Denise Garcia, M.D., oculofacial plastic surgeon and founder of Desert Eyesthetics, knows firsthand how important it is to take great care of one’s skin.
“The medical side of my practice includes managing the aging-related issues that affect the eyelids and surrounding tissues, treating skin cancers, tearing, and thyroid eye disease, to name a few,” Garcia says of the boutique-style office that offers medical and aesthetic treatments in a relaxed and intimate setting. “The aesthetic side includes surgical management of the eyelids and surrounding tissues, injectables, and laser skin care. We also have comprehensive aesthetic services provided by my in-house aesthetician, Kylie Maas.”
While proper skin care is always important, Garcia says it’s especially crucial during the summer months, when the UV index is significantly higher.
To keep skin as healthy as possible, Garcia and Maas offer the following tips.
Protection from the sun and UV rays is key
“The best way to take care of your skin during summer is by avoiding UV damage in the first place,” Garcia says. “Wear a hat, wear sunglasses, use an umbrella if you are sitting outside for long periods, and wear SPF clothing to protect your arms and legs.”
Apply sunscreen every day
Apply sunscreen to the face and neck every day, Maas advises.
“Even if you aren’t going outside for any length of time, you will still get exposed to the sun in your car,” she says.
She suggests that people find a great sunscreen for the face that they like and won’t mind applying; she and Garcia recommend Alastin SilkShield or Alastin HydraTint ProMineral 36.
“Apply it every morning to your face, neck, and exposed décolleté. Remember to reapply frequently—every 90 minutes or so—if you are sweating, and don’t forget to get a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips,” Maas says.
Hydrate!
This tip sounds simple, but as Garcia notes, it’s easier said than done.
“Arizona is so hot and dry in the summer that we tend to dehydrate quickly. Keep your body hydrated and your skin will look and feel better,” she says.
Garcia advises trying to drink at least 8 cups of water per day, and even more if you are participating in outdoor activities.
“Make it easy on yourself—fill up your favorite 30-ounce insulated tumbler with ice water and make sure to refill at least twice throughout the day,” she says.
Double cleanse
“At night, make sure to double cleanse your skin; it will help to get off all the SPF, debris, and sweat that accumulates throughout the day,” Maas says, adding that she suggests first using an oil cleanser, followed by a hydrating gentle cleanser.
Moisturize!
“Find a great moisturizer to apply in the morning and before bed,” Garcia advises. “You may want a lighter product for daytime use—we suggest Alastin Ultra Light Moisturizer—and a thicker lotion or cream before bed like Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer. Moisturizer is your best friend after a long day of sun!”
Limit exfoliants
“Be careful using exfoliants—both physical and chemical, like retinols, alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic and lactic acids—before sun exposure. These can make your skin more sensitive and increase your chance of burning,” Maas notes.
Modify your laser treatment schedule
People who get laser treatments on their skin may want to modify their treatments and/or schedule during the summer. As Garcia notes, while some treatments like photofacials, IPL, or Forever Young BBL require strict sun avoidance for one to two weeks before and after treatment, others are safe to do year-round.
“Moxi laser and microneedling, both of which are great options for all skin types, can be safely done in the summer,” Garcia notes.
Special considerations
People with melasma and/or rosacea should take extra special care during the summer, Maas says.
“The higher UV index is a huge trigger for melasma. We recommend wearing wide-brimmed hats, strict adherence to wearing a facial sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily, and avoiding high-heat activities like hot yoga or saunas,” she says, adding that Moxi laser is an excellent treatment for melasma that can be done year-round. These also apply to people with rosacea, but Maas adds that spicy foods and alcohol can also trigger increased flushing.
“So if you are attending a summer barbecue, wear a big hat and plenty of sunscreen, seek shade whenever possible, watch what you eat, and drink plenty of water!” Maas says.