Melasma Skincare Guide for Summer
By McLean & Potomac Dermatology | Skin Tips 2024
Summer brings sun-kissed days and beach getaways, but for those with melasma, navigating the sunny season requires extra care. Our PA, Nadia Herrera understands this well. As someone who loves to travel and be outdoors, she has developed a meticulous melasma skincare routine to protect her skin and keep her melasma in check during the sunniest months of the year.
Understanding Melasma
Melasma is a common skin condition that causes brown or gray-brown patches, usually on the face. It’s often triggered by sun exposure, hormonal changes, and can be exacerbated by heat. Just a small amount of sun exposure can make this condition return after fading and often worsens in the summer due to increased sun exposure. Nadia, who enjoys outdoor activities, has crafted a skincare routine that prioritizes protection and care to maintain her skin’s health and manage her melasma.
Nadia’s Summer Skincare Routine
Gentle Cleanser
Nadia starts her day with a gentle, hydrating cleanser from La Roche-Posay to remove overnight buildup without stripping her skin of natural oils. This creates a clean, calm base for the rest of her skincare products.
Vitamin C Serum
She then applies the Vitamin C Serum from iS Clinical. This serum brightens her skin while offering antioxidant protection. It helps reduce pigmentation and boosts her skin’s defenses against UV damage.
Moisturizer
A lightweight, hydrating moisturizer is key for Nadia to keep her skin balanced and prepped for sun protection. She opts for one that absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel heavy under her sunscreen.
HER FAVORITES:
Nadia’s Signature SPF Sandwich
This is the most crucial step in Nadia’s routine, and she uses a multi-layered approach. The SPF sandwich consists of layering different forms of SPF for ultimate protection and a makeup-free glow. Start with your favorite tinted sunscreen to provide sun protection and to even out the skin tone. Nadia recommends using an SPF of 30+. Next, you’ll want to use a cream based SPF to provide a solid layer of tint and cover any imperfections that your liquid didn’t. Last, set your sunscreen with MORE sunscreen! Throughout the say, she re-applies her sunscreen with a brush-on powder to ensure continuous protection. The Colorsciene powder-brush is great to top off any makeup look!
Click to shop: Alastin HydraTint, Avène Tinted Compact SPF 50, Colorscience Powder Sunscreen
Stylish Sun Protection
Nadia doesn’t stop at skincare products to protect her skin. She incorporates style into her routine by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. A wide-brimmed hat provides an extra shield against direct sunlight, reducing the chances of UV rays triggering her melasma. On top of a protective hat, she always keeps a pair of stylish and practical sunglasses in her bag. When choosing sunglasses, opt for a pair that is polarizing and or metal-free. Nadia’s summer favorites:
Click to shop: Lack of Color Hat, Amazon Tortoise Polarized Sunglasses, Krewe Metal-Free Sunglasses
Related article: Skincare Guide to Summer Hats
Enjoy The Summer Sun!
Managing melasma, especially during summer, can be challenging, but with the right routine and precautions, it’s entirely possible to enjoy the sun safely. Nadia emphasizes that consistency is key, and protecting your skin should always be a priority. Embrace the summer, enjoy your adventures, and glow with confidence!
For personalized advice or any questions, Nadia is always available to help. To book an appointment at our McLean office with Nadia Herrera, text us at 703-215-2139.
