Summer skin tips from dermatologist Dr. Ellen Gendler

Summer is in full-swing, so I thought it would be nice to talk with Venus dermatologist, Dr. Ellen Gendler, and get her professional advice about how to keep your skin glowing through the (sometimes berating) heat:

BATF: How many times a week do you recommend exfoliating during the summer?
Dr. Ellen Gendler: Shaving is a great, non-abrasive way of exfoliating, especially in the summer. If you’re looking for a little extra, I’d recommend no more than once a week and with a soft washcloth, not a loofah. Daily exfoliating is too harsh for skin!

BATF: My biggest issue with shaving is itchy skin. What are the best ways to minimize that?
Dr. Gendler: There could be many causes to skin itchiness after shaving. Some people get itchy hives when anything is rubbed onto their skin, or if skin is really dry, it can lead to more cuts during shaving, which can itch. Try moisturizing immediately after towel drying, or try an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.

Another thing to note is that getting the best shave often starts with the products you’re using and how you’re using them on the parts you’re shaving. Many women believe men’s razors give them a better shave but this isn’t true. You’ll get the same close shave with a woman’s razor, except you’ll be able to reach curvy areas that tend to get missed with a razor that doesn’t pivot. My recommendation as a dermatologist goes back to the skin and protecting it, so I like Venus ProSkin MoistureRich, which has built-in shave gel bars that create a layer of protection for skin, as well as a pivoting head to help navigate tricky areas.

BATF: What are 3 things every girl should have in their skincare regimen for summer?
Dr. Gendler: A good cleanser to take off whatever you put on to avoid clogged pores. A light toner, to use especially if you wear lots of makeup. And finally, sunscreen to be applied daily. Use a broad-spectrum kind that covers both UVA and UVB rays!

BATF: How should you deal with ingrown hairs?
Dr. Gendler: Ingrown hairs need to be extracted by a professional to avoid ending up with cysts and scars. Waxing causes ingrown hairs more than other methods of hair removal; to help reduce them, stop waxing until they can be treated.

BATF: What are some of your tips for treating blemishes?
Dr. Gendler: Use Anything with a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in an over-the-counter product can be effective for blemishes – it helps them dry up faster.

What are your best tips to summer-proof your skin?

x
Shy

“Like” Beauty and the Feast on Facebook
Follow Beauty and the Feast on Twitter