UNLOCKING THE POWER OF SUN CARE:

Essential Ingredients For Effective Summer Protection

WHEN PROTECTING OUR SKIN from the sun’s harmful rays, a proper skincare regimen is crucial for your skin’s health. Below are the essential ingredients to help shield and nourish your skin while enjoying the warm summer weather.

First and foremost, a quality sunscreen is vital for protecting the skin from harmful broad-spectrum UV rays. It’s the foundation of any sun protection routine. Look for a product designated broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 50 or higher. The broad-spectrum designation means the product protects against both UVA and UVB rays to prevent burns and harmful long-term sun damage to the skin. When choosing the right sunscreen for your skintype, your choices vary between chemical and physical sunscreen.

Chemical sunscreens contain compounds such as avobenzone, octinoxate, or oxybenzone that form a chemical reaction on the skin’s surface. When applied, these compounds penetrate the skin and create a protective barrier that absorbs and dissipates UV radiation. Chemical sunscreens tend to be lightweight, although they require a 15-30 minute absorption period for the compounds to form a protective barrier for the skin.

Physical sunscreens contain active mineral ingredients, namely zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which sit on the skin’s surface to shield against the sun’s rays by reflecting and scattering UV radiation. Sensitive skin types may want to consider a zinc oxide-based sunscreen this summer as it is more gentle. Although historically mineral sunscreen products were known for forming a white cast on the face, newer formulations blend perfectly into the skin and do not have this white cast for most . If you have oily skin, try a product known for its matte finish to help avoid white cast this summer, such as the sunscreen below, from SkinCeuticals.

The application process for sunscreen is almost as important as the product. Ensure you reapply sunscreen each hour on days with a UV index of 7+. Additionally, reapplying after swimming or sweating to ensure you are constantly protected.

Vitamin C will be your next powerhouse skincare supplement this summer. With anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neutralizing properties, this ingredient will help protect against free radicals, brighten and firm the skin’s appearance, and help minimize the risk of premature aging. Vitamin C is worth keeping in your skincare routine all year round, as it can help provide that extra protection from the sun, even on those gloomy days. The most effective way to add Vitamin C to your skincare routine is through a serum, applied both in the morning and evening. Ensure your Vitamin C serum is water soluble, with pure l-ascorbic acid in a concentration between 20-30% for maximal effect.

The next ingredient will be hydration-based, to ensure your skin stays plump and moisturized this summer. Hyaluronic acid is crucial in maintaining hydration, as sun exposure can lead to dryness. While it does not directly protect from UV rays, it does offer intense hydration as it can hold 1000 times its weight in water.

Lastly, make sure to include a gentle exfoliator in your routine. Summer heat means sweat and excess oil that has the potential to clog pores.

A chemical exfoliant formulated with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) will help remove excess oil and dead skin cells from pores to help prevent breakouts. Light exfoliation a few times a week helps to keep the skin cycling and maintain a smoother complexion all year round.

About the Author

Dr. Samuel Hetz is the Medical Director of Concept Medical. Concept Medical is a physician-led medical aesthetic and cosmetic dermatology practice. Dr. Hetz has undergone extensive training in primary care dermatology and aesthetic medicine, including neuromodulators such as Nuceiva®, Botox Cosmetic®, soft tissue filler treatments, as well as the delivery of energy-based technologies.