Beauty & Health
Skin Laundry-Approved Tips for Summer Skincare (Plus Sunscreen Recs)
Dr. Roberta Del Campo (Courtesy of Skin Laundry)We chatted with Dr. Roberta Del Campo, chief medical officer at S.F.’s Skin Laundry, about how to keep skin looking its best year-round and help it survive summer’s dry heat.
If you were to develop a year-round skin routine for maturing skin, what would that look like?
As estrogen levels decrease, the effects of male sex hormones called androgens increase. Androgens increase the production of sebum, the skin’s natural oil, and this excess oil on the skin can mix with bacteria, dead skin and debris, clogging pores and leading to inflammation.
Estrogen is also directly related to collagen, skin lipid production and skin hydration. Studies show that women lose collagen in their skin and hyaluronic acid levels in the body also decline, while a disruption in the skin barrier leads to a depletion of moisturizing ceramides and lipids. Combined, this all leads to a multitude of skin issues. At home you should incorporate hyaluronic acid (draws water into the skin) along with retinol (encourages skin cell turnover) into your routine. Commitment and consistency are key.
What is the safe cadence for getting laser treatments over time?
This depends on the type of laser and your individual skin concerns. Not all lasers are equal but at Skin Laundry our experts will create a treatment plan and advise on how often you should come in to help achieve your personal skin care goals. To maintain healthy, glowing skin we recommend maintaining a schedule accordingly. That is why we have implemented a membership model.
Are there any negative effects that lasers can have on the skin if used too frequently?
Laser treatment frequency is a true science as too frequent treatments can cause compounded, uncontrolled wounding, which can ultimately lead to abnormal pigmentation, increased redness or even scarring.
California summers are particularly harsh on the skin because of the dry air. How can we combat this?
Make sure to hydrate and moisturize. They are not the same thing! Drink lots of water, apply hyaluronic acid to damp skin morning and night and then follow with an occlusive moisturizer to lock that hydration in. Also, try switching from a foaming cleanser to a balm or cream cleanser or micellar wipes at night so as not to strip the skin of its natural oils and upset the pH balance. In the morning, simply splash your face with water.
What ingredients should you look for when shopping for an effective sunscreen?
There are two types of sunscreens: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreen absorbs UV rays, converts them into heat and releases them from the body. Physical sunblock sits on top of the skin and reflects UV rays. Mineral sunscreens, also called physical sunscreens, are mainly composed of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, both classified as safe and effective by the FDA. Zinc oxide can protect against the entire UVA range and some UVB. Titanium dioxide can protect against UVA2 only and UVB. The Food and Drug Administration has found that only two ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are safe and effective, based on information currently available. Zinc oxide also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin and skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea.
Sun’s Out
Experts recommend applying sunscreen every day, especially to the face. Here are our mineral sunscreen picks that are too good to pass up.
Solara Suncare Fortune Teller Tinted Brightening Serum SPF 30, available at Beautyheroes (817 Grant Avenue, Novato), $64
Vacation.inc Shimmer Oil SPF 30, available at Ulta (108 Vintage Way, Novato), $38
Skin Laundry Sun Defense Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen, available at Skin Laundry (1870 Union Street, S.F.), $50
COOLA Clear Skin Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 30, available at Nordstrom (The Village at Corte Madera), $48
