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The days are thankfully getting longer and as we get to spend more time outdoors enjoying the fresh air and sunshine, it is critical to increase the use of sunscreen to prevent the development of solar keratosis and, by implication, help to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

If you Google The New England Journal of Medicine you will see multiple peer reviewed studies on the benefits of using sunscreen. I would first encourage you to use a high quality sunscreen daily – even when it is cloudy as those UV rays, especially with ozone depletion, can impact your skin. This is critical not only for your complexion, but also for your long-term health.

I recommend Suntegrity SPF 30 Sunscreen because it offers broad-spectrum protection without the chalkiness, greasiness or harsh chemicals.

Unfortunately there is a negative to sunscreen use – facial irritation and clogged pores that can lead to unwanted and sometimes “ugly” consequences. Is there a solution? Yes.

Masking at home with Valmont Purifying Pack 2-3 times a week will help to keep your skin clear and looking its best during these humid months.

To further minimize congestion of the skin, don’t forget to switch to lighter products. I recommend Environ Antioxidant Gel for daytime, or if your skin is on the drier side, Environ AVST moisturizer.  Using products with powerful antioxidants such as green tea extract, Vitamins A, C and E along with your sunscreen will give you additional protection against free-radicals from the harmful UV rays as well as environmental factors.

At night I recommend double cleansing with Biologique Recherché Lait VIP O2 to remove makeup and impurities, while allowing the skin to take in oxygen. Follow this with Biologique Recherché Lotion P50 1970 to exfoliate and regulate excessive sebum secretion.

For the final step, I recommend using Valmont DNA Repair Serum and Valmont Soothing Cream together to boost the skin’s capacity for repair. Using these products at nighttime, when the skin is most active, will help heal damaged tissue, while calming irritation and redness.

For extra care around the delicate eye area, I always like to finish with a separate eye cream such as Valmont Expression Line Reducer Eye Factor I.

Of course, if your skin needs a deep pore cleaning, nothing beats a Rescue facial from a qualified esthetician. We can assess your skin and customize a treatment to your specific needs. It usually begins with a deep cleanse using steam to open up the pores, followed by exfoliation. As you get relaxed, your pores will be cleansed via various means to insure healthy and vibrant skin.

Action Step?  Don’t wait.  Don’t procrastinate. Book a rejuvenating facial with one of Rescue Spa’s experienced estheticians, such as myself and consider a gift certificate for a friend or significant other.

Let us embrace the fresh air and warmth that summer provides, while enjoying the sun responsibly.

Your skin will love you for it!