When the heat sets in, the sweat starts dripping and the sun blazes down on us, is there a more perfect storm for summer skin woes? Skin pros know that up to 80 percent of skin’s yearly damage comes from the summer months. So for clients coming in seeking refuge and relief, what’s the best way to soothe and protect? As the summer wreaks havoc on your clients’ skin, here’s what the experts have to say about keeping them calm, cool and collected.
Q How do you soothe overexposed skin?
A For clients who suffer from sunburn or overexposure, first utilize a cooling gel like Repêchage Skin Relief Soothing Gel. It contains soothing, cooling and hydrating ingredients like deep sea thermus thermophilus, aloe vera and cucumber, and green, rooibos and white tea. Also, it’s essential to focus on hydrating the skin and restoring the moisture barrier. A Repêchage Seaweed Facial is a great express treatment option. Seaweed is rich in essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids to help soften the skin, and ingredients like pentapeptides can help skin appear firmer and smoother, while reducing appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, which is something that overexposure can enhance.
—Lydia Sarfati, Repêchage CEO and Founder
Q What is the best way to treat hyperpigmentation from sun damage?
A Hyperpigmentation from sun damage can be stubborn to treat depending on how long the client has had sun damage and how deep the damage has gone into the skin. First, get them on the right exfoliant to slough off the damaged cells and help the body regenerate new healthy cells. The best exfoliants are enzymes like pumpkin and papaya, lactic acid, phytic acid, and retinoids. Next, use serums to inhibit the melanin from forming or transferring to the other cells. The main ingredients I use to achieve this are oligopeptides, diglucosyl gallic acid, vitamin C, and zinc glycinate. The last step is SPF to protect the new undamaged cells. Everyone should be using SPF not only for preventing sun damage, but also to prevent premature aging. I always have to remind my clients that the pigmentation will not disappear overnight. It took years for them to see the damage on their skin and it can be a few months before they see full results.
—Elizabeth Jones, Advanced Instructor at International Dermal Institute and Dermalogica
Q Does treating acne in the summer require a different approach?
A We want to address keeping the skin clean from dirt and debris, and exfoliating dead skin cell buildup. Acne treatments and medications can cause increased sun sensitivity, so avoiding direct sun exposure is a must. And it’s essential that acne clients use a minimum SPF 30 to protect their sensitive skin. Many acne clients are hesitant to use SPF thinking it will break them out. But formulas today are very advanced, achieving results without clogging the follicles or pores.—Jones