Summer is here, and with the storm of heat and humidity coming this way, it is important to take a proactive approach to preventing skin damage. Dr. Rukmini Rednam, board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, and Crystal Gardiner, licensed medical esthetician for Dr.
Rednam with My Houston Surgeons, answered some questions for The Woodlands City Lifestyle on how to keep your skin healthy this season.
How does the Texas sun effect our risk for skin damage?
Crystal - “Summers in Texas is super hot, and the most damaging time of year. People are also spending more time outside. The rays can be very intense the majority of the day …10 am-4 pm tend to be the most damaging time of day. All of that UV exposure can cause skin cancer and cell damage which can also equal death.”
Dr. Rednam - “Also, spending a lot of time in the water during the summer which reflects the UV rays. This results in double exposure which I don’t think most people are aware of. You will want to reapply your sunscreen multiple times when you’re in the water.”
How do you know if you have skin damage?
Crystal - “Damage in the skin can be identified by hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, sun spots, wrinkling of the skin, as well as redness.”
Dr. Rednam - “Skin damage and aging can often be confused but can really compound each other. Skin damage often presents as premature aging.”
Are treatments like facials, dermaplaning and microneedling able to undo damage? Are there any new procedures that work better than others?
Crystal - “All of the above can help with undoing the damage. Bottomline, a skin care regimen is needed as a priority. Pigment inhibitors, retinol, and SPF are nonnegotiable starting points. Sciton Halo and BBL (Broadband Light— which uses technology where light is sent to the
deepest layer to help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and helps the skin to fight signs of aging) treatments can accelerate results.”
Dr. Rednam - “I wouldn’t say it’s about undoing, it’s more about repairing and turning back time followed by a really good skincare regimen to prevent future damage. Like most things, healthy skin requires maintenance and tune-ups.”
What products should we all be using for the hottest summer months?
Crystal - “SPF is non-negotiable. Using a pigment inhibitor, retinol, and Vitamin C/antioxident serum is a good base regimen. Also, wear a sun hat, sunglasses, and stay in the shade. Always reapply your sunscreen!”
Dr. Rednam - “I agree with Crystal, especially on wearing a quality sunscreen. I like Elta MD’s sunscreen as it’s light and breathable. A favorite of mine is their tinted version which sometimes can replace the need for foundation. For Vitamin C, SkinCeuticals has a really great serum, and Alastin has a great retinol. We also love SkinBetter’s Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Compacts. Regardless, every product you choose should be individualized to your needs and skin type.”
