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| Dr. Ellen Marmur |
The Makeup Examiner loves the summer … who doesn't right? Although the warmth and fun-in-the-sun activities are a blast, and much-needed reprieve from this past winter, you may not have your skin summer-ready. Furthermore, once you do have you skin "de-polar vortexed" do you know the best ways to keep your skin looking great throughout the warmer months? TME was fortunate to catch up with Dr. Ellen Marmur to find out how to get, and how to keep, our skin looking sexy all summer long!
The Makeup Examiner: What's the best way to maintain skin moisture during the warmer months?
Dr. Ellen Marmur: The first question I ask my patients who suffer from dry skin is what are they using to cleanse themselves with. For most, this is not something they even really consider as they use whatever is left over in the shower or what's on sale at the drugstore. So the first step to set yourself up for success is to trade in the soaps and body washes that use harsher cleansers for a body wash with milder ingredients. Dove is the #1 dermatologist recommended brand of bar and body wash as they combine mild cleansers and moisturizers to replenish skin's nutrients while cleansing. In fact, dermatologists recommend Dove 7x more often than the next leading moisturizing body wash. After the shower, the next step is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Use a thick moisturizer while the skin is still damp and continue to apply throughout the day. The third step, and of course one that is even more important during the warmer months, is to apply sunscreen every time skin is exposed to the sun.
Shaving and summer go hand-in-hand. What can we do to retain skin moisture before, during, and after we shave?
Dr. Ellen Marmur: The first question I ask my patients who suffer from dry skin is what are they using to cleanse themselves with. For most, this is not something they even really consider as they use whatever is left over in the shower or what's on sale at the drugstore. So the first step to set yourself up for success is to trade in the soaps and body washes that use harsher cleansers for a body wash with milder ingredients. Dove is the #1 dermatologist recommended brand of bar and body wash as they combine mild cleansers and moisturizers to replenish skin's nutrients while cleansing. In fact, dermatologists recommend Dove 7x more often than the next leading moisturizing body wash. After the shower, the next step is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Use a thick moisturizer while the skin is still damp and continue to apply throughout the day. The third step, and of course one that is even more important during the warmer months, is to apply sunscreen every time skin is exposed to the sun.
Shaving and summer go hand-in-hand. What can we do to retain skin moisture before, during, and after we shave?
Dr. Ellen: If you shave during your morning shower, apply moisturizer the night before you shave. Pay attention to the cleanser or shave cream you are shaving with and seek out a product that won't strip essential oils from your skin. For example, Dove Crème Mousse Body Wash has a rich, whipped formula that makes it an ideal shave cream alternative and is clinically proven to leave skin moisturized after shaving. Formulated with NutriumMoisture, Dove Crème Mousse Body Wash replenishes your skin with nutrients lost during shaving for a soft, smooth feel. After you shave, immediately apply additional moisturizer while skin is still damp and then apply sunscreen before exposing skin to sun.
SPF is almost a given, but what is the lowest you recommend?
Dr. Ellen: Broad spectrum UVA UVB SPF 30 is my lowest! Unless we are applying a shot glass, or a golf ball, amount of sunscreen lotion, we are only getting a fraction of the number of the SPF on the label. So don't skimp on sunscreen. You will still get sun even with SPF 50!
How often should SPF be reapplied?
Dr Ellen: Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours. There is no reason to forget or avoid this because sunscreen formulations are more elegant and cosmetic than ever.
How often should SPF be reapplied?
Dr Ellen: Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours. There is no reason to forget or avoid this because sunscreen formulations are more elegant and cosmetic than ever.
What are your three "must-dos" for summer skincare?
Dr. Ellen:
- Moisturize your skin three times a day! This will prep your skin for its natural glow.
- Avoid harsh soaps that strip your essential oils and use mild cleansers.
- And WEAR your sunscreen! There are no excuses.
Note: A very special thank to Dr. Marmur for taking time from her extremely busy schedule to share her expertise on maintaining healthy summer skin!
