Yahoo Lifestyle Ageless Summer Beauty
1. Exfoliate the smart way Alternate between using chemical and physical exfoliators. This does a better job of removing dead cells that build up more on summer skin, and leaves a radiant glow, says Dr Debra Jaliman, assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in the US. Switch between using an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) lotion and exfoliating gloves or granules.
2. Layer lips with SPF There's less pigment in the skin of the lips, so they're more sensitive to UV light. "The lower lip also points up towards the sun; therefore, it's damaged more easily," says Dr Stephen Shumack, Prevention's consulting dermatologist. Slick on a lipstick or gloss that contains SPF on top of a lip formula with built-in SPF of at least 15; this further guards against thinning, dryness and sunspots. Try QV Face Lip Balm with SPF 30+ ($5.15; 1800 033 706).
3. Boost post-sun hydration Reduce UV-induced dryness from sun exposure by slathering clean skin with moisturiser and covering it with a warm, damp towel for five minutes. "The heat activates the lotion's ingredients, which keep skin supple," says Dr Mary P Lupo, professor of clinical dermatology at Tulane University in the United States.
4. Strengthen nails with a supplement Take 2.5 mg of the B vitamin biotin daily. This prevents the nail breakage that occurs with regular exposure to salt water and chlorine. Research shows that a daily dose of biotin increases nail thickness by 25 per cent, making nails less apt to split and tear.
5. Save your fake tan After applying self-tanner, steer clear of exfoliating scrubs and creams that contain retinol or AHAs for a few days. "Anything that speeds up exfoliation in the first four to five days of tanning is a no-no, as self-tanners work only on the surface layers of the skin," explains Tania Walsh, CEO of Australia's Vani-T Cosmetics. "Exfoliating removes the 'tanned' skin cells, thereby removing colour. For the best results, exfoliate before applying your tan." Chlorine also lightens skin, so avoid pools and spas if you’re trying to maintain a good fake glow.
6. Protect hair with sunscreen Handy tip: before swimming, comb your regular sunscreen through your strands; this forms a barrier that prevents chlorine and salt water from stripping colour and drying out hair, explains LA-based hairstylist Jessica Galván. Or use a product specifically designed to shield hair, such as Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil with UV filters ($49.95; 1300 300 054).
7. Get younger hands with moisturiser Washing your hands too often can do more harm than good, says US-based dermatologist Dr Doris Day. "Women make the mistake of washing their hands too many times a day, which can cause excessive dryness and itchiness, and accelerate ageing. Your skin actually has its own immune system, which kills germs and bacteria." Her tip: just wash your hands after going to the toilet, and moisturise them with every wash.
8. Try a caffeine-packed après-sun cream A topical jolt of caffeine significantly reduces UV-induced roughness and wrinkling in mice, according to one study. A more recent finding shows it might even help curb skin cancer by suppressing ATR, a protein that enables precancerous cells to survive and replicate. Californian Tan Daily ResCu Triple Tan Extender ($54.99; 1300 867 826) contains a triple cocoa-caffeine shot to smooth and firm skin—just don't drink it!
9. Wear sandals to keep soles soft During summer, it's tempting to walk around barefoot all day, but footloose isn’t fancy for feet. "The lack of support puts extra pressure on your soles, which can result in bunions and calluses," explains Marcia Kilgore, founder of FitFlop sandals ($119.95; fitflop.com).
10. Wipe your hairline after wearing a hat Does your head sometimes get itchy after wearing a hat? Hats and headbands can trap excess oil, causing spots along your forehead, says Dr Cheryl Karcher, clinical instructor of dermatology at New York University Langone Medical Center. When you take off your hat, run an antibacterial wipe across your forehead to prevent breakouts.
