Since summer in Santa Monica means sunny weekends at the beach, your skin deserves none less than impeccable skin care. The majority of residents in Southern California spend much more time outside during this time of year. Unfortunately, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin, sometimes beyond repair. While we understand the desire to play outside and get a sun-kissed glow, precautions must be taken during the hottest season of the year. Skin care needs to be adjusted to replenish hydration, prevent sun damage and ramp up your glow so you look radiant and beautiful.

Adopt a few or all of these tips to minimize damage and get your skin looking its summer best.

1. Daily Sunblock Application

A painful, damaging sunburn only takes a few minutes to get and the damage can be long-lasting. Daily application of sunblock is absolutely mandatory. In fact, sunblock should be reapplied several times throughout the day to protect your skin from the sun’s harsh UV rays. Apply it to your face, neck, décolletage and hands—and anywhere else that you want to retain young looking skin. Apply it 20 minutes before you go outside and choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30. If you’re going to be outside for extended periods of time, re-apply it every 90 minutes. If you do get a sunburn, head to our skin clinic immediately for one of our hydrating facials to relieve the pain and minimize damage.

2. Double Up

You can never have too much SPF in your routine. Take your sun protection up a notch by using a moisturizer or foundation with SPF. There are also powders you can buy that provide sheer coverage along with a little extra protection.

3. Use Lip Protection

Your lips are extremely sensitive to the sun, so be sure to use a moisture-rich lip balm with SPF to hydrate and protect your kisser. Layer it under your lipstick or gloss and re-apply it throughout the day. It surprises us how many clients come to our medical skin spa for lip injections, yet forget to use SPF on their lips.

4. Exfoliate Regularly

Summer can bring on the breakouts since we perspire more than usual. When sweat mixes with sunscreen, makeup and moisturizer, pores can get clogged, which causes acne and breakouts. Regular exfoliation removes the dead skin cells and grime from the skin’s surface and helps detoxify the pores. Choose a gentle exfoliant this time of year and use it less than you would during the winter. The staff at our medical skin spa can provide excellent recommendations for your type of skin.

5. Load up on Produce With Antioxidants

Increase your intake of summer produce to help hydrate your skin and combat damage from the sun and free radicals. Opt for colorful produce ranging from dark leafy greens, tomatoes and sweet potatoes to berries, oranges, watermelons and cantaloupe. Colorful produce is rich in antioxidants and will hydrate and protect the skin from the inside out.

6. Book Regular Facials

Facials can do everything from deep cleansing the pores and exfoliating to hydrating and plumping up fine lines. Book regular facials so that your aesthetician can address the various concerns that come up during hotter weather.

7. Drink More Water

Our bodies and skin require more water during hotter temperatures. Keep skin hydrated by drinking extra water and tea, especially when you exercise or head outside.