Keeping Your Skin Safe This Summer | Private Harley Street Clinic
Even though the use of sunbeds is on the decline in the UK, and in spite of a huge rise in the use and quality of self-tanning products, getting a bit of summer sun doesn't seem to be going out of fashion any time soon. If you're choosing a foreign get-away and not a faux-glow this year, read our summer skincare guide from the expert Medical Practitioners at Private Harley Street Clinic.
Limit: We know it isn't what you want to hear but the simplest way to avoid irreversible damage to your skin is to cover up between 10am and 4pm. And while you may be automatically reaching for something cotton and floaty on holiday, you might be surprised to learn that gym-wear is your friend when it comes to blocking out UV. According to Australian Suncare brand Sun Sense, "Elasticated threads offer very effective sun protection...synthetic fabrics (think polyester, Lycra, nylon, acrylic etc.) offer a lot more protection than things like bleached cotton, which lets in more UV rays". Remember UV rays are a cause of wrinkles and pigmentation, as well as some skin cancers.
Brimmed caps, oversized sunhats and UV400 Sunglasses are other essential tools for protecting the delicate skin on your face during the summer months. You can also limit your exposure to chlorine and chemicals by showering in fresh water after swimming in the sea or in chlorinated water. Pool water can dry skin out and strip it of it's natural oils and, while sea water may have a good effect on acne and blemishes, it's best to rinse the salt and sand off the skin shortly after bathing, as both can contain bacteria and irritants.
Protect: When it's trickier to cover up (who wears gloves and closed shoes on holiday??) - protect, protect and protect. Remember to apply a good SPF50+ Sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure, before and after swimming, with frequent reapplication during the day, not forgetting the scalp, lips, ears, tops of the feet and backs of the hands. Speak to our skin experts at your next appointment about products carefully formulated to suit faces and lips, as well as different options for various skin types. Sun screen can clog pores and cause breakouts but using a gentle cleanser is usually sufficient to remove residual product without stripping your skin of it's natural oils. If you've layered on make-up, or you're using a water resident or zinc based product (popular for skiing and water sports), a stronger cleanser followed by a light moisturiser may be necessary.
Repair: even if you've been out of the sun and using your sunscreen as directed, it's a good idea to finish your day with a nourishing serum and moisturiser. We recommend using a good quality Vitamin C for any Photodamage and Hyaluronic Acid serum for general hydration. Remember to avoid using Retinol or Hydroquinone in summer months, as these will make your skin more sensitive to sun damage.
Happy Holidays - and stay tuned for the Autumn Skincare.
Private Harley Street Clinic is a doctor-led non-surgical aesthetics clinic based in Marylebone, London, offering Dermal Filler, Profhilo, Anti-Aging, Tixel, Ultherapy, Microneedling, Tixel and Chemical Peels Treatments. Book a Dermal Filler, Profhilo, Anti-Aging, Tixel, Ultherapy, Microneedling, Tixel and Chemical Peels Treatments consultation appointment in Marylebone, London today, or contact our helpful staff if you have any questions for us. Our team are specialists in injectables - so if you're looking for 'Non-surgical Treatments Near Me' contact Private Harley Street Clinic. Our central London Clinic is 5 minutes walk from Edgeware Road and Marylebone Tube Stations. Anti-Aging Consultation walk in appointments in London may also be available.