4 Secrets to Amazing Skin
Has too much fun in the sun left your skin looking more beach bum than beach babe? Lisa Airan, a top N.Y.C. dermatologist, offers tips to save face (and your body!)
1. Layer Your Moisturizer
Sun, chlorine and saltwater can take a toll on skin, leaving your body dry and itchy. Instead of slathering on a heavy cream, which sounds as appealing as wearing a wool sweater to the beach, Airan suggests rehydrating in the shower (Olay's body wash contains vitamins E, B3 and B5 to help reduce water loss), then applying a lightweight lotion to damp skin.
Olay In-Shower body lotion, $7; drugstore.com.
2. Slough and Brighten
"A dull complexion is the biggest complaint I hear after beach season," says Airan. Her solution: Wash with a mild soap and face-cleansing brush to remove dead skin, then dust on a light-reflecting powder throughout the day. "I keep an extra compact in my desk for when I need a boost," she says.
Clarisonic Plus brush, $225; clarisonic.com. Clé de Peau Beauté highlighting powders, $30 each; at Neiman Marcus.
3. Spots Be Gone
Freckles, sun splotches -- as far as this porcelain-skinned derm is concerned, they both need attention. While prescription-strength bleaching creams help, these formulas also cause sun hypersensitivity, so wait until the fall to start using one. For stubborn spots, Airan uses the YAG laser (about $350 per spot) to zap away pigmentation.
Tri-Luma cream; by prescription only.
4. Take Vitamins
"We're constantly telling our patients to minimize sun exposure," says Airan. "But UV rays actually trigger vitamin D synthesis, which studies have found to help prevent osteoporosis." If you aren't getting at least 10 minutes of direct sunlight three times a week, consider taking a daily supplement.
Lisa Airan vitamin D drops, $16; 212-400-0999.
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