FAQ

The widespread use of sunscreen on babies under the age of six months in not generally recommended as they have very sensitive skin which may be more likely to suffer a reaction. Cancer Council recommends keeping babies under 12 months away from direct sunlight as much as possible when UV levels are 3 or above, as their skin is more sensitive than adults'. Plan daily activities to ensure the baby is well protected from the sun and aim to minimise time outside during the middle of the day during the summer period when UV levels are at their strongest. When this is not possible, ensure that babies are protected from the sun by shade, protective clothing and a hat. Check the baby's clothing, hat and shade positioning regularly to ensure he/she continues to be well protected from UV. Some parents may choose to use sunscreen occasionally on small parts of their baby's skin. If that is the case, parents should be careful to choose a sunscreen that is suitable for babies. You may wish to seek the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. If your baby does suffer a reaction to a sunscreen, stop using the product and seek medical attention.

Dermatologists suggest using an SPF of at least 30, which will block about 97 percent of UVB rays. And that must be applied every 2-3 hours. An individual must apply enough sunscreen to any exposed area of skin every day.

Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin, including the face, neck and ears, and head if you have thinning or no hair, but a wide-brimmed hat is better. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied liberally and frequently, and according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Its message was to slip on sun protective clothing, slop on water resistant, broad spectrum, SPF30 or higher sunscreen and slap on a broad-brimmed hat. We now know you need two more crucial steps to maximise your sun protection: seek shade and slide on a pair of sunglasses.

Refers to the type of skin that is both oily and dry. This skin type is usually caused due to environmental toxins, physical stress, and hormonal fluctuations. Women with combination skin usually have an oily area on the nose, chin and forehead, also known as the T-zone. The rest of their face including their cheeks and jaw tend to dry up easily. This means that you have to specially build a skincare regime that suits both the concerns.

Step 1: Deep cleansing Step 2: Use a serum to hydrate your skin Step 3: Apply a moisturizer Step 4: Protect your skin from sun exposure

Cleansing is an essential step in the skincare routine for combination skin in summer. It is important to choose the right cleanser that is gentle on your dry areas of the skin and effective enough to remove dirt and grime from the oily parts of your skin. Look for a foam or a gel-based face wash that can help unclog pores and reduce oiliness from your skin. At Houston Dermatology Plastic Surgery we offer a variety of skin cleansers that eliminates dirt, dust and grime from your combination skin with ease.

Using a serum is the next step in the summer skincare routine for combination skin. They are lightweight, fast absorbing liquids that contain active ingredients that target specific skin concerns. Choose a serum that has a non-greasy formula and absorbs into the skin quickly. It can be Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C. At Houston Dermatology Plastic Surgery we offer this two excellent products.

Even though its summer season, you cannot skip using a moisturizer. Considering your skin has dry areas, it’s vital to lock in enough moisture to avoid any skin concerns. It is often challenging to find a moisturizer that suits both skin types. You can mix and match moisturizers by using a lightweight moisturizer on your oily areas and a thicker cream on your dry areas. Alternately, you can also use a lightweight moisturizer that suits both skin types and avoid using a lot on your oily areas. At Houston Dermatology Plastic Surgery we offer variety of moisturizers.

It goes without saying that using sun protection is a must during summer. UV exposure can cause premature aging, black spots, and even skin cancer. Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or above for combination skin. Even on cloudy days, apply sunscreen to your face and neck and reapply every two hours if you're outdoors. After sunscreen you can apply your makeup foundation. At Houston Dermatology and Plastic Surgery we have a five stars tinted sunscreen.