Your skin is your largest organ. In an average adult, it is about 1.7 sq. m. Your skin is constantly exposed to the harsh environment. While your skin has several layers and natural defense mechanisms to compensate for the heat, cold, dryness, wind and sun, it does get beaten down over the decades. The consequences are significant for your health and beauty. Once your skin reaches that “tipping point” it is a point of no return, and you will be continuing to “play defense’ to catch up with damage rather than being proactive. While there are general principles such as moisturization to keep your skin supple, strategies do vary by season.
In the summer months, which really extends through September in most of the United States, sun and heat are the main culprits. While sunblock is the main protection against the sun, often what is in makeup is not enough. Sunblock containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which offer the broadest UVA and UVB protection (sun rays that can cause skin cancer and sunburns). A thin layer is all that is needed. It doesn’t have to be a super high SPF. In my opinion, above 50 SPF will only provide an incremental addition of protection. More important is not to be lulled into a sense of false security about the strength of the sunblock and only apply it once per day. If you are outside, it should be reapplied approximately every two hours. At my office aside from our own brand, we carry EltaMD Sport. There are many other brands that offer superb protection including but not limited to Skinceuticals, Jan Marini and ColoreScience.
Some of my patients (read men) just won’t tolerate sunblock. There are many lightweight sunprotectant clothing that won’t inhibit the golf swing or tennis stroke. A hat is key. While a baseball cap is fine, take a cue from those who work outdoors for a living such as tennis pros or guides—most will be wearing a broad brimmed tightly stitched hat.
The summer heat and humidity causes perspiration and water loss. Many clothing manufacturers now offer sport/recreation clothing that wicks away the perspiration from your skin. Constant moisture on your skin causes maceration, irritation and skin breakdown. On the flip side, your skin can dry out from constant perspiration and evaporation. We have come to realize in recent years the increasing importance of nutraceuticals (covered in a future blog) and constant hydration. While foods high in anti-oxidents such as berries are always a good idea, in the summer months they become critical in maintaining the health of your skin. Vigilant hydration—drinking water—will promote a healthier skin.
I strongly support doing many outdoor activities—it is important for our physical, emotional and mental health, and overall well being. We live in such an amazing and beautiful world. Just be smart about it, and love your skin.
Dr. Hayes B. Gladstone is a distinguished dermatologic surgeon based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With an office in San Ramon, California, Dr. Gladstone has two decades of experience in reconstructive and aesthetic procedures.
View Dr. Hayes B. Gladstone's profile and contact information here.
