Summer sun = summer fun. But summer is also among the most important times to get serious about nourishing and protecting our skin. In fact, July is UV Safety Awareness Month, and fittingly, this month the UV index in Portland has been projected to reach “Very High” levels on various occasions–levels where unprotected skin can burn in just minutes.
If you’ve come into our office before, you’ve heard us say it time and again, use sunscreen daily and remember to always reapply! Not only do healthy sun protection and skincare routines matter now, but they can have lasting, long-term effects on both your appearance and your overall health.
What is sun-damaged skin?
What can you do to stay protected?
- Never leave home without SPF!
You never know when you’re going to be in the sun—even driving to work with your arm in the open window can leave you exposed and unprotected. Try travel-sized sunscreens that can fit easily in your bag, glove compartment, desk drawer or other convenient locations you access every day. We love the Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush On Sunscreen SPF, for it’s convenient, on-the-go application – alone or over makeup!
- Consider skincare and make-up products with built-in protection
Today there are incredible face and body products with SPF protection available for both men and women. And for those that are already accustomed to putting on makeup in the morning, opting for a tinted moisturizer or foundation with SPF protection can help make a big difference, with no extra effort. We offer a variety of high-quality products from trusted brands at our in-office boutique and online store, but if you aren’t sure where to get started, our staff is happy to provide recommendations based on your lifestyle and personal needs.
- Check the weather – but not just the heat!
Even on cool, seemingly cloudy days the UV index can be high, so don’t assume clouds or lower temps means low UV! It’s best to apply SPF daily, regardless of the weather and temperature.
- Consider the time of day.
UV rays are generally strongest between 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. If you’re planning outdoor activities like a bike ride or dip in the pool, make sure to be aware of how strong the UV rays will be, and select a sunscreen accordingly.
- Sunscreen application isn’t just “one and done”!
Ears, hairlines, hands, necks, chests and shoulders are sunburn hotspots! Don’t just think about where you’ve put on sunscreen, think about where it might be rubbing off. In the summer we take hats on and off, we put our hair in ponytails when our necks get warm, we wash our hands constantly – particularly in the wake of COVID, we throw bags over our shoulders with the straps rubbing against our skin. All of these every-day actions, and so many more, can cause sunscreen to wear away. Remember to apply throughout the day to avoid burns even in the places you thought you had covered.
What services are available for preventing, addressing or treating sun-damaged skin?*
For those with sunspots, freckles, dry skin, fine lines, wrinkles from furrowing or squinting, and beyond, we offer the industry’s leading cosmetic services to get you back to looking and feeling your best.
One of the ultimate ways to achieve youthful, healthy skin is by maintaining a healthy skin care routine, which is why we offer a series of medical grade skin care products to patients. These products include items such as cleansers, moisturizers, lotions, sunscreens and more.
We also offer treatments to improve skin tone and texture, and eliminate wrinkles and lines that form over time, with services like Botox, the Diamond Glow, microneedling and so much more. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation to see which of our services might be best for you.
This summer, own your sunshine!
*Our highly trained staff want to ensure any presenting sun damage is only cosmetic in nature and does not need further medical attention. As such, we have strong relationships with dermatologists specializing in analyzing sun-damaged skin, if that step is deemed necessary as part of a treatment or service.
Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England