Summer skin care

WITH the cold harsh winter behind us, it's time to shed the layers of winter wear and exchange them for breezy, stylish sundresses and flirty, sassy sandals. Yet, as we welcome the summer breezes and show off more skin, it is important to make sure your skin-care routine is up to par with the change in season.

Your skin is the largest organ of the body and serves as a protective barrier. Though it is resilient, it is also very sensitive and needs proper care and attention. "You don't necessarily have to buy a whole new skin-care regimen, but you have to adjust your skin-care regimen because everyone tends to be oilier in the summer than in the winter," advises Dr. Fran E. Cook-Bolden, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia University and director of both the Skin Specialty Group and Ethnic Skin Specialty Group in New York.

It is very important to wash your skin at least twice a day with a mild soap or cleansing product. Stronger soaps and harsh products can strip oil from your skin, leaving it dry and irritated. Skin-care experts say you should use cleansing products that accommodate your skin type. If you have oily skin, gel-based cleansers tend to work well, suggests Dr. Cook-Bolden. If you have dry skin, cleansers that are cream-based are a better option. Most people with combination skin can tolerate just about any type of cleanser. When cleansing your face, it is important to wash it gently. Scrubbing and intense rubbing does not make your skin cleaner and does not remove acne or blemishes. "You never need to scrub your face with pressure--that only hurts it; even if you have acne or feel like your skin is dirty and your pores are clogged," says Dr. Cook-Bolden.

Once you've properly cleansed your skin, you should use a moisturizer to help maintain your skin's natural moisture levels. Skin-care experts recommend that you moisturize your skin while it is still moist.

Again, the type of moisturizer you use often depends on your skin type. You can use lighter moisturizers during warmer months, since your skin tends to be oilier during the summer months.

In addition to a moisturizer, you should always wear sunscreen. The intense rays from the sun can damage your skin, causing blotchiness, deep wrinkles, dryness and roughness, and more serious dangers such as benign and malignant skin tumors.

If you have oily skin, you may opt not to use a moisturizer and just use the sunscreen because it can act as a moisturizer for your skin. Apply sunscreen liberally at least 20 minutes before you go outdoors and reapply every two hours. Some experts also recommend that you get a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor of at least 30.

While most people think of skin-care as just taking care of your face, it is important to care for your entire body. Do not neglect your hands, arms, legs, feet and other parts of your body.

A nutritious, well-balanced diet and regular exercise can help contribute to healthy, beautiful skin. Drink lots of water and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. When you exercise regularly, you perspire and your body releases toxins. Physical activity also helps to increase circulation, giving your skin a healthy glow.

COPYRIGHT 2006 Johnson Publishing Co.
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