Skin damage brought on by the sun is not just a cosmetic issue; it can easily turn into a life-threatening condition. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, with melanoma being the most common form of cancer in young adults, ages 25 to 29. Why is this? The answer lies in the lack of education surrounding preventative techniques. Doctors, dermatologists, and skin care professionals can only do so much for their patients. It is what they do at home that can make all of the difference. Aside from the threat of skin cancer developing, treating the skin at home can save clients from dealing with troublesome issues, including skin dullness, redness, brown spots, and wrinkles. Directing clients on how to treat their skin between visits will greatly decrease their chances of suffering from sun damage and greatly increase client satisfaction. BEGINNING STEPSIt is important to give clients the most obvious summer skin care advice, including advising them to wear protective clothing and applying sunscreen. More often than not, they are simply not thinking about how to protect their skin on a daily basis. Sunscreen needs to be applied 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and reapplied every two hours. Protective clothing, especially hats to shade the face, should also be worn as often as possible and clients should be advised to never resort to tanning beds or applying oil to their skin in an effort to direct the sun’s rays to get a darker tan. Vitamins C and E are also great antioxidants that patients can easily take to boost their skin’s strength. DIY TREATMENT TIPS Dull SkinIf clients are suffering from dull, lifeless-looking skin, they are in need of moisturization and exfoliation on a daily basis. Advise them to invest in a glycolic acid cleanser that will help balance the skin’s hydration and exfoliate naturally. Using this cleanser daily will prevent cell build up and leave skin feeling smooth with a healthy glow. Increased Red Coloration and Brown SpotsIf clients are suffering from increased, red coloration, it would be helpful for them to use products with caffeine, green tea, and antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E. These tricks will not only reduce inflammation, but help calm the skin as well. As brown spots usually need a little more help, advise clients to use products with retinol or Retin A, which will help the body shed old skin cells and produce new ones, keeping skin smooth and resistant to irritants and brown spots. Wrinkles Wrinkles are often more difficult to treat, but if clients use the big four products (retinol, glycolic acid, peptides, and vitamin C), between office visits, they will help diminish wrinkles by stimulating collagen. Retinol and glycolic help exfoliate, shed old skin cells, and produce new ones, increasing collagen production. Peptides are active derivatives of a protein that penetrate deep into the outer layer of the skin to stimulate collagen production, while at the same time plumping the skin. Lastly, vitamin C provides potent, antioxidant protection, shielding the skin from damaging free radicals and the breakdown of the integrity of the skin. Even after doing these homecare suggestions, many clients may still need in-spa treatments such as lasers, chemical peels, and fillers to reverse critical sun damage. However, treatment at home will put clients on a much easier path to success, possibly saving their life down the road.Want to read more? Subscribe to one of our monthly plans to continue reading this article.