We had an opportunity to catch up with the anti-aging skin and body care experts at the SkinSpirit Palo Alto location to get their advice on healthy summer skin! www.skinspirit.com
What type of sun screen do you recommend?
SkinSpirit: We recommend sunscreen products with zinc or titanium dioxide, such as Skinceuticals Physical Fusion, SPF 50 and Dermaquest Zinclear SPF 30, as they provide you with broad-spectrum, all day protection that is soothing, gentle for the skin and can be used on anyone–even the most sensitive skin! The new generation of these formulas are light and extremely user-friendly.
What is the best way to avoid dryness in the summer?
SkinSpirit: Products like SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 gel and Dermaquest Advanced B5 Serum are ultra-lightweight and have high concentrations of hyaluronic acid, the body’s natural hydrator. When applied, it can hold up to 1000x’s its weight in water.
What would you suggest for lip protection?
SkinSpirit: Your lips need lip balm with sunscreen too. There are a variety of lip balms with sunscreen available over the counter at your local supermarket and drugstore. Again, look for ingredients such as zinc or titanium dioxide.
Are there any healthy foods or drinks you’d recommend for healthy skin?
SkinSpirit: The general rule for healthy skin is to avoid processed foods or refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats as they are shown to promote premature skin aging.
The best foods for healthy skin are also the best foods for our body overall. While focusing on specific foods for healthy skin, concentrate on a healthy diet in general. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Opt for whole-grain breads and pasta. Limit sweets. Strive for variety as you’re making healthy choices.
Foods rich in the essential fatty acids found in walnuts, flaxseed, salmon, and olive oil can help skin cells stay hydrated. A healthy diet with three to five servings a week of fatty acids will suffice for the average person. But if you suffer from very dry skin or eczema, consider flaxseed-, evening-primrose–, or borage-oil supplements. All are good sources of alpha or gamma linolenic fatty acids. Antioxidant-rich foods have a protective effect on our skin as well. Consider skin-friendly foods such as spinach and other green leafy vegetables, apricots, and other yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, tomatoes, blueberries, beans, peas and lentils.
What is the best thing we can do for our skin?
SkinSpirit: Utilize an effective daily regimen including retin-A, a topical growth factor (such as SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex or TNS Essential Serum),a topical anti-oxidant (such as SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF), and sunscreen of course! Minimize your exposure to depleting elements and environmental toxins such as sun, harsh winds, dry heat, high altitude, alcohol, long baths and avoid stripping soaps and products that can promote the loss of natural oils in your skin.
What must haves do we need in our beach bags?
SkinSpirit: Sunscreen (SPF) for the face, body and lips, a wide-brimmed hat, UV ray protected sunglasses, anti-oxidant rich snacks and filtered water to flush out toxins from your skin and body.
Do you have any preventative sun protection treatments?
SkinSpirit: We offers a variety of corrective treatments for skin and body, but the best sun damage prevention is daily protection. If you already suffer from visible sun damage, we offer complimentary consultations to educate you on treatments like Active FX, Fraxel, IPL, and micro-dermabrasion.