Jillian Wright's Myths, Facts & Tips for Summer Skin Care

Prevention is better than cure, and nowhere is this more important than when it comes to summer skin care. These days, there are an infinite number of ways to undo damage already done to the skin, or at the very least improve the appearance of damaged skin. However, the best and most cost-effective way to tackle skin damage is to simply avoid it in the first place. To do so, start taking care of your skin early and have an understanding of the do's and don’ts for proper skin care.

The experts at Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa are here to bust the myths, establish the facts, and provide you with information that will keep your skin protected during the summer days.

Myth: "I wear sunscreen on my face and arms. I don't need it for areas covered with clothes."

Fact: That's fine for short sun 'trips', but for prolonged exposure like outdoor sports, outdoor jobs or beach vacations, cover your entire body with sunscreen. The average cotton shirt has an SPF of only 5!

Myth: "I'm using a moisturizer that has SPF already in it. Double benefits! Beat that!"

Fact: Not hard to beat that! Use a separate moisturizer and sunscreen for proper protection!

Myth: "I need to get sun exposure for my daily vitamin D!"

Fact: Get it through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don't seek the sun! You only need 10 minutes of sunshine per day!

Myth: "I like to get a healthy suntan."

Fact: There is no such thing as a healthy suntan. Any change in your natural skin color is a sign of skin damage. Every time your skin color changes after sun exposure, your risk of developing sun-related ailments increases.

Myth: "I am a dark-skinned person. I don't really need sunscreen."

Fact: Even though dark-skinned people do not burn as easily as fair-skinned people, it doesn't mean that they are immune from skin cancer.

Myth: "I don't like sunscreen. It clogs my pores, breaks me out, and is just too greasy!"

Fact: Talk to your esthetician. You just haven't found the right one for your skin type. There is one out there for you!

Sunscreen is the most effective anti-aging product you can use. When the skin is left unprotected, the sun's rays cause a substance in the body known as free radicals. Free radicals are responsible for collagen and elastin breakdown. Consequently, individuals who lay out and tan excessively age more rapidly than others. The breakdown of collagen and elastin means that the skin loses its elasticity, which means that over time it will start sagging.

Protecting your skin from the sun with an SPF is only part of the process, however. To take care of those free radicals that do form in the skin, you need to neutralize them by using a product containing antioxidants, as well as ingesting antioxidant-rich foods such as blueberries and green tea, before the free radicals can do too much damage.

Turn to the estheticians at Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa for the most effective care and precautions for sun-damaged skin.