The increasing warmth, sunshine, and time outdoors that follow a long cold winter can have a powerful effect on our attitude and outlook. “Spring fever” is very real, as anyone who has suffered through months of cold, snow, gray skies, and “cabin fever” can tell you. But the changing temperatures of spring can also impact our skin in powerful ways, necessitating adjustments in our skin care regimen to prevent damage to the largest organ in our body.
Here are some good tips for skin and sun safety this spring which can keep your skin as happy as your attitude:
Put on the Right Sunscreen the Right Way
Not all sunscreens are created equal and even the best sunscreen can’t do it its job if it isn’t put on the right way. It is important to bring along and use sunscreen as you spend an increasing amount of time outside.
First, you need to make sure that the sunscreen you buy protects against all the damage that the sun’s rays can cause, not just sunburn. Two types of skin-damaging UV rays come from the sun: UV-A and UV-B. UV-A is not absorbed by the earth’s ozone; it damages the skin beneath the epidermis. UV-B rays cause sunburn and are only partially blocked by the ozone. Overexposure to ultraviolet rays leads to wrinkles, sun spots and, potentially, life-threatening conditions like melanoma skin cancer.
Unfortunately, many sunscreens feature only a Sun Protection Factor, also known as SPF. SPF blocks UV-B rays and prevents sunburns, but does not block UV-A rays that can damage the skin below the outermost surface.
Look for sunscreen which blocks these harmful UV-A rays. Here at Dr. Mariano Busso’s aesthetic dermatology clinic in Miami, we recommend Blue Lizard Sunscreen products. Developed in Australia, these sunscreens offer proven and powerful protection.
Once you’ve bought the right sunscreen make sure you apply it liberally and often and follow these tips on how to apply sunscreen correctly.
Switch Up Your Moisturizer
Dehydrated winter skin can be soothed with heavy moisturizers, like body butter, heavy creams, oils, and serums. For warmer weather, lighten up moisturizers in your skin care routine to allow the skin to breathe. You should also boost your sun and ultraviolet (UV) protection in spring. Consider swapping out your winter SPF 30 for a face moisturizer with at least SPF 50.
Spring Clean Your Makeup Bag
Spring brings spring cleaning, but as you’re dusting, sweeping, and clearing out clutter from your house, pay your makeup kit some TLC as well. Through normal use, bacteria can develop in your products, and that bacteria can make its way to your face when you apply makeup. This leads to inflammation, clogged pores, acne breakouts, and dullness.
Dispose of any products you’ve had for longer than a year. Mascara and liquid eyeliners should be replaced every three months, while lip gloss and lipstick should be thrown away every six months. Foundations applied with a clean brush or sponge (and not double-dipped) can last about a year. Once you’ve cleaned out your makeup case, let makeup brushes soak in warm, soapy water to remove product and bacteria buildup. Clean tweezers and scissors with antibacterial soap, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
Dr. Mariano Busso: Healthy Skin for All Seasons
No matter what the season, Dr. Mariano Busso can help you keep your skin healthy. For more information on protecting your skin from the damaging effects of the sun or to book your next cosmetic dermatology appointment in Miami, contact us at 305-857-0144.
Australia is known for many wonderful things – koalas and kangaroos, the Great Barrier Reef and Outback, the Sydney Opera House and “shrimp on the barbee.” But the Land Down Under also has made a name for itself as the source of the most effective, highest-quality sunscreens in the world. That is why one of Dr. Mariano Busso’s top choices for sunscreen is Blue Lizard Sunscreen, which was developed under Australia’s stringent standards for sun protection, the highest in the world.
Warm spring weather and heavy makeup simply cannot coexist. Who wants to deal with constant reapplications, only to have makeup wipe away on collars and clothes at the end of the day? The spring makeup struggle can be frustrating and even embarrassing.
If you practice safe sun exposure, you likely apply some sort of sunscreen to defend against skin damage, wrinkles and brown spots. And if you’re not using it, it’s time to start. With spring fully underway and summer quickly approaching, the sun’s rays are nearing their peak annual levels.
Spring has officially sprung. As part of your annual commitment to spring cleaning, you’ve likely added a few extra housekeeping tasks to your monthly to-dos. Why not carry this tradition to your skin care routine? Not only does your body’s largest organ need extra TLC after the winter, but skin has a different set of priorities when the temperatures shift.
December is here, but that’s no reason to skip out on the sunscreen. Learn how to apply sunscreen this winter, and save yourself from unexpected burns from time spent outdoors. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to get a sunburn during winter months. In northern states, sunburns are usually caused by sunlight reflecting off snow and ice, which is especially problematic when skiing, hiking, or sledding. And while Miami’s proximity to the equator saves us from snowfall and ice, we also happen to receive more direct sunlight than other states during winter months, making it important to stay proactive in the fight against sun damage. In this article, Dr. Mariano Busso shares a few key tips on how to apply sunscreen for maximum skin protection and sun burn prevention.