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.