Not to burst your bubble or anything, but your skin is the largest organ on your body and how you choose to treat it today can determine how it will look and feel years down the line. While you can try to combat your skin issues with a 12-step beauty routine or try to heal it by incorporating superfoods into your meals, nothing will work if you and the sun have a BFF relationship with one another.
Don’t stress, though, we’ve all been there. It’s impossible to not be outside once summertime rolls around. Between going to baseball games, having picnics, and tanning at the beach, your skin was bound to take a beating. So if you’re enjoying this last fun day in the sun (don’t leave us, Summer) but are beginning to wonder how you can fix your post-summer skin woes, then you came to the right place. We connected with Dr. Jacqueline Schaffer, M.D., wellness expert, best-selling author and founder of Schique Skincare, to see how you should take care of your skin post-summer.
Skin 101s with Dr. Jacqueline Schaffer
- What are some foods someone should eat to help their skin from overexposure to the sun and why?
Some foods to consume to help with overexposure to the sun: Carrots contain a vitamin A derivative called beta-carotene which has been proven to reduce sunburns. Salmon and sardines are linked to having high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. These high levels of omega 3 fatty acids inhibit the COX-2 chemical which promotes skin cancer.
- When it comes to skincare, how should one take care of their skin if they believe they have sun damage? Are there specific products they should add into their routine? Are there things they should avoid doing?
There are several methods that can help reverse sun damage skin!
First thing you can do is start a healthy vegan skin-care routine. Your daily skincare routine will include a cleanser, serum, eye cream, moisturizer, and SPF. Second method is adding spot treatments for hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles. These products are applied 2-3 times a week like retinoids, kojic acid, and strong masks. The third method includes monthly visits to your estheticians for facial treatments to reverse damage skin. The final method would be getting medical-grade treatments at your dermatologist office. Examples would include for laser, LED, and micro-needling.
Things you should avoid are products that contain parabens, sulfates, and that test on animals. Parabens and sulfates [could be] linked to distributing your hormones and [could be] linked to causing cancer.
- What is the best way for someone to hydrate their skin when it feels extra dry after exposing it to the sun?
Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and natural oils. [S]leep with a humidifier every night, and drink at least two liters of water a day.
- Are there things that people should keep in mind when the weather starts to transition from summer to fall to protect their skin from further damage and to help it transition during this time?
One of biggest things that people should avoid is taking hot showers as the temperature gets cooler. The reason behind this is due to that fact that hot water can cause premature aging by drying up the skin. Also, [an another] important factor is to continue to apply SPF on a daily basis regardless if it’s as sunny of a day or not. The UV rays are just as strong as they are in the winter time.
- Are there any wellness practices one should keep in mind to help keep their skin hydrated, protected, and nurtured?
The most hydrating, protecting, and nurturing practice you can do for your skin is being consistent with moisturizing and apply a daily SPF. These two daily practices will help prevent premature aging.
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Feature image via Schique.com
