Summer Skincare Myths

Tag Archives: summer skin care

With summer now here, it’s especially important to take care of our skin and be aware of proper sun protection. There are many misconceptions that can lead to skin damage and to ensure the health of it, it’s important to learn the facts and dispel the myths.

Summer Skincare Myths

Myth #1: All sunscreens are the same.

Sunscreens are very different based on their ingredients and level of sun protection. Additionally, some contain chemical ingredients that can be irritating for some skin types, while physical sunscreens are made with mineral ingredients that are gentler on the skin.

Myth #2: If I get a base tan, I won’t get a sunburn at the beach.

A base tan in no way prevents further damage to future sun exposure. The best way to prevent sunburn is to avoid tanning and use sunscreen. 

Myth #3: Sunscreen only needs to be applied once a day.

Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, or after swimming or sweating, to ensure maximum protection.

Myth #4: Any sunscreen will protect my skin from the sun.

A sunscreen must have an SPF of at least 30, combined with ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.  This will help to block both UVA (long-wave radiation which can lead to wrinkling and aging) and UVB (short-wave radiation which can cause sunburn) rays, both of which can lead to skin cancer.

Myth #5: Must be outside for an extended period to accumulate sun damage.

It actually only takes 20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure to cause damage to the skin. Also, make sure to apply sunscreen for about 15 minutes before going outside.

Myth #7: Sun exposure helps acne.

The sun can actually make it worse by causing damage to the skin which can lead to inflammation.

Myth #8: The lips don’t get sunburned.

The lips can get sunburned just like any other part of the body. To protect them, try using a lip balm or moisturizer with SPF.

There are many myths surrounding skincare and sun protection in the summer, being informed of the truth is the best way to protect your skin from damage. To learn more, contact the skincare experts at Lisa S. Ball, NP today!

Summer sun womanWe all know by now the harmful effects that the sun can have on our skin. Not to mention that the intensity of it during the summer months only amplifies that. So why risk the health of your skin by not investing in a quality sunscreen? We put together a list of some of our favorite ones that will help keep your skin protected this summer.

  • SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Def SPF 30. The lightweight feel is very hydrating to the skin helping with UV-induced pigmentation and uneven skin tone.
  • Skinceuticals UV Def., Phys Fusion SPF 50. This ultra-sheer, tinted formula provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with 100% mineral filters. It goes on smoothly and spreads evenly enhancing skin radiance.
  • Skinceuticals UV Def., Phys Matte SPF 50. A tinted mousse that provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with 100% mineral filters. The technology behind it helps it to maintain a matte finish, even in high humidity.
  • PCA Skin Active Broad Spectrum SPF 45. This water-resistant formulation can be used on the face and body and contains potent antioxidants that further protect the skin.

When it comes to sunscreen usage consistency is key. It is so important to use them regularly as they are our first line of defense against damaging UVA/UVB rays. If you would like to learn more about what sunscreen is right for you, contact the skin care experts at Lisa S. Ball, NP today.

With Summer in full swing, we rounded up some things we recommend to our patients this time of year.

Summer Essentials 2022

  1. SkinCeuticals Simply Clean. This is a great cleanser for all skin types, especially oily and acne-prone. Not only does it do wonders in removing excess oil and debris from the skin (which this time of year is more common), but it is also a great makeup remover as well.
  2. SkinCeuticals Light Moisture UV Defense SPF 50. An amazing weightless sunscreen that can be used on both the face and body. Some nice things about it are it doesn’t clog pores and its quick absorption does a good job of preventing it from getting on clothing. It’s also an amazing moisturizer, making it a must for anyone with dry skin.
  3. Underarm Laser Hair Removal. This is a perfect area to treat during the summer because, with laser hair removal, it is essential to avoid the sun. And since the underarms are not typically exposed to it, treatment can still be done. Another positive, it’s effective in getting rid of any pesky ingrown hairs.
  4. HydraFacial. The warm, sunny weather can have quite the impact on drying out our skin. That’s why the HydraFacial is one of our favorite treatments this time of year. Aside from providing the skin with much-needed hydration, it also helps to unclog the pores from sweat and sunscreen leaving the skin ‘glowing’ right after treatment.

