Your Complete Guide to Optimal Skin Care This Summer

With summer in full swing, you’re likely showing more skin than at any other time of year. And that might have you thinking about the health of your body’s largest organ. 

While the summer can be a great time to don your shorts and sandals, you should be mindful of how much you expose your skin to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. But that doesn’t mean you need to stay indoors or miss out on your favorite summer activities — or a glowing tan. Kenneth Warrick, MD, FAAD, and our team at Atlantic Dermatology have plenty of tips to help you take care of your skin while enjoying the summer months here in Longs, South Carolina. 

If you want personalized recommendations, you can visit us for a dermatology consultation. We can recommend the right sunscreen for your specific skin, for example, and help you address skin issues to feel your best this summer. 

Generally, though, we recommend these three tips to all our patients to help them improve their skin care during the hot summer months. 

Moisturize

Keeping your skin hydrated helps it perform its primary function — a barrier to outside irritants — while helping it look its best. But, during the humid summer here in Longs, many people cut back on moisturizer, or even skip it altogether. 

If you don’t like the feel of a moisturizer, you can explore other skin-hydrating options like face oils. The key here is to provide your skin with the hydration it needs to stay healthy during the summer months and beyond. 

Protect your skin from the sun

Sun exposure directly increases your risk of skin cancer. Using — and reapplying — sunscreen gets extra important during the summer, when you’re likely to spend more time outdoors. 

Make it a habit to apply sunscreen before you leave the house each day. You might even choose a moisturizer with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to protect and moisturize your skin at the same time. Reapply after a couple of hours outdoors. 

If you don’t like the feel or application of most sunscreens, talk with our team. We can recommend options for you. 

Tan — the safe way

If you think tanning beds are safer than tanning in the sun, think again. The only safe tan comes from a bottle. 

If you like the look of a summer glow, it’s time to find a self-tanning lotion that you love. Again, our team can help. We work with you to find an option that delivers the tan you want while keeping your skin safe. 

During the summer months, keeping your skin sun-protected and hydrated is key. For a personalized skin care plan to help you look and feel your best through these warm months and beyond, visit Dr. Warrick. Call our office today or use our online booking feature to get started.