Many of you may be wrapping up your “cold weather” skin care treatments like peels or micro-needling and beginning to get your skin summer-ready. Much like the weather, our skin care routine will often change with the seasons. As we embrace spring and warmer temperatures it’s time to be sure your skin is protected for the longer days in the sun. 

The most common question I am asked is how to best address fine lines and the associated facial volume loss. There are many sophisticated options out there: neurotoxins, Sculptra (c), hyaluronic acid fillers, growth factors and exosomes to name a few. Many of these treatments I will recommend, but I will always start with a good SPF.

Research tells us that UV or sun exposure causes “80% of visible facial aging.*” UV rays are known to destroy the elastin and collagen fibers that make up our skin barrier. These are the important building blocks that give our skin its natural elasticity, firmness, volume and hydration. 

Now this may be an unpopular opinion, especially for those mamas out there with exactly 12 seconds to get ready in the morning – but STOP relying on your foundation and/or moisturizer “with SPF” to be your source of protection from the sun. It’s not enough! 

SPF or sun protection factor is just that, it’s there to protect not moisturize. Whatever product you use for sun protection should be a standalone step in your skincare routine. It needs to be treated as a protective layer, and not as an ingredient mixed in. Here are a few of my go-to favorites for SPF:

• For Everyday Use. A good friend and local esthetician turned me on to my now everyday SPF: Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 33. It’s lightweight, provides an antioxidant (think insurance for your SPF!) and feels like butter going on. The added benefit: it smells heavenly.

• Full face ready: on the days that we have more than twelve seconds to get ready I love: ZO Sunscreen + Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30. As the name states this product provides your SPF in a primer, so your skin is prepped and ready to receive your foundation better and thus last longer. My skin has a silky feel to it after using.

• Easy on the go: on the days I don’t want to wear foundation but want a nice “glow” I use: ZO Smart Tone Broad Spectrum SPF 50. With a slight tint to it, my skin has a natural even glow with the added benefit of a higher strength SPF which is perfect for those longer days on the soccer fields or tennis courts.

Whatever product you choose to use, remember it only works if you use it – prevention goes hand in hand with protection! 

Feel free to reach out to me with questions or to book a consultation by email or phone: (703) 718-6094.

Yours in Health & Happiness,

Ashley

*Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2013; 6: 221–232. Published online 2013 Sep 27