Pure Dermatology
and Skin Surgery Center
2001 Santa Monica Blvd.
Suite 480-W
Santa Monica, CA 90404
310-954-9501
Pro Tips Series from a Dermatologist: Sunscreen and Margaritas: Summer Skincare
This post is part of our biweekly series “Pro Tips from a Dermatologist,” where you can receive tangible tips and all the latest in skincare directly from Santa Monica’s premier dermatologist. To have skincare tips sent directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.
Sunshine is a vehicle for Vitamin D and real mood-booster, but less is definitely more when it comes to our skin. You don’t have to hide away from the sun’s rays, but it’s important that you take steps to minimize skin damage and prevent skin cancer. Here’s how to adapt your skincare routine to be summer-safe:
Tip 1: Make Sunscreen Non-Negotiable
The question isn’t if you wear sunscreen, it’s how and what and when you wear it. Make sure sunscreen application is part of your everyday skincare routine, no matter how much time you’re spending outdoors. Here’s what you need to know:
How: Apply sunscreen every day, at least 15 minutes before leaving the house. Cover your face and all exposed skin. That means covering your hands, arms, the back of your neck, ears, the tops of your feet, and even the part in your hair!
What: Choose a physical sunscreen that contains both zinc oxide and titanium oxide rather than a chemical sunscreen. Look for broad-spectrum protection of SPF 30 or higher.
- Insider tip: you don’t need to pay more or hunt around for SPF 100, as it only offers a bit more protection than SPF 30.
When: On a normal day, you’ll want to reapply sunscreen every two hours if you’re outdoors. If you’re at the pool, beach, or working out, up that to every 90 minutes. Basically, swimming + sweating = more frequent application.
Tip 2: Soothe Sun-Exposed Skin Right Away
Sun exposure happens, and sometimes it can’t be avoided. If you feel you’ve been in the sun a little too long, your skin deserves some after-sun care and pampering. Take these two steps to calm your skin:
- Discontinue the Use of Photosynthesizing Products: Retinoids and retinol can increase skin sensitivity before and after intense sun exposure. Sun can also break down the retinol and render it ineffective. Save your money and your skin and skip the retinoids until your skin is calm and you’ve had a break from the sun.
- Quench Your Skin with Gentle Hydration: Now is not the time to use harsh soaps or chemicals on your skin. You want to soothe, hydrate, and protect, so opt for gentle cleansers and products like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. Follow up with moisturizing products like Aveeno with oatmeal and moisture-replenish in Aquaphor. Stay away from anything with fragrances or dyes.
Tip 3: Take Immediate Action for Sunburns
Despite your best efforts, you may still end up with a sunburn. Not all sunburns are dangerous, but they are often uncomfortable and unpleasant. Here’s what you can do as soon as you notice you’ve had too much sun:
Soothe
1. Whenever you’re going to be in the sun, make sure you have hydrocortisone cream and/or aloe vera gel on hand. Both of these can be applied to sunburnt skin for immediate soothing relief. A cold compress can also help with inflammation.
Relieve
2. Once your skin has been soothed, you may still have some overall discomfort or pain from the burn. It’s perfectly fine to take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like Ibuprofen to get some relief.
Moisturize
3. In the days after a sunburn, you will likely notice some peeling of the skin. When this begins, you can speed up the healing process by applying intense but gentle moisturizers, like Aquaphor or CeraVe Healing Ointment.
Ask the Doctor: What did My Margarita Do to My Skin??
This week’s question:
Dear Dr. Sadeghi, After my recent trip to Cabo, I noticed a weird, dark skin discoloration around my mouth. It’s been a couple weeks and it hasn’t completely gone away. What is going on? - Leila M.
Hi Leila,
Am I right in guessing you had a margarita or other citrusy beverage on your tropical getaway?
What you’re experiencing is called
phytophotodermatitis, also aptly called
“margarita dermatitis.” It can happen when the skin comes into contact with citrus fruits or foods and beverages that contain large amounts of citrus, like lemon or lime juice, and is then exposed to the sun.
Initially, you may have experienced blistering and inflammation of the affected area, which can last for a few days. After the initial reaction, many people notice hyperpigmentation of the skin in that same area, which is the brown discoloration you’re describing.
For anyone else reading this before a vacation or outdoor event in which citrus fruits, foods, or drinks may be consumed, prevention is the name of the game. Wear sunscreen and long sleeves if possible, and if you do end up with citrus juice on your skin, thoroughly cleanse it right away. If you notice signs of phytophotodermatitis, you can treat the blistering and inflammation with hydrocortisone cream and OTC pain relievers.
If you see signs of hyperpigmentation, give it time. Brown spots associated with margarita dermatitis will fade gradually over time. However, if you feel self-conscious about it or it’s taking longer than you feel it should, reach out to your dermatologist and get it checked out. They may be able to recommend specific skincare products or treatment to lighten and reduce the pigmentation.
-Dr. Sadeghi
About the Author
Dr. Parrish Sadeghi, Board-Certified Dermatologist
A graduate of UCLA and Albany Medical College, Dr. Parrish Sadeghi has over 20 years experience as a medical and cosmetic dermatologist. She is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology and a fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery and the American Academy of Dermatology. As a dermatologist at Pure Dermatology, she prides herself on offering personalized care to both children and adults. Learn more about Dr. Sadeghi here.
