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3 Must-Have Products for Protecting Sun-Kissed Skin

Know your ABC’s this Summer and get your annual skin check

Are you ready to embrace your sun-kissed skin this summer? The sun’s UV rays are damaging to the skin, so it’s important to protect the body’s largest organ before stepping out to the beach. Although sun-kissed skin gives us the appearance we desire, many don’t realize the impact it has on our skin’s health. In fact, in a study by the American Academy of Dermatology, 60 percent of men and 54 percent of women think that tan skin means healthy skin. However, when the sun darkens your pigment, it’s actually damaging healthy cells in the process. To achieve the sun-kissed look we all want, be sure to use these three must-have products to keep your skin healthy.

Sunscreen

We know you’re using sunscreen when you lie out to tan but are you using the one that’s right for your skin? One in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point, so it’s important to choose a product that will be the healthiest and safest for you.

To make sure your skin is being protected against both UVA and UVB rays, the sunscreen you use must be broad-spectrum, water-resistant and have an SPF of at least 30. Use your product on your body as you spend time outside, even if you don’t think you’re receiving UV rays. Even on cloudy or rainy days, 40 percent of the sun’s UV rays still reach the earth’s surface.

For the best protection and natural aging, we recommend working a facial sun protectant into your morning routine. By adding this step, that takes just a few seconds, your skin will thank you down the line. It’s necessary to choose a different product for your face than the body. Facial sunscreens are formulated with antioxidants to keep your pores clear and skin moisturized, all while protecting it from harmful UV rays.

Lip Protectant

Pucker up! Use a lip protectant to keep your lips hydrated and kissable this summer. Nearly 70 percent of people who use sunscreen while at the beach will forget to apply some protection to their lips. What’s the fuss? Our lips do not have melanin or sebaceous glands in them, meaning they are more susceptible to sun damage and dehydration.

One of the easiest ways to keep our lips hydrated is by drinking water. However, without exfoliation, the skin on our lips will promote dry skin and cause them to crack. Use a lip scrub and soft toothbrush to exfoliate the dead skin cells. Follow the exfoliation with a lip balm containing an SPF of at least 30 to provide back up protection and hydration. Refrain from exfoliating too often or too forcefully because this will leave the lips red and raw.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a common practice at the end of winter, to shed the skin of any and all dead cells that accumulated throughout the cold season. However, it’s also important to exfoliate the skin as we start to soak up the sun in the warmer months. Exfoliation increases blood circulation, which is the main factor in achieving healthy, glowing skin.

It’s recommended to exfoliate twice a week with a body scrub that contains grainy particles, usually of sugar or salt. By exfoliating dead or dying skin cells before tanning, you’re allowing the healthiest cells to receive sun. Doing this will help your tan last longer and remain even.

The dermatologists and medical professionals at Knoxville Dermatology Group have years of experience of providing safe sun tips, recommending products and checking for signs of skin cancer.

Streak Free Spring!

Spring is blooming, and sunlight has returned. Want to darken your complexion for spring? UV tanning beds increase the chance of developing melanoma by drastic amounts. Using self-tanner is a safer alternative that can deliver even better results.

Pick the Right Kind for You

Picking the right type of self-tanner is very important to the process. There are many different self- tanners to choose from, but they all have one thing in common, they are safer than a UV tanning bed. Be sure to read labels before purchasing as some may give quicker or darker results than others.

Before Application

Be sure to shower before application. Exfoliate your skin first to remove dead skin cells. This will provide for a smoother application with less streaks. Try using an in shower exfoliant for your body and face. It is also beneficial to shave your legs before application, as shaving after can wipe away applied tanning lotion.  After these steps, apply an oil- and fragrance-free lotion to your hands, the backs of your heels, and to your elbows and knees. These areas are typically dry and will absorb more pigment than other parts.

Application and After

Most self-tanners come in a foam or lotion form and are typically easy to apply. To avoid streaks and orange fingers, use a mitt for application. If you would prefer to not use a one, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after application to alleviate your hands of a potential orange color. Be sure to wipe off your nails using a cotton swab or makeup remover so no to ruin your nails. After application, try to wear loose fit clothing for 15-30 minutes or if you are in a hurry, use a blow dryer to help speed up the process.

Applying self- tanner can be scary but is safer than the alternative of the UV tanning bed. If you think self-application is not for you, book a spray tan with your local spray tan service. Just remember, stay out of UV tanning beds!

Safely Get That Summer Glow

Want to hit the beach with a summer glow? Don’t put your skin at risk by visiting the tanning bed. In fact, people who use a tanning bed before age 35 increase their risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent. There are other ways to get the darker complexion you’re looking for this summer.

Self-tanners come in lotions and sprays. Rubbing self-tanner on your body darkens your skin over time with a color additive called dihydroxyacetone (DHA) that reacts with dead skin cells, simulating a tan. Be careful – the tanning won’t make your skin less susceptible to sunburns, so apply sunscreen when going outdoors. Also, be sure to exfoliate your skin before applying a sunless tanning product to remove excess dead skin cells.

Not only is using a sunless tanner significantly better for your health, it’s cheaper, too! Sunless tanners can be found at your pharmacy, other big-box stores and online. If you have questions about your skin, call (865)690-9467 to schedule an appointment with our dermatologists.

Sunburn Relief

Having a tan is perceived as a healthy glow but it’s really a mask for an angry sunburn. Truthfully, sunburns and tanning cause more harm than good. So the best defense is prevention with sunscreen and a healthy diet filled with antioxidants. But if your skin does get overexposed to sunlight, a few home remedies can help ease the pain while your body repairs itself. Here are some of our suggestions:

  • Take a cool bath with a few big scoops of baking soda to soothe your burn. Soak for about 15 to 20 minutes and no more, as long baths can irritate dry skin. Resist the urge to towel-dry so you don’t wipe off any of the baking soda. Another option is to add ½ to 1 cup of oatmeal to your cool bath.
  • Moisturize immediately after a bath or shower. You can even put lotion in the refrigerator for more cooling relief.
  • Apply aloe vera to your skin five to six times a day for several days to sooth the sting and ease the redness of your sunburn. Or apply a cool compress multiple times a day, rewetting the cloth throughout the day.
  • Drink up! Your skin is fried and dehydrated. Drink plenty of water to help your burns heal better.

If you have any questions about sunburns or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.