Be hot this summer!

It’s summer and graduation time, two seasons that require preparation.

An essay written by Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich in 1997, written as if she were delivering a graduation speech,  gives the most practical advice for both.

“Wear sunscreen.”

“If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience,” she wrote.

She concluded her speech with a gentle admonition, “Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than its worth.

“But trust me on the sunscreen.”

* * *

Apparently, Mary is right. Almost 20 years after the speech, and despite the leaps and bounds taken by dermatology, the best doctors dispense the “sunscreen” prescription quite liberally still.

It’s the first piece of advice given by dermatologist Aivee Aguilar Teo if you want to look hot this summer and many summers thereafter.

“Wear sunblock with at least SPF 30 with UVA/UVB protection for daily wear especially during the hot summer days. Reapply sunblock every four hours if you’ll stay outdoors for long hours,” says Aivee, who, with husband cosmetic surgeon Z Teo, is the face and talent behind three Aivee clinics (The Fort, Alabang and Megamall) and the Aivee Institute (The Fort).

Aivee, a mother of three, adds that one should keep hydrated during the summer by drinking lots of water and fresh fruit and vegetable juices to retain moisture in the body and flush out toxins as well.

“Water requirement during the summer is increased because water is lost due to excessive sweating,” she points out. “Drink at least 12 to 14 glasses of water a day.”

In addition to drinking lots of fluids, “Keep yourself moisturized because the hot sun rays take away the skin’s natural moisture. Cold milk may be used at home by massaging it to the face at night to cleanse the skin and help remove dead skin.”

“You may use lemon if you want to keep skin glowing and to lighten the skin,” she continues. “Since lemon contains ascorbic acid, it is a natural bleaching agent. You may soak cotton into lemon juice and apply on the whole face and neck. Then top it off with a moisturizer.”

* * *

Dr. Alan Wong Shiang Ju, an expert on White Laser, a procedure that Aivee says is the key to dazzling white skin, also lists sunscreen at the top of his skincare tips.

“Use sunscreen. It is composed of a chemical component and a reflective component. SPF 35 is more than enough. Don’t be swayed by marketing gimmicks.”

He shared a bit of trivia with PeopleAsia’s Greggy Vera Cruz during a recent briefing on White Laser at the Aivee Institute at The Fort. “UV rays in Australia and New Zealand are higher and more intense because the ozone layer in those countries is thinner. You may not perspire because of the cold weather but chances are, your skin will burn more easily.”

Ju points out that Asians are fortunate because their skin has more pigments. “Our natural sunblock is our skin pigment.”

“UV rays break down collagen. That is why farmers usually have wrinkled skin because they are more exposed to UV rays. Breakup of collagen follows,” he says, explaining why one should avoid prolonged sun exposure in order to truly be sizzling.

Ju stresses that one should block some whitening products. “Know the ingredients of whitening products. These bleach the skin and reduce the production of pigments.  Some cause spider veins and damage to kidneys.”

Waxing the bikini area is also a sticky issue as far as dermatologists are concerned.

“It traumatizes the skin and causes swelling,” warns Ju. It may also lead to hyperpigmentation.

“Just use laser treatments for permanent hair removal,” Ju recommends.

* * *

Dr. Z Teo also has many pieces of advice for those who want to look good, especially during this skin-baring season.

He once told me that after a long trip overseas when you’ve piled on the pounds, “Eat sparingly during the flight back. You’re inactive during the flight, anyway.”

Z is also a believer in 12-hour fasts between dinner and the next meal, as this allows the body to burn stored fat. His rule: “Eat only when hungry.” Now, that’s easy to chew on.

For the face, Z believes “Ultherapy is the best.” He also says it can be done with no sedation or anaesthesia and with no uncomfortable downtime. I wasn’t sedated or injected with anaesthesia when I had Ultheraphy about two years ago. They just rubbed ice on my skin to make it relatively numb.

* * *

 “Summers are brutally frank,” says Aivee. “They tell you whether you’re fat or thin or in between.”

In addition to sunscreen and other natural beauty potions, there’s nothing wrong with getting help from friendly technology.

The Aivee Clinic recently launched White Laser, VelaShape III and the Power Shape, three new cutting-edge machines to sculpt your body and brighten your face “in the best possible way you’ve always dreamt of — safe, swift and noninvasive with zero to barely any downtime.” (For inquiries, call 0920-9665529 or 403-3245.)

According to the clinic, White Laser uses optimum yellow and green light for fast, precise, targeted treatments and provides great outcomes with reduced skin damage and discomfort.

“It is a miracle worker that does wonders for photo rejuvenation, acne and treatment of vascular pigmented lesions on the face. It also best targets melasma and, of course, it is used for skin whitening needed for those with skin blemishes, redness, scars and stretch marks,” according to Z.

VelaShape III contours, shapes and slims the body by improving cellulite and reducing circumference in as fast as one treatment session. “VelaShape III provides significant results instantly. This type of efficient heating and vacuum stimulates the growth of new and better collagen and elastin, which results in localized reduction in skin laxity, body volume and an overall improvement in skin structure and texture.”

Power Shape is the first and only FDA-cleared and CE-approved non-surgical procedure that uses pulsed, focused ultrasound for fat cell destruction. “Power Shape destroys fat cells without harming surrounding skin, nerves or blood vessels. Unlike other fat-reduction procedures that use heat or freeze fat, Power Shape treatments are virtually painless and leave you free of any unwanted visible side effects,” says Z.

But as Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich said in 1997, if you have to start somewhere, start with sunscreen.

(For best results, consult your doctor.)

(You may e-mail me at [email protected].)