In Chicago, we appreciate the beauty of summer. We fill the cafes, run or bike along the lakefront, and play in softball, soccer, and volleyball leagues. We know that the beautiful weather won’t last forever.
Sometimes in our enthusiasm, we forget about the importance of summer skin protection. This is a mistake as it will catch up with us sooner or later. Your friends at the Whole Beauty® Institute in Chicago and Winnetka have some helpful suggestions that can allow you to enjoy the summer without harming your skin:
1. Always wear your Sunblock
If your goal is to prevent future brown spots, think SPF, SPF, SPF. Not everyone is aware that you should wear sunblock daily, even on a cloudy day.
Reapply Frequently – Sunblock wears off, sweats off, and washes off. Apply every 90 minutes even if the SPF number is high.
Apply Generously – When it comes to sunscreen, more is more!
Apply Evenly – Remember to cover every area that might be exposed.
Use a High SPF Number – A low SPF offers a false sense of protection.
Limit your exposure to the Sun
Even with diligent application of sunblock, you will not be able to avoid sun damage completely. Whenever possible wear a hat. If you are just relaxing outdoors, do so in the shade as much as possible.
Continue to Exfoliate
As long as you follow precautions during the summer months, you can continue the use of gentle exfoliation. This includes custom peels, peel pads, gentle scrubs, and dermaplaning. These treatments sensitize the skin, so it is not wise to “cheat” and get a little sun before or after exfoliation. If you have a question, it is better to err on the side of caution. At the Whole Beauty® Institute, our experienced clinical team will guide you with specific instructions about preparation and aftercare for your treatment.
One great treatment that works well the entire year is the Hydrafacial, which can be customized to your needs.
Continue with Retinol
Vitamin A derivatives such as retinol have years of scientific research behind them and are mainstays in many medical skincare regimens. Retinol products can also soften and fade dark spots that occur with sun damage. You can use them year-round as long as you are scrupulous in your sun protection. If you know you will be participating in an activity that involves lots of sun, it is prudent to avoid retinol for several days in advance. Our team will provide specific guidance.
Facial Scrubs can help your Summer Skin
Get on board with facial scrubs. They can help lift discoloration off the skin. A great option from Whole Beauty® Institute is the Radiant Buffing Scrub.
Eat your Antioxidants
Our team recommends that our surgical patients eat antioxidant-containing fruits and vegetables in preparation for surgery and after surgery as well. The same is true for our skincare patients. In fact, everyone can benefit from variants of the Mediterranean diet. Antioxidants boost your skin’s defenses against sunburn and may reduce overall DNA damage.
The Whole Beauty® Team provides comprehensive Rejuvenation
We are committed to looking at the whole patient when we offer premium medical and surgical aesthetics at the Whole Beauty® Institute. We look at your lifestyle and pattern of activity to design a custom skin care program that will suit your individual needs.
Come visit your friends at Whole Beauty® Institute on North Michigan Avenue in Chicago and on the North Shore in Winnetka. Contact us or call 312-751-2112 for an appointment.