5 Skin-Smart Tips for Summer

Sunny summer days can be glorious and a few simple steps can help you enjoy them while reducing the risk of damaging your skin. UR Medicine Dermatologist Dr. Mara Weinstein shares tips to help protect your skin all summer long.

• Sunscreen is a must. Always wear it when you’re outside (even on cloudy days) and opt for one with active compounds such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These are natural compounds that sit on the surface of the skin and deflect sunlight so that UV radiation doesn’t penetrate the skin. These active ingredients also completely reflect UVA and UVB rays and are effective immediately after application.
• Reapply it. Sunscreen won’t last all day so reapply it at least once every two hours when you’re outside in the sun. Try a powder SPF 30+ if you don’t want to keep applying a liquid formula.
• Add some C. Apply a vitamin C serum under your daily sunscreen. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C help fight free radicals and damage caused by UV radiation.
• Keep hydrated inside and out. Incorporate a hydrating serum or moisturizer into your skin-care regimen and be sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day (or more if you are outside and sweating).
• Top it off. Wear a hat to protect your scalp and face from sun damage. Consider wearing sun-protective clothing with UPF factor 50 to protect all sun-exposed parts of the body if you are working outside for prolonged periods of time.

Mara Weinstein Velez, MD, FAAD, is an assistant professor of Dermatology at the University of Rochester Medical Center, specializing in cosmetic and laser surgery. She sees patients at UR Medicine Dermatology’s Celebration Drive location. For appointments call 585-275-7546.