Prep Skin For Summer On A Budget

With spring in the air and summer trailing close behind, it is time to prep your skin for the increase of humidity and UV rays! Celebrity skin expert Lovely Isreal, Clinical Director and Principal of Skin by Lovely in Santa Monica, California, gave RadarOnline.com some exclusive advice on how to get your skin ready for the climate change!

Says Lovely, “As we age, we lose the ability for our skin cells to turnover and skin appears dull and discolored. Winter and fall bring dry, parched skin and spring through summer can bring acne and discolorations due an increase in humidity in the air and sun exposure. It is important to change out your products along with your wardrobe!”

These are the steps she suggests on how to frugally get your “glow” back.

Beauty Steps:

1) Start using an alpha beta hydroxyl acid face wash. Natural acids such as glycolic, lactic and citric assist in cell turnover, reduction in blackheads and help to reduce acne and brown spots. My favorite is Revision Brightening Face Wash ($25).

2) Vitamin Serums for your skin provide not only antioxidant benefits by combating free radicals caused by the sun but also assist in collagen production. Applied twice daily these keep our skin plump, smooth and supple! Olay Regenerists line contains antioxidants and skin plumping peptides! Also IS Clinical line is great for people with acne who need antioxidants in a lighter formula.

3) Find a glamorous summer hat. The bigger the better! Big sunglasses and hats can look great on the beach and also help keep you looking younger through out the year. Sun breaks down collagen and elastin in the skin causing premature aging. The number one complaint I here in practice is about sunspots on the face and chest! Baking in the sun in your teens and 20’s causes severe free radical damage. The best protection is a barrier like sunglasses and hats.

4) Dry Skin is a very common complaint and a huge factor in maintaining glowing skin. Try applying Argon Oil to the face instead of a moisturizer if your skin tends to get dehydrated. Try Eden Allure at Amazon.com ($30)

5) Find a great self tanner and tinted sun block. Most self-tanners on the face can cause breakouts so its best to use a tinted sun block and bronzer. SUN self tanner ($32) for the body is my favorite and Bath and Body Works True Blue Spa Self-Tanner ($15) is another great option. Physician’s Formula facial bronzer is also a great choice with a reasonable price ($8).

6) If you already have sunspots or some discoloration on your skin then mineral sun blocks are best. They keep your skin cool and the zinc prevents the brown spots from forming. Try Blue Lizard Sensitive Skin ($8, available at CVS) or DDF Organic Mineral Sun block ($32).

7) If your budget allows it, opt for a chemical peel for a faster result. I use the Vi Peel ($300) or a 30% glycolic acid peel ($50-$120) from my aesthetician.