Summer is here and with it comes sunburn and sun damage. We asked Dr. Holly Gunn of Gunn Dermatology how to protect our skin this summer. Here is what she suggests:
> Different sunscreens for different activities? The pool vs. a sports outing vs. day-to-day
Yes. You need a good day time sunscreen that isn’t sticky or greasy and looks great on the skin for day to day activities. We love Neocutis MicroDay for daily use. For the pool or sports you need a waterproof sunscreen for face and body like our Gunn Dermatology Vital Mineral sunscreen.
> Better than waxing. The best way to treat the irritation of shaving more.
Laser hair removal is absolutely the best way to treat unwanted hair because it permanently reduces the amount of hair you have with each treatment. With successive treatments you can decrease the pain and irritation from waxing or shaving. After 6-12 laser hair removal treatments shaving, becomes a once every three to four months event rather than daily. Some patients never have to shave again.
> Is Glycolic acid the best? Confused about the different face acids?
There are two types of mild acids that we use for making the skin glowy, smooth and healthier. Alpha Hydroxy acids that include citric and sugar acids like glycolic acid and Beta hydroxy acid like salicylic acid. All of them could be considered to be the best depending on what result or improvement you are trying to receive. Glycolic acid is great for improving dark marks and brightening the skin. Salicylic acid is great for acne. All of the other mild acids can be mixed together for great results. Our Gunn Dermatology AHA BHA cleanser is one of our best selling products because it helps with acne, dark marks, and leaves the skin feeling fresh and glowy.
> How TO repair and prepare. Transitioning into getting more sun exposure
After the shower is the best time to moisturize. Do it every single day even if you do not feel dry. Not over using soap is important too so I’m alway telling patient to only hit “dirty areas” with soap. The arms and legs can skip the soap. We love CeraVe SA, VMV Re Everything lotion and the Gunn Dermatology AOX and glow lotion for everyday moisturizing without feeling greasy.
Have questions about preparing your skin for summer? Dr. Holly Gunn MD FAAD at Gunn Dermatology in Crestline Village offers Dermatology care for all ages and specializes in medical, surgical, cosmetic and laser Dermatology.
