Swimsuits and sun-kissed skin are synonymous with summer. And because we live in Texas, where triple-digit temperatures are on the horizon, summer also means amping up your skincare routine. From finding the best sunscreen to learning about which products help to protect from sun damage, we spoke with a Houston-area skin care expert to round up advice and product recommendations to get the most out of this summer season.
Warmer temperatures mean more time outdoors and much more sun exposure. According to Dr. Stephen Mahoney, board-certified dermatologist at West Houston Dermatology, one of the most common questions asked at his practice is, "How do I keep my skin from aging prematurely?"
To answer that question, Dr. Mahoney and his team are equipped with the latest technology, products, and practices to guide their patients on a journey to healthier and more beautiful skin. His advice for achieving a summer glow without damaging skin involves four easy steps.
Sunscreen
Daily photoprotection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a necessity to avoid wrinkling, age spots, pigmentation, and skin cancers. Houston has a lot of sunshine, averaging 2633 hours per year or 7.5 hours daily. Dr. Mahoney advises his patients to use broad-spectrum sunscreens blocking UVA and UVB that have an SPF of 30 or higher, as well as physical UV blockers (Zinc Oxide/Titanium Dioxide), to provide complete coverage of visible, UVA/UVB, and infrared radiations.
Vitamin A
According to Dr. Mahoney, Vitamin A products in the form of Tretinoin or Retinol are the optimal night creams. Vitamin A increases the production of dermal collagen and improves the smoothness, thickness, and color of epidermal skin. However, Vitamin A can be a photosensitizer and very drying, so these products are best used at night.
Antioxidant Products
To reduce UV radiation's damaging effects, which cause collagen breakdown, wrinkling, age spots, and skin cancers, the team at West Houston Dermatology recommends incorporating antioxidant products, including Vitamin C or Vitamin E, into a morning skincare routine.
Daily Skin Care
Lastly, regular skin care is essential; just like brushing your teeth, it needs to be a daily process to ensure ideal results. Reversing prior skin damage can be accomplished by periodically adding chemical peels, microneedling, and laser rejuvenation treatments available at West Houston Dermatology.
