Try an Avocado Mask
"Avocados contain the good kind of fat, as well as more than 25 vital nutrients. Vitamins, such as the vitamin A found in avocados, cleanse the skin of dead skin cells and help protect against harmful environmental factors. They also contain antioxidants that reduce toxins and help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. For softer, younger-looking, more hydrated skin, try making a mask by mashing up avocado with honey and lemon.”
— Dr. Jennifer Lee; Franklin, Tenn.
Protect Skin with the Shot Glass Rule
“Reapply sunscreen every two hours if outdoors, as the ingredients become inactive after a few hours. It takes a shot glass amount of sunscreen to cover your body. If you are not using enough sunscreen, then you are not adequately protecting your skin. That nice healthy tan you are trying to get not only can put you at risk for skin cancer but can make wrinkles, and red and brown blemishes appear at a faster rate.”
— Dr. Omar A. Ibrahimi; Stamford, Conn.
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Only Cleanse Once
“Wash your skin in the morning, but avoid using a cleanser. Your skin typically remains pretty clean while you’re sleeping, so it’s fine to save time and simply rinse with water in the morning and use your cleanser just once daily. Cleansers can compromise the skin barrier function and deplete essential nutrients and hydration. Plus, over-washing skin can ramp up skin’s oil production, leading to acne.”
— Dr. Brian Zelickson; Minneapolis
Clean Your Cell
“Wipe your cell phone down daily with an alcohol swab. It kills any bacteria and reduces oils that may get transferred onto your skin.”
— Dr. Eric Schweiger; New York
Prep Your Skin Overnight
“To treat scars that might show up if you’re wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts, nighttime is a great time to incorporate targeted treatments into your skincare routine. Sleep enables the body to repair and regenerate skin cells at a faster rate.”
— Dr. Debra Jaliman; New York
Think Lighter
“Move away from heavy moisturizers and switch to lighter, oil-free lotions and serums. Tinted moisturizers and BB creams can do double duty. For my patients with acne, summer can be an extra concern, but prescription ACZONE can be worn under makeup, so you can still treat your acne while wearing makeup.”
— Dr. Doris Day; New York
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Skip Lemon-Lime Drinks
“My favorite all-year-around tip is to have tinted windows and apply sunscreen for while you're driving, when you can still get skin damage. For summer, not sipping lemon-lime-based drinks on the beach seems counterintuitive, but you shouldn’t. Here's why: I've seen one too many young women get a chemical-like burn around their mouth and hands, before their ‘important’ day — and it’s because they sipped on a margarita or lemon-based drink on the beach and developed phytophotodermatitis.”
— Dr. Indy Chabra; North Sioux City, S.D.
Use the Right Sunscreen
“You do not need to become a vampire, but you should be smart about sun safety. Use sunscreen that has zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and that is at least SPF 30. Also, it's always important to remember to reapply if you have been sweating or swimming.”
— Dr. Travis Kidner; Beverly Hills, Calif.
Set Your Makeup with Sunscreen
“One of my favorite suggestions for busy women to look great and stay protected all day is to use a powder sunscreen over their makeup in the morning. The powder locks the makeup in place, cuts down on facial oil on a humid day and provides excellent sun protection. It can be applied several times a day to maintain protection and never messes up makeup. I use it myself to look fabulous — not greasy at the beach or pool, and to protect my skin.”
— Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi; Washington, D.C.
