The Arizona hot weather has arrived!! We remember to drink
more water in the heat, but it is also a good time to think about taking care
of our skin. The most important thing you can do for your skin is to protect it from the sun. You do not need extra time in the sun
to make vitamin D—in fact, your risk of getting a melanoma from sun exposure is
much higher than ever having a vitamin D deficiency from lack of sun exposure! Sun block should be applied every 2
hours when outside (that includes when you are in your car—the UVA rays, which
cause skin cancer, still penetrate through car windows). Sun block that is in
makeup or lotions are not present in high enough concentrations to provide
adequate protection. A separate
sun block should be used. SPF 50 or higher is recommended.
Other skin care products can also help with aging skin or
protecting against the effects of the environment:
·
General moisturizers that have petroleum based
ingredients make a waterproof barrier and will help minimize loss of moisture
from the skin.
·
HA products such as TEOXANE add water to the
skin and hydrate.
·
Products with glycolic help to gently remove the
dead skin cell layers, allowing the other ingredients to more easily penetrate
the skin.
·
Plant based ingredients such as chamomile help
calm and sooth irritated skin.
·
Other antioxidants, when used regularly can help
the skin repair sun damage and prevent some future damage.