According to recent research, – particularly women – are sleep-deprived. Lack of sleep not only makes you grouchy, forgetful, and drowsy, it also wreaks havoc on your skin. Even an extra 30-60 minutes every night will make a difference. (funalso.com)