Step up your summer beauty regimen with help from expert dermatologists
(BPT) - While magazines make summer beauty look simple, in reality
it's anything but. From bloat to breakouts, summer is wrought with
beauty challenges.
The experts at the
Mayo Clinic offer advice on eight of the most common beauty and health concerns of summer.
1. Maintaining a healthy (natural) glow
While tanning beds offer a quick-fix to achieving a golden glow, they
also cause exposure to damaging UV radiation which can cause premature
aging as well as increase the risk of skin cancer. If you'd like a
sun-kissed glow without the risk, consider using a sunless tanning
product. Whether in the form of a lotion, spray or done as a
professional service at a salon, sunless tanning offers a safe
alternative to both tanning beds and sunbathing.
2. Ingrown hairs
Swimsuit season often means shaving more frequently, which can result
in painful and unsightly ingrown hairs. These hairs grow out of the skin
slightly and then curl back underneath the skin. To avoid ingrown hair,
use a lubricating shave gel followed by a sharp, single-blade razor.
Shave in the direction of hair growth and avoid pulling the skin taut.
3. Sunburn
It's easy to get lost in the fun of the summer sun. Avoid sunburn by
dressing in light layers and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an
SPF of at least 15. Remember, sunscreen generally stays at original
strength for three years. If you do get sunburn, take a cool bath or
apply a clean towel dampened with cool tap water. Then apply
moisturizer, aloe vera lotion or gel or a low-dose hydrocortisone cream.
4. Bloat
Ice cream, hot dogs and fried goodies are cornerstones of traditional
summer festivals. Unfortunately, too much of these types of foods can
leave you feeling bloated and sluggish. Fight bloat by eating fresh
foods grown locally, such as carrots, tomatoes, melons and berries. Want
a healthier cool treat? Try freezing grapes for a no-guilt sweet
dessert.
5. Cracked nails Pool chemicals, hot
sun, gardening and building sand castles can all cause cracked nails.
To protect nails, keep fingernails dry, clean and rub moisturizer into
the nail beds and cuticles. Consider applying a nail hardener to add a
protective layer against summer elements. If brittle nails persist, ask
your doctor about biotin, a nutritional supplement that may help
strengthen weak fingernails.
6. Healthy, hydrated skin
Staying hydrated is a summer must, but skin hydration isn't as simple
as drinking water. Dehydrated skin feels rough and loses elasticity. To
maintain proper hydration, avoid prolonged exposure to dry air or
chlorinated water. When bathing, use a gentle cleanser instead of soap
and avoid using skin care products that contain alcohol. Moisturize
immediately after cleansing. Also try incorporating antioxidant-rich
foods into your diet such as spinach, blueberries or salmon.
7. Acne
Sunshine and heat can cause the body to sweat. This combo clogs pores
and can lead to acne. Some chemical treatments can leave the skin more
sun-sensitive, so natural treatments such as tea tree oil, azelaic acid
and even green tea extract are a smart choice in reducing inflammation.
Another potential cause for acne can be outdated cosmetics. Make sure
the products you use are kept clean to avoid bacterial buildup and avoid
using them past their expiration date - six months is a good rule of
thumb.
8. Beautiful legs From swimsuits to
shorts, summer is the time most people show off their legs. This can be
uncomfortable for some when faced with common leg woes such as spider
veins and varicose veins. Several options are available to combat these
issues which range from sclerotherapy and laser surgery, to more
advanced techniques such as vein-stripping. To learn more, visit
mayoclinic.org to find out
what treatment is best for you.
To discuss these and any other persistent skin or summer-related health concerns, make an appointment with
Mayo Clinic Dermatology today.
