For Beautiful Summer Skin ...

The temperature on the thermometer is climbing, and the sunshine beckons: summer has arrived. So put away those jackets and scarves, slip on a pair of shorts and sandals, and grab the sunscreen. And just as you switch to your summer wardrobe, remember that you also need to change your skin care routine.

During the summer months, skin has different needs. Foremost, your skin needs protection from the sun; the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun produce harmful free radicals which damage cell structures including DNA. This photoxidation accelerates the aging process, causing lines, wrinkles and skin cancer. Antioxidants protect the skin by scavenging and thus inactivating the free radicals. Studies have shown that daily supplementation with astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant, significantly reduces UV-induced skin damage. A daily antioxidant supplement and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help protect your cells from free radical damage. Your face, because it is constantly exposed to the sun, needs extra protection. Use a daily moisturizer rich in antioxidants (Astaxanthin, Pycnogenol®, Ester C®, Green Tea and Vitamin E) to give that added protection to your face. Antioxidants should be part of your daily skin care routine to nourish and protect skin.

Although antioxidants offer some protection from the sun, if you intend to be in the sun, periodically apply sunscreen. If possible, avoid spending long hours in the sun, do your outside activities in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is less intense, wear a hat, and use sunscreen. Even though we are careful about protecting our skin, sometimes we still end up with a painful, red sunburn. Allantoin and panthenol, applied to sunburn in a cool gel, draw out the heat and stimulate healing. After spending time in the sun, sunburned or not, rehydrate yourself. Drink plenty of fluids, and apply an antioxidant rich moisturizer to help your skin recover. Remember that sun damage is not always visible instantly and that even tanning is harmful. Sun damage today and tomorrow and next week causes next year’s wrinkles. Protect your skin everyday to prevent wrinkles and to keep skin looking younger.

Summer temperatures and humidity cause more perspiration and more oily skin. Winter moisturizers often contain oils to hydrate dry winter skin. In the summer, choose a water or serum-based moisturizer to hydrate skin without adding heavy oils. To remove oil and dirt, it is important to use a light, quality cleanser, and you may also find you need to cleanse your face more often. Toners can help refresh the skin, and if you have enlarged pores, refine their appearance. Avoid using any isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) based cleansers or toners; they are extremely drying and remove the natural oils the skin needs. Witch hazel is an excellent natural astringent that refreshes and hydrates skin without removing the natural oils. People prone to acne or blemishes may find that summer increases breakouts. Look for a natural cleanser specifically formulated for acne to heal and prevent breakouts. Even if your skin is oily, resist the temptation to skip the moisturizer: your skin still needs moisturizing. Not moisturizing will only lead to very oily patches and very dry patches.

Remember, drink lots of fluids, protect your skin, cleanse, moisturize, and enjoy!

Yours in Health, Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D.O.M.

Skin Problems and Solutions

Fungal Infections – Due to the increased humidity, those undesirable fungal infections show up more often. Tea Tree is a natural antifungal and antiseptic that can be used topically to treat any fungal infection including athlete’s foot.

Insect Bites – Tea Tree is a natural antibacterial antiseptic that can be used to heal and soothe pesky insect bites. Some people even find it works as a natural insect repellent.

Rashes – Heat and humidity also cause rashes and pathogenic itching. Use a soothing gel or crème containing healing herbs such as aloe vera, chamomile, and peppermint to calm irritated skin and soothe away rashes. These can also help soothe skin after a brush with poison oak or ivy.

Cracked Feet – Barefoot walks, though enjoyable, lead to dry, cracked heels. Rub Vitamin E oil directly into the cracks before bed to heal your feet. Products formulated specifically to treat cracked skin are moisturizing and contain healing oils such as clove, bay leaf, and arnica for inflammation.

Spider Veins- In the winter we can hide spider veins, but in the summer we want them to disappear. Horse Chestnut strengthens and supports leaky capillaries and veins. It can be taken internally or applied topically. Remember that continuous dietary supplementation or topical application is required to keep the spider veins from reappearing.