HOUSTON – As the summer heat intensifies and we spend more time outdoors, protecting our skin becomes essential to keep it healthy and radiant. It’s important to take proactive steps to protect your skin from damage while keeping it looking flawless throughout the season.
Today on Houston Life, Dr. Sherry Ingraham, certified dermatologist, shares her expert advice to help you soak up the summer sun without the burn and keep your skin glowing all season long.
Use sunscreen: Reapply or regret it
Most people apply sunscreen once and forget it. For best protection, reapply every 2 hours, especially if swimming or sweating. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, making sure to cover often-missed areas like ears, feet, and lips.
What to do when you get a sunburn
Avoid petroleum-based products if you get burned. Instead, soothe your skin with aloe, cold compresses, and fragrance-free moisturizers. Drink extra water and stay out of the sun until your skin has healed.
What to do when you get a bug bite
Bugs bite, but you don’t have to scratch. Use insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin to protect against mosquitoes and ticks. For kids and those with sensitive skin, opt for natural repellents with oil of lemon eucalyptus and avoid spraying directly on the face.
What to do in a sweaty situation
Houston’s hot and sticky climate can cause heat rash or folliculitis. Wear loose, breathable clothing and shower off sweat and sunscreen daily to keep your skin clear and comfortable.
Nourish your skin: Your skin gets thirsty too
Hydration is key—not just by drinking water, but also by using a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer morning and night. This is especially important after exposure to saltwater or chlorine to help your skin recover and maintain its glow.
Dr. Ingraham also shared some recommended products to help you protect and soothe your skin this summer:
Sunscreens (available over the counter)
- La Roche Posay (formulated for kids, milky skin, and post-acne care)
- Neutrogena (face & body stick, invisible daily serum)
Sunscreens with dual purpose
- Isdin (with antioxidants)
- SkinCeuticals (hydrates skin)
- Elta MD (UV stick for sensitive skin)
- Neutrogena (collagen support)
Soothing products
- La Roche Posay (skin repair & gentle foaming cleanser)
- Neutrogena Ultra Gentle (gentle wash)
- Isdin Photo (helps with photoaging)
- Aveeno (for dry, itchy, irritated skin)
- Eucerin (eczema relief)
- Ibuprofen (important for reducing inflammation: for adults and kids on the day of burn)
- SkinCeuticals (can reverse signs of sun damage)
- Luxmend (excellent burn cream for sunburn or fire burn)
For more detailed advice and answers to your summer skincare questions, watch Dr. Ingraham’s full interview in the video player above.