It’s 98 degrees with a thousand percent humidity but, as hard as it is to believe these past sweaty weeks, Fall is just around the corner. While you enjoy last days of summer and the final rays of summer sun, it’s important to care for your skin as diligently as you had when the season first dawned. Below, , a board certified cosmetic laser surgeon, executive director at the American Board of Laser Surgery and medical director at , shares five common mistakes that people tend to make with their skin during the hottest part of the year.
1.Believing “tan-screen” is actually safe: Many start the summer with the best intentions and apply sunscreen liberally before heading outside, only to fall victim to complacency once they begin to see some color. While you may not visibly burn, remember: there is no such thing as a healthy tan. Without sunscreen, even perfectly tanned skin will readily absorb the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, which cause deadly skin cancers and premature aging. Fully embracing the sunscreen lifestyle will be the most important decision you’ll ever make for the health and look of your skin.
Pro-tip: Always choose a medical-grade sunscreen with zinc oxide—the only ingredient that will block cancer-causing UVA rays, and reapply every 90 minutes.
2. Failing to hydrate your skin properly: It’s easy to assume your skin is well-hydrated during the summer months, as it is more prone to greasiness. Unfortunately, greasiness does NOT equate to a healthy, intact moisture barrier. Excess oil can result in clogged pores and acne, and a lack of moisture can cause skin to crack or become scaly over time. It’s critical to maintain a proper balance of both water and oil, especially during the hottest part of the summer when your skin may play tricks on you.
Pro-tip: The absolute best way to hydrate your skin is to use a high-quality hyaluronic acid with the necessary pharmaceutical-grade lipids to address your particular skin type. A one-size-fits-all approach to hydration will not produce the desired results.
3. Neglecting regular exfoliation: It’s true: over-exfoliating skin during the summer months can increase sun sensitivity, and even leave your skin feeling irritable and dry. However, it’s an important part of achieving and maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Try to exfoliate at least once a week to remove dead skin cells and avoid clogged pores (remember: summertime = greasy skin). If done properly and regularly, exfoliation should leave skin looking fresh and bright – the perfect look for summer!
Pro-tip: The best time to exfoliate is in the evening before bed, as the skin repairs itself during the night while you sleep.
4. Misusing makeup: Whether you’re headed to the beach or out running a few errands, no one will blame you for wanting to look your best. However, heavily applying powder and foundation can wreak havoc on your skin health, as pores tend to open up while sweating. What works well for you in the winter may be a recipe for disaster during the summer, so rethink your makeup routine if you start experiencing issues with blackheads or breakouts.
Pro-tip: If you’re headed out into the sun, skip makeup unless it’s a mineral based powder with broad spectrum SPF.
5. Not getting enough liquids: Aside from obvious health issues related to dehydration during the summer, your skin will also pay the price if you fail to get enough liquids. Simply put, water helps your body function better, which, in theory, helps your skin function better. Staying hydrated will help the skin respond better to topically applied moisturizing products, which are important to maintain the health of the skin.
Pro-tip: Water is certainly good for the skin, but adding fish oil or flax seed to your diet will do wonders for it.
Disclaimer: I received the following complimentary product from Mally Beauty but the opinion below is honest and was not affected by the receipt of product. Writing this disclaimer is required by law but I must just say that if I didn’t like the product, I’d not opine about it. I like this one from Mally Beauty and thought you might too.
You may not want to foundation yet but, with Fall just waiting to happen, many of us, me included, want the look of polished skin which only foundation can impart. When you’re ready, one to look for is from Mally Beauty.
Mally’s 4K Ultra HD Fantasy Foundation is a powder formula that preps and primes the skin in one single sweep. Loaded with coated-powder pigments that fill lines and deflect light, it creates a soft-focus finish that looks flawless and natural. It doesn’t look cakey, as some foundations can, thanks to coconut oil that helps create a dewy, finished look. Mally’s 4K Ultra HD Fantasy Foundation is available in five shades: Fair, Light, Medium, Tan and Rich and is available from QVC.com.
I’m a little sunburned but wanted to test the coverage of Mally Beauty’s 4K Ultra HD Fantasy Foundation. It provides good and even coverage without looking “overly done.” It evened out my skin and diminished the look of fine lines without feeling heavy. I applied it with a makeup brush so that I was able to work it into all the curves of my face, especially the ones where I often have trouble getting good coverage from other foundations, like around my nostrils and my chin. Mally Beauty’s 4K Ultra HD Fantasy Foundation covered beautifully.
On a personal note: I had the pleasure of meeting Mally when I and three beautiful women were chosen to be part of a QVC/Vogue collaboration several years ago. I’d seen her on QVC and she was lovely – funny, warm, engaging and beautiful. And, she was the same off camera as she was on. Meeting Mally and speaking with her was one of the highlights of my experience at QVC. She’s wonderful and her makeup line is awesome. Try her new foundation and let me know what you think in the Comment Section below.
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