Skincare Awareness For Summer

Wondering what you should be doing to take the best care of your skin possible during the sunny summer months? Dr. John Layke of Beverly Hills MD offered these five timely tips to taking the best possible care of your skin.

1. What's the #1 mistake people make when trying to take care of their skin during the summer?

   The most common mistake I see is people using the same bottle of sunscreen every summer. Many people don't realize this, but sunscreens do expire — usually within 1-3 years of when you purchased it. After a while, the active ingredients lose their potency, so it's important to check the expiration date first.

2. What should you look for when choosing an SPF? How often should you apply/reapply?

   Choose a sunscreen labeled with "broad-spectrum coverage" — this means it protects against both UVB and UVA rays. I recommend using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Apply it to your skin before you go outside, and remember to reapply every two hours.

   Also keep in mind that no sunscreen is waterproof — water-resistant isn't the same — so be sure to reapply more frequently if you're spending time in the water.

3. How can you update your skincare routine so you don't look greasy but are still protecting your skin?

   When it comes to summer skincare, choose products that are water-based rather than oil-based. Replace your heavy moisturizer with a lighter serum or gel moisturizer, and be sure to choose products with SPF 30 or higher.

4. What about hats, rash guards and protective clothing? Is there any truth to the claims that certain items of clothing have SPF 50 or more?

   Clothing is the best way to protect your skin from the sun — and darker, thicker fabrics offer more protection than looser, lighter fabrics.

   As far as SPF in clothing goes, there are certain types of clothing designed to offer sun protection — they use the label "ultraviolet protection factor" (UPF). The higher the UPF, the more sun protection it offers.

5. How can you keep an eye out for potential sun damage or worrying marks on your skin?

   Look for changes in your skin — a new mole or dark spot, or changes to an existing spot. If it appears to have grown or changed colors, or if the shape has changed, it's best to have it examined.

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