By Leslie Baumann, M.D. Provided by: The Skin Guru

The Skin Guru

Summer Skin Care Must-Haves Posted Thu, Jul 10, 2008, 5:16 pm PDT

77% of users found this article helpful.

Ah, summer is finally in full swing. And just as you've swapped boots for sandals and sweaters for t-shirts, it's time to reconsider your daily skin-care regimen.

During winter, for example, we all need to focus on protecting skin against the harsh weather and heating systems that can strip it of vital nutrients. Summer, though, is all about mitigating the incidental UV exposure that even the most sun-conscious of us are no doubt getting. But the perfect summer products don't need to cost a fortune:

Cleanser: To cleanse without stripping skin of vital nutrients, I love Dove Pro-Age Foaming Facial Cleanser (around $6). It's affordable and easy to find, and has quickly become my year-round go-to cleanser.

Daytime Moisturizer: I can't decide on my favorite for this one, so here are two options: Nivea Visage Q10 Advanced Wrinkle Reducer Lotion SPF 15 (around $12) or Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Sensitive Skin Lotion SPF 15 (around $11). Both products fight a dual battle against UV damage: They protect your skin against the sun with SPF 15, but they also contain one of the most powerful antioxidants around, coenzyme Q10, to mitigate any sun damage you have incurred.

Remember, UV light is one of the main generators of free radicals, renegade molecules that attack vital skin components like collagen and elastin as they look for the electron they're missing. Antioxidants can soothe those free radicals and minimize skin aging in the process.

Nighttime Moisturizer: Even minimal cumulative sun exposure eventually leads to lines and wrinkles, though. But luckily for all of us, there's one ingredient that's been proven not only to prevent new lines from forming but also to minimize existing ones: retinol. You'll find just that in Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream (around $14). Always use your retinol product at night, though, as it's inactivated by sun.

Body: Don't forget the rest of your body while you're taking care of your face! Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 15 (around $11) is a good, non-greasy body lotion, plus it contains the everyday sun protection you need - because even the walk to and from your car in the morning adds up!

Wishing you great skin!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Dr. Baumann is author of the best-selling book, "The Skin Type Solution." To learn more about her revolutionary skin typing system, visit her Web site, SkinTypeSolutions.com

All of Dr. Baumann's recommended skin care products are available online, and a portion of proceeds goes to The Dermatology Foundation.

Shop Online!

You can sign up for Dr. Baumann's newsletter.

Subscribe!

Visit Dr. Baumann's online forum and join thousands of other people who share your skin type.

Join our Forums

Was this blog entry helpful?
Tell us what you think.

Rate this blog entry:
liked it no thanks

Leave Your Comment

Comment Guidelines You must sign in to post a comment

Yahoo! Health Videos

My Health

help

Tip of the Day

Provided by: RealAge

For a quick and healthy snack, you can’t go wrong grabbing one of this season’s freshest apples. But put the peeler away. Read More »

View All Tips »

Tell us what you think about Yahoo! Health - Send us your feedback