How to Care for Your Skin after Summer

After Summer Skin Care Tips

Post-summer skin care helps prevent premature aging and keep your skin healthy and young.,. In our last blog post, SOUTH FLORIDA CENTER FOR COSMETIC SURGERY discussed non-surgical treatment options to rejuvenate the face and reverse common signs of sun damage (e.g., wrinkles, pigmentation). However, our patients wanted to know if there are things they can do at home to rehab their skin after summer. No matter what your skin type is, sun damage can cause many problems starting with fine lines and wrinkles, dryness and uneven colour, and even serious conditions such as skin cancer. Here are a few post-summer skin care suggestions we can share to help you keep your youthful glow:

Summer Skin Care Tip: Soothe Sunburns

Have you failed to protect your skin during summer months,¬† and the unexpected, unprotected sun exposure leave you with angry, inflamed skin? If you‚Äôre in the middle of a nasty sunburn, aspirin or Advil can minimize the pain. Cold compresses will soothe the burnt area and a topical hydrocortisone cream can speed up your skin‚Äôs recovery. The sun can be a scary thing to deal with, and when you are burnt by it, there is no need to suffer. Make sure that your skin isn’t being exposed any longer during the healing process so as not to worsen the damage. Drink plenty of water or other non-fruity drinks for hydration. Use a moisturiser that contains aloe vera to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. Take cool showers a few times a day to help with heat and dryness.

Summer Skin Care Tip: Lighten Sunspots and Freckles

Perhaps your sunscreen didn’t have enough SPF (or you were careless in your application), and as a result you have noticeable sunspots and freckles. Try an over-the-counter retinol product that will increase cell turnover and lighten spots. Or, look for a serum with skin brightening ingredients like vitamin C. There are a few natural remedies you can use to reduce the appearance of freckles and dark spots such as sour cream, lemon juice, honey, yogurt, and even onions. Choose one that works best for you, apply gently on the problematic area and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Wash off with cool water, dry carefully and don’t forget to use a moisturiser.

Summer Skin Care Tip: Exfoliate Gently

Exfoliation is a critical part of any skin care routine, especially a routine to rehab damaged and dry sensitive skin. Exfoliating removes layers of tired, dead skin cells (that would otherwise clog pores), kick-starts your skin renewal process, and helps creams and serums penetrate the skin more easily. Exfoliation is a necessary step whether you have dry or oily skin. Removing the dead skin cells and providing deep cleaning regularly is one of the best practices to keep the youthful glow and stimulate regeneration processes.

Summer Skin Care Tip: Tweak Your Diet

Following a Mediterranean-inspired diet restores much-needed omega fatty acids and antioxidants to your skin. In case you’re wondering why antioxidants are so important and how they affect the health of our skin, here’s a quick chemistry lesson. Every day we encounter free radicals (some are produced by our bodies, some caused by the environment around us. Simply put, free radicals are single atoms that attack and break down the skin collagen molecules which results in deep wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Antioxidants are your skin’s armour. They create a barrier between your skin and the environmental factors and create a protection layer to fight free radicals and take the damage. Incorporate plenty of fish, fruit, vegetables and olive oil into your diet to keep supplying your skin with a healthy amount of antioxidants and watch your skin start to glow!

Summer Skin Care Tip: Moisturize Dry Lips

Too much sun and not enough hydration can leave the lips looking like a dry, rough mess. Use a gentle scrub to exfoliate dead cells, and then pamper them with a moisturizing balm. Another great way to revitalize chapped lips is to use honey (it has natural healing powers).

When to Seek an Expert Opinion

If your post-summer skincare issues are more serious — for example, you have deep wrinkles, stubborn discoloration or leathery skin texture, and over-the-counter skin care products don’t help — our experts can step in and assist you.  We can help you develop a personalized skin care regimen that is best suited for your needs. If the summer has caused an outbreak of a medical issue like eczema or rosacea, call your dermatologist for an appointment.

At South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery, we offer a range of treatment options to rehab your skin and restore a beautiful glow. Call us today at 954.565.7575 so we can design a plan for your needs.

5 Fall Skin Care Tips

5 Fall Skin Care Tips

 
Summer is almost over, and fall is nearly here. Not only is it time to break out your sweaters, but it’s also time to re-evaluate your skincare routine. No matter what your skin type is, what may have worked well during the hot summer months may not benefit your skin during the cooler, less humid autumn months. Below The South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery shares these five fall skincare tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing as the seasons change.

#1: Reach for the Oil

We realize that you probably spent much of the summer trying to keep oily skin at bay, so it may sound counterintuitive to reach for an oil-based moisturizing product now. However, using an oil-based moisturizer will give your skin the extra moisture it needs now that humidity levels are starting to wane. Facial oils provide mega moisture while still feeling light on your face. Also, facial oils are absorbed into the skin more quickly than heavier, cream-based moisturizers, so you won’t have to wait as long before applying your makeup. It is especially beneficial for people with dry skin, who struggle to find the right skin care products. Use a good face mask weekly to replenish moisture that is lost over time.

#2: Don’t Stop Using Sunscreen

The sun may not feel as strong during fall as it did during summer, but it never stops emitting harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause sun damage, skin cancer, and premature signs of aging, such as hyperpigmentation (dark spots). That is why you should never forget to apply sun protection. To protect your skin, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (with an SPF of at least 15) before you leave the house each day, even if it looks overcast outside.

#3: Keep Your Cuticles in Mind

Dry, rough cuticles are a telltale sign of colder temperatures. This autumn, get into the habit of rubbing cuticle oil onto your cuticles a few times a week. Being meticulous about applying cuticle oil now will help you avoid painful cracked skin later. By winter, your hands will thank you!

#4: Protect Your Lips

It is easy to forget that you have delicate sensitive skin on your lips, too. Avoid flakey, cracked lips by applying a lip balm regularly. You may also want to exfoliate your lips every couple of weeks by lightly brushing them with a soft, dry toothbrush. Taking good care of your lips this fall will make them soft and kissable in time for mistletoe season.

#5: Renew Your Skin

Autumn is a symbol of renewal. If the beating sun wreaked havoc on your skin this summer, perhaps it’s time to renew your skin. At the South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery, we offer several non-surgical cosmetic treatment options to give you refreshed, revitalized healthy skin.

Laser skin resurfacing treatments are designed to slough off the dead skin cells that can clog up pores and make your skin look dull. We also offer intense pulsed light (IPL) photo facials to improve the look of fine lines and hyperpigmentation. Whatever your skin care needs are, we have an effective treatment option for you whether it is for preventive measures, anti-aging, or rejuvenation.

To schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons to find out more about our available skin care treatments, contact the South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery by calling (954) 565-7575.