Summer often means long hours in the sun, soaks in salt water and chlorine, and barefoot walks on the beach—all of which can take a bit of a toll on the body. Help keep your skin healthy and glowing into autumn with these tips from area experts.
Dry Skin
The Fix: “It’s not what you put on your body but what you put in your body that can have a major effect on your skin,” says Shannon Bonsell, clinical nutrition manager at Jupiter Medical Center’s Cary Grossman Health and Wellness Center. She recommends consuming fewer carbohydrates and more healthy fats. “Dry skin can be related to an imbalance or deficiency of fat in your diet since water in our cells is linked to the metabolism of fats,” she says. Good sources of fat include coconut or olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds, fish and shellfish, grass-fed meats, and eggs. And of course, don’t forget to drink plenty of water.
Sun-Damaged Hair
The Fix: “Organic extra-virgin coconut oil is a natural way to moisturize your hair, scalp to ends, and will also repair and prevent breakage,” says Julia McClintock, co-owner of Fox and the Bee salon in Tequesta. “Not to mention, it gives you some awesome shine!” McClintock suggests applying coconut oil to the hair once a week. Let it sit for 20 minutes or longer and follow with shampoo and conditioner. For a bonus treatment, she also loves R+Co.’s Super Garden products, which provide UV protection and are available at the salon.
Cracked Heels
The Fix: CBD or hemp oil (not to be confused with hemp seed oil) is the latest trend in skin care, and it can be an excellent addition to at-home pedicures, says Pamela Caldwell, spa, salon, and fitness director at The Club at Admirals Cove. “Studies of the endocannabinoid system have found that hemp may be able to regulate the life cycle of cells, leading to more youthful skin,” she explains. Caldwell recommends massaging a high-quality lotion infused with the oil into heels regularly to soften cracked skin. “A pedicure with CBD is not only a treat for your feet, but it can also provide muscle and joint relief for anyone suffering from arthritis or other foot ailments,” she adds.
Peeling Sunburn
The Fix: A sunburn that peels or blisters can be one of the most painful side effects of prolonged sun exposure. Dr. Laura Greyling, a dermatologist in the Jupiter office of Water’s Edge Dermatology, says the most important thing you can do after a sunburn is commit to it being your last. “Figure out how your sun protection fell short to avoid making the same mistakes in the future,” she says. Stay out of the sun while your sunburn heals and relieve some of the discomfort by using cold compresses; applying a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or aloe-based product to the skin; and taking ibuprofen for pain (as long as that is safe for you). Making sure you are hydrated is also key to a quick recovery.
Sunspots
The Fix: Before beginning any cosmetic treatment for sunspots, Dr. Greyling strongly recommends being evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist, as melanoma can often appear as a sunspot on the face. If it is just a sunspot, remedies like vitamin C serums and retinol products can help fade them—but prevention is key. “Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 is necessary even if you don’t plan on spending an extended amount of time outside,” says Greyling. Her colleague, Dr. John Minni, also suggests using a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, like EltaMD or CeraVe. “In-office treatments including peels, liquid nitrogen, and laser therapies are very safe and quite effective as well,” he adds. v
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