Prelude Beauty
Beauty > Summer Skin Savers
words by > Christina Kallery
Don’t let sun damage ruin your complexion— here’s how to get fresh-faced in time for fall.
YOU may want to hold onto the vacation pics (including the snaps of that cute cabana boy), but there are a few summer mementos you won’t want to keep—namely skin woes brought on by excess sun, heat and humidity. It’s time to do a little damage control and get your dermis back in gorgeous shape for fall.
Howard Murad, Los Angeles dermatologist, celebrated skin guru and creator of the eponymous skincare line, shares some of his tried-and-tested secrets for banishing summertime skin troubles.
Spot Treatment
“To fight acne, you need to reduce clogged pores and inflammation,” Dr. Murad advises. “Choose products with salicylic acid and glycolic acid to encourage cell turnover.” He also notes that skin responds well to a diet high in vitamin A and anti-inflammatory agents like zinc and licorice extract. So eat your veggies!
Saving Face
“Sun damage, also known as photo damage, appears visibly as discoloration, a rough texture and lines and wrinkles. But nearly everyone has invisible signs of sun damage beneath the top layers of the skin.” To help reduce signs of damage, Dr. Murad suggests using vitamin C-based products. And since a dollop of prevention goes a long way, never leave the house without slathering on plenty of sunscreen—with a minimum of 15 SPF.
Soft Touch
How to transform rough, weather-beaten skin into sexy suppleness? “The first step is to encourage the removal of dead cells. The skin should be exfoliated mechanically with a scrub, or chemically with a salicylic-, glycolicor enzyme-based product,” says Dr. Murad. Once the rough, dead layer is sloughed off, skin will readily absorb moisture. “Also, be sure to eat plenty of essential fatty acids like those found in avocados and olive oil.”
Lighten Up
To banish sunspots and discoloration, use a lightening product, such as one containing hydroquinone. “For even speedier benefits, use a vitamin C treatment during the day and a hydroquinone product every night.” Maintain your even complexion with religious applications of SPF.
BUY IT
Murad Essential-C Daily Renewal Complex®
Infused with vitamins C and E, natural extracts and a patented skin repair ingredient, this formulation will help alleviate signs of sun damage. www.murad.com
Jan Marini Bioglycolic Bioclear Lotion
Contains clog-busting salicylic and glycolic acids. www.skinstore.com
Cellex-C® Speed Peel Facial Gel
Effectively deletes complexion-dulling dead cells. www.sephora.com
Skin Medica® TNS Body Mist
Botanical skin brighteners in a handy go-anywhere spray. www.skinstore.com
Tozzi® Protect SPF 30
Packed with vitamins A, C, E, green tea extract and Co-Q10. www.dtozzi.com