Newsworthy

Your summer should be full of fun, relaxation, and all your favorite activities, but it’s also a time for you to focus on taking care of your skin – Afterall, it’s one thing you can’t really replace!

Heather Atwood, BSN, RN, Dermatology Clinic Nurse Manager at Stormont Vail Health is here to help steer you in the right direction when it comes to making sure all adults and kids know how to take care of their skin.

“The first tip to skincare in general is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!” said Heather. “If you find lotion and sunscreen that you love, likely you will use it more often.”

What are some sunscreens Heather recommends you and your family use to get the best coverage possible this year?

SUNSCREEN FOR ADULTS

“Anything with at least 30 SPF is best for adults. My two favorite facial sunscreens are Epionce SPF 50, Elta MD 50 SPF, and La Roche-Posay 50 SPF with mineral tint,” explained Heather. “La Roche-Posay provides a great option for a nice glow plus protects against ultraviolet rays. It is also lightweight and does not cake or clump if you are needing a little extra powder. I try to use minimal product on my face. I get pretty excited when I find a skin care product with a dual-purpose.”

SUNSCREEN FOR CHILDREN

For children and babies, a higher SPF is highly recommended to help protect their young skin. Heather told us, “Blue Lizard in 50 SPF or higher, Elta MD, and La Roche-Posay Melt-in Milk 100 SPF are both great options for the little ones!”

While sunscreen is a fantastic way to help take good care of your skin, there’s more to it. Beyond that protective layer, you might be wondering what else you can do to help yourself. Well, we have the answers with Number 5 being extra crucial!

HEATHER’S TOP 5 TIPS

1. Avoid long sun exposure and wear a brimmed hat
2. Exfoliate two times a week on healthy skin areas (not on sunburns or open wounds)
3. Use moisturizer 2x a day on face and body
4. Use sunless tanner if you want a darker look
5. Drink lots of water

“It is SO important to drink plenty of water when out in the sun to avoid dehydration!” said Heather. “I can tell when I am dehydrated just by looking at my skin. Dehydrated skin will appear dull, flat, and dry. Hydrated skin will have elasticity and appear plump and supple. Using skin products with hyaluronic acid will also help to lock in moisture.”

These sunscreen recommendations and tips from our dermatology experts will make even the hottest of summers a breeze to get through!

Don’t forget that annual skin checks are recommended for everyone. If you find an unusual spot or raised, bothersome areas that are bleeding, irregular in shape, have a change in color, and are not going away to contact our dermatology team immediately.