If your skin is in need of some revitalization through the summer months, contact our office today.

Summer WomanWith Summer officially around the corner, even warmer weather is on the way. But for those who are prone to acne, that is not necessarily a good thing. The reason is that during this time more sweat and oil are produced. This, in turn, can lead to more breakouts.

So, if you are one of the many who suffer from acne breakouts, what can you do? One of our favorite treatments for the condition is the HydraFacial with the ZO Skin Health Rozatrol Booster. This supercharged treatment not only helps to manage oil production but also soothes the appearance of red, sensitized skin as well. Immediately after treatment, the skin is left with a noticeably clearer, radiant glow.

If you deal with acne breakouts and are ready to say goodbye to them, we here at Lisa S. Ball, FNP can help! Schedule an appointment with us today.

The Fourth of July is a great time to honor our country, and also an ideal opportunity to spend some time outdoors. Whether in a backyard at a barbecue, park for a picnic, or poolside at a party, a lot of people will be outside for festivities. That means more exposure to the sun. And as we know, even if it’s not sunny out, harmful UVA and UVB rays can still prevalent. So, here are a few tips that will help keep your skin protected:

Women US Flag
  • When applying sunscreens, layering does not provide added SPF protection. That means that the SPF you end up with is only the strength of the highest one applied. For example, if you apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 then apply one with an SPF of 25, you will have the protection of the SPF of 30.
  • Despite that, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) still recommends applying two layers of sunscreen on all exposed areas. The second layer should be applied about 30 minutes after the first and at least 30 minutes before any sun exposure.
  • Reapply sunscreen periodically throughout the day. This is something not a lot of people do or are aware of, but it’s very important. It’s advised to reapply sunscreen roughly about every two hours or after you have been exposed to water.
  • SPF protection is on a logarithmic scale. This means there is a bigger difference between SPF 25 and SPF 30 than there is with SPF 30 and SPF 45.
  • SPF’s below 15 are essentially worthless. They simply do not provide the skin with enough protection from the sun. We recommend an SPF of at least 30 to all of our patients.
  • Don’t forget your lips. The sun’s rays can dry delicate lip tissue. Keep your lips hydrated by using a lip balm with an SPF.
  • After a long day out in the sun take a cold shower. It can decrease acne breakouts and help to better hydrate the skin.
  • If you do contract sunburn take Advil or Motrin. This will help to block the inflammation that can occur, and actually lessen the burn itself.

Remember these tips to keep your skin safe this holiday weekend and beyond!

Sun Safety Tips

Spring and summer are a great time to get out and get the daily recommended dosage of twenty minutes of sunlight for sufficient vitamin D production. Due to this, it’s also important to take the necessary precautions when protecting your skin against the sun’s harmful rays.

Application of sunscreen is critical, as the skin is susceptible to basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. While repeated exposure to UVA and UVB (ultraviolet) rays without adequate protection can lead to skin cancer; if much of this UV damage comes before the age of 18, that can put an individual at risk for melanoma, which is the most serious one. For these reasons, the good actions to take are to, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, matched with a SPF (Sun Protection Factor) reading that is the most suitable for your individual skin type.

To give a little more insight as to how much protection specific SPF readings provide, SPFs 15, 30, 50 will typically re-absorb 93% 97%, 98% of UV-B radiation respectively. Also, be sure to reapply periodically, it is recommended that one should use one quarter to one half of an 8 oz. bottle of sunscreen during a long day at the beach and thirty minutes before sun exposure.

If you already have sun damage on your skin, a great treatment option is photorejuvenation.  It removes redness and brown pigment by using light and heat to treat discolorations and promote collagen growth in your skin, stimulating fresh skin growth so that your skin tone becomes more even and develops a better, more youthful texture. It’s safe and effective, and in just a few sessions, there will be a noticeable improvement in your overall skin tone. Please call us at 716-688-0020 to get more information about treatment options.