PEDESTRIAN.TV has teamed up with QV Ceramides to help your skin glow this summer.
Summer is almost here, so you know what that means: a new skincare routine to get that dewy look. That’s why I asked dermatologist Dr Cara McDonald, a director for Complete Skin Specialists, how to help your skin glow.
It turns out that it’s all in the skin hydration — and no, just drinking water doesn’t cut it. Here’s everything she told me so your skin can glow this summer.
1. How does the summer season affect our skin?
I know winter is the stereotypical time for dry skin, but I find my skin is actually most parched in summer.
The good news is that we’re not delulu. Dr McDonald explains: “We are obviously more prone to UV light exposure in the summer months, and this can further exacerbate pre-existing skin conditions.”
If you have sensitive skin or have rosacea or sun damage, the heat can actually cause dryness, redness/flushing, increased sensitivity and skin rashes.
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Whereas if you have dry, eczema-prone or itchy skin, humidity can be a blessing in boosting your skin hydration.
“In both cases, it’s important to care for and protect your skin throughout summer,” Dr McDonald continued.
2. Why do we need to keep our skin hydrated?
“Adequate hydration is critical for skin health,” Dr McDonald explained. “The skin barrier is the fundamental protection for the skin. It prevents water loss and invasion from bacteria or chemicals on the surface.”
The dermatologist advised that consistent skincare is the best way to keep your skin hydrated.
Products like QV Ceramides Cleanser help support the skin barrier (which keeps the moisture locked in) with its three ceramides, niacinimide and 15 per cent Glycerin.
3. What are your five skin hydration tips for summer? How do they help?
Dr McDonald’s first tip is to avoid unprotected skin exposure AKA, tanning.
“UV light can cause significant inflammation and long-term DNA damage to the skin. This leads to many different skin issues, including an increased risk of skin cancer,” she explained.
Her next tip is to reduce the time you spend in the wind and water, “You may notice your skin feels drier or tight after wind and water exposure.”
Dr McDonald’s third tip is to stay hydrated, because when was the last time you drank some water today? Note: I literally just went and got my drink bottle while writing this.
“It really is a myth that drinking extra water will hydrate your skin, [but] we do know that it’s easier to dehydrate on warmer days,” she explained. “If your overall health is suffering, then it’s likely to exacerbate inflammation in the skin.”
Her fourth tip is to moisturise daily, “Good daily moisturisers help to reinforce the skin barrier by providing essential fatty acids, lipids and ceramides, which all work to maintain skin hydration.”
Moisturisers like QV Ceramides Cream or QV Ceramides Lotion keep the skin hydrated for up to 24 hours with, as mentioned above, triple ceramides and niacinamide. Plus, the QV Ceramides range is dermatologically tested and won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Second step: QV Ceramides Cream or Lotion. Credit: QV Ceramides.
Finally, Dr McDonald’s last tip is not to overdo the active ingredients.
“People who love their skincare tend to want to maximise the quality of their skin with various products.” While Dr McDonald doesn’t discourage this attitude, she notes we have to remember that “sometimes less is more, and layering multiple actives, or chopping and changing between different brands and products can actually do more harm than good.”
4. How would you incorporate these tips into a skincare routine?
Dr McDonald explained that it depends on your skin type and goals, but her biggest type for incorporating these tips is consistency and using good quality products.
“So long as you are doing a basic routine every day, this should help to keep your skin barrier healthy, which, in turn, will keep your skin hydrated,” Dr McDonald explained.
5. Which step should you put on sunscreen?
I never know which step to take when putting on my sunscreen. For example, if I put it on before my skincare, will that stop it from working? It turns out I was right — kinda.
“Sunscreen should always be the last product in your morning routine, other than makeup, which goes on top,” Dr McDonald explained. “If you are going to be outside during the day, then it is best to reapply every two to four hours, depending on your activities and exposure.”
@brad.a.1999 WELCOME TO STRAYA, ITS A BIT WARM OUT HERE 🔥🇦🇺🦘🔥#fyp #australia #heat #weather #fyp ♬ original sound – australianmagpie
6. What are some skin hydration myths?
Other than the water hydration equals skin hydration myth we mentioned above, Dr McDonald’s second myth is that oily or acne-prone skin does not need moisturising. (Low key, I’m guilty of this.)
“Skin oil, known as sebum, is produced as a protective mechanism for the skin but does not necessarily increase skin hydration,” Dr McDonald explained.
She went on to say that oil production will actually increase if the skin is irritated or inflamed. That explains why my skin feels so oily and icky when I don’t moisturise it enough — it’s because I’m not protecting my skin barrier. Look at us go, learning stuff.
@drsarahtranter What other #skincare myths have you heard?👇🏼 #skin #mythbusting #doctor #water #fyp #acne ♬ Ginseng Strip 2002 – Yung Lean
Now go off and hydrate your skin, I know I will. Make sure to share this in your group chat as well! Us skincare girlies don’t gatekeep the secrets to glowing skin.
The post 6 Essential Summer Skincare Tips From A Dermatologist Because Yes, You Still Need To Hydrate appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
