What Damages Your Skin - Summer

When the weather warms up and we spend more time outside, there are things we are doing that can be damaging our skin and we don't even realize it! We spend a good amount of time and money to take care of our skin and ensure we stay healthy, so being aware of these things that can be doing damage can make a huge difference in what our skin looks and feels like even 5 years from now.

Chlorine/Swimming
Your post-pool regimen is vital when it comes to your skin. Even after a shower, chlorine can cling to your skin and react to topical medications, cleansers and even lotions. To effectively remove the chlorine and other harmful chemicals from your swim, be sure to wash thoroughly with deep cleansers but not with any exfoliating cleansers. Wait until your regular nightly or morning routine to use the exfoliating cleanser, because it can actually leave your skin vulnerable to  the harsh chemicals from the pool without thoroughly removing them. A sudsy deep cleanser is most effective.

Recommended product: SkinMedical Daily Cleanser, SkinMedica Daily Defense SPF 30+

Sleeping with your Makeup/Sunscreen on
Long summer nights can leave use exhausted and ready to just crash out. The problem? Leaving the makeup or sunscreen on that you have been wearing all day can actually be doing damage to your skin while you sleep. Your body naturally exfoliates, and you loose a lot of skin cells while you sleep, so unless your bedding is brand spankin' new, freshly washed and not slept on, there are already bacteria collecting and effecting your skin. (This is one major reason a nightly skin care routine is very important) By falling asleep without cleansing your skin from the makeup, sunscreen, bronzer, what-have-you that you've applied during the day and applying a barrier of antioxidant or restorative cream, you are inviting even more bacteria to collect and may cause acne or even cause you to get sick from the buildup on your pillow over time.

Recommended product: SkinMedica Daily Cleanser, SkinMedica Exfoliating Cleanser, SkinMedica Retinol Complex, SkinMedica Glypro Renewal Cream, Beauty Redefined All Natural C-Serum.

Product Testing
Summer sales! Who can resist? However, while it seems like a great way to get some free product applications to your skin, excessive product testing is not healthy for your skin. Samples are best to take home, try on a small patch of skin (in case of allergic reaction) and then decide on making a purchase. It is not recommended to go around testing multiple products in one go, product ingredients from one place can react to a product's ingredients from another place and cause a reaction to your skin. Always be aware of what is already on your skin, what you are applying to your skin, and what you are allergic to when product sampling. The best option is to always go to all natural products without added parabens and preservatives.

Recommended product: Beauty Redefined All Natural Mineral Makeup

Not Staying Properly Hydrated
While we enjoy the warm weather, we can get busy and stay active and not even realize it, but without proper hydration we are damaging our entire body! Maintaing your water intake is crucial to your overall health from your skin elasticity to heart disease. Stay hydrated and carry a water bottle with you at all times. Even as you get caught up in summer activities, remembering to drink water regularly is an absolute must!

Recommended product: WATER!!!

Wearing Dirty Sunglasses
Something we often take for granted are those stylish face accessories that we mix and match for our outfits, swim suits, and even season. Dirty sunglasses is something we may not be aware of that is actually attributing to bacteria buildup on your face. Clean your sunglasses regularly to avoid irritation and breakouts from the bacteria that you may not even realize is there! If you do breakout from your sunglasses, using the most effective skin care products to prevent and treat the breakouts can also make a big difference. Please do not forget to wear your sunglasses, as your eyes are also vulnerable to the harmful UV rays and can cause eye damage as well. Maintain proper cleanliness to your sunglasses, antioxidant barrier on your skin, and proper preventative measures and treatments to your skin.

Recommended product: Beauty Redefined All Natural C-Serum, SkinMedica Acne System, SkinMedica Glypro Renewal Cream, SkinMedica Daily Defense SPF 30+, Zeiss Pre-Moistened Lens Cleaning Wipes