We’re Breaking Down The Best Summer Skincare Practices And No-Nos With Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Morgana Colombo
With summer now in full swing and the Fourth of July around the corner, keeping your skin safe is a top priority.
We spoke with Dr. Morgana Colombo, a Board Certified Dermatologist and Co-founder of Skintap– a virtual dermatology care center that provides patients with personalized skincare solutions.
She gave us the low-down on the best sun-protective practices, what skin conditions are prone to flare up in hotter months, a skincare TikTok trend to avoid at all costs, and more.
First, let’s tackle sun damage. What best skincare practices do you recommend to protect yourself while soaking up some rays?
“The most important thing to do in the summer to prevent sun damage is properly using a good, broad-spectrum sunscreen,” Dr. Colombo said. These sunscreens should have both UVA and UVB protection.
Moreover, how you put on your sunscreen is just as important.
“Sunscreen should be applied in a thick enough layer to cover all sun-exposed areas of the body. And, it should be reapplied every two hours you’re out in the sun,” she continued.
Plus, if you decide to take a dip in the pool or ocean, that can impact your level of protection. Dr. Colombo advises patients to reapply sunscreen every hour if they are getting wet.
Pictured above is Dr. Morgana Colombo
Sign up for Chip Chick’s newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.
Other helpful protective tools include sunglasses, a hat, and beach umbrellas.
Since tanning is known to cause long-term skin damage, many women have turned to using self-tanners. Is this a healthy option, and does it have dermatological downsides?
“The use of self-tanners is definitely preferable over tanning through sun exposure or the use of a tanning bed,” Dr. Colombo said. Both of these methods can lead to skin cancers and significant sun damage over time, contributing to accelerated signs of aging.
She also shared how the active ingredient used in self-tanners is known as DHA (dihydroxyacetone). It does not absorb into the skin but rather sits on top of dead skin.
“This makes it not harmful. But some downsides to their use are that they can dry out the skin and cosmetically look orange-ish or uneven. And, if you sweat with self-tanner on, you may release an odor that some people find unpleasant,” Dr. Colombo explained.
One thing to watch out for, though, is skin irritation. People with sensitive skin or allergies may experience an allergic contact reaction or irritation while using self-tanning products. For this, you can search for allergen-free or fragrance-free self-tanners.
Are other skin issues known to flare up during hotter months as opposed to the winter?
“Dryness tends to be less of a problem in the summer months,” Dr. Colombo began, “But some people that have sensitive skin with eczema may flare during the summer due to a reaction to heat and excessive sweating.”
Additionally, people who suffer from acne may notice summer flare-ups due to higher humidity. Ensure that you regularly wash your face after engaging in any sweaty activities.
“Sweat-related rashes such as tinea versicolor and jock itch may also flare in hot, summer months,” Dr. Colombo added. These can be combatted by regularly bathing, thoroughly drying moist areas of skin, avoiding tight-fitting clothes, and making sure you only wear clean items.
Finally, have you seen any recent trends people should avoid at all costs to maintain skin health?
“One trend that seems the most alarming to me as a dermatologist is the sunscreen contouring hack seen all over TikTok,” Dr. Colombo said.
One TikToker named Ava Berube recently posted herself partaking in this trend to contour abs onto her stomach. The video gained over six million views and half a million likes.
“The idea of strategically applying sunscreen to highlight certain areas and leaving others uncovered to create a natural contour effect seems unwise for the future health of your skin,” Dr. Colombo explained.
“With this trend, uncovered areas are susceptible to the harmful effects of sun exposure, such as future skin cancers and accelerating aging presenting as uneven pigmentation and wrinkling. You may look ‘naturally contoured’ while young, but it is not worth it!” she continued.
Instead, Dr. Colombo reiterated that even and thick applications of sunscreen are the best way to go. And if you really want to get a contoured look, you can always use face or body makeup.
How do you plan to take care of your skin this summer?
If true crime defines your free time, this is for you: join Chip Chick’s True Crime Tribe.
Her Boyfriend Broke Up With Her Because She Gave Her Mom A Card On Father’s Day
She Shared A Video Washing Her Kale In A Washing Machine And TikTok Has Questions
More About:Beauty & Style
