How To Take Care Of Your Skin Against UV Light
When we are enjoying the sun during summer or vacations, the UV index is sky-high, most people have already dipped their toes in the water, and nighttime ice cream has become part of the ritual. Life is beautiful, right? But with the change of season, our habits also change, and when it comes to skincare, the ideal thing is to adapt our routine to the specific needs that arise at this time of year.
Lightweight moisturizers, mandatory sun protection, and a refreshing mist can become our best allies to combat the effects of the heat without sacrificing self-care. And it's not just about choosing lighter textures; we must also pay attention to the ingredients. There are active ingredients that help soothe and refresh the skin, we are all too familiar with the ravages the sun can wreak on the skin, from irritation to burns, and we shouldn't take them lightly. If until now you haven't considered the ingredients your summer routine needs, here are some answers to some questions you might be asking yourself.
Some ingredients your skin will love in summer to counteract heat, sun, chlorine, air conditioning and salt, is by introducing a routine that includes soothing and hydrating ingredients. Aloe vera, cucumber, chamomile, calendula, and hyaluronic acid are some of the ingredients that can transform your skin in summer, helping it stay fresh, hydrated, and irritation-free.
Aloe vera: Soothes, reduces inflammation, and instantly refreshes the skin, ideal after sun exposure.
Cucumber: Provides cooling, decongests, and helps reduce swelling.
Chamomile: Reduces redness and irritation, perfect for sensitive or reactive skin.
Calendula: Promotes skin repair and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory.
Hyaluronic acid: A favorite to many! Maintains hydration even in high temperatures and prevents trans-epidermal water loss.
The best way to incorporate them? It depends on the time and skin type. Mists are perfect for reapplying throughout the day, without disturbing your makeup. Serums are ideal at night, with light textures that penetrate deeply. Cooling masks are a perfect gesture after the beach, and creams should contain these active ingredients to maintain hydration throughout the day. However, some cosmetic formulation experts agree that while these ingredients provide moisturizing, soothing, and refreshing properties, their effectiveness depends on several key factors: The quality of the extract, the concentration used, and the synergy with other active ingredients in the formula. Vitamin C, niacinamide, and panthenol are essential examples for their antioxidant, protective, and soothing properties. The brand Seven Minerals have great Aloe Vera gels that contains vitamin C. It is considered a clean brand, and it is budget friendly. Typology also offers a clean offering, budget friendly and contains some of these ingredients.
Summer isn't the best time to introduce powerful active ingredients. Simplicity and consistency are key. There are some ingredients that should be avoided if we plan on repeated sun exposure, such as retinoids, glycolic or salicylic acids, and some essential oils. Sometimes it's not about eliminating them completely, but rather using them with caution, preferably at night and always with sunscreen the next day. Do not use if you are burnt.
Among one of my favorite tricks, is storing creams, masks, or eye creams in the refrigerator to enhance their decongestant and soothing effects.
Avoid using creams with oily phases, sunscreens, or formulas with essential oils, as low temperatures can alter their texture or effectiveness.
The Quick Summer Routine After a Day at the Beach:
Gentle cleansing: Use a light, sulfate-free facial cleanser that respects the skin barrier.
Refreshing toner or mist: Apply a mist or toner with cucumber or aloe vera extracts to provide immediate freshness and decongest the skin.
Hydrating and soothing serum: Choose a serum with hyaluronic acid to maintain hydration, combined with ingredients like chamomile or calendula to soothe redness and irritation.
Light moisturizing cream: Opt for a cream with a light texture containing aloe vera, calendula, or chamomile to continue providing hydration and a soothing effect without feeling greasy.
A post-sun boost: After the beach or a lot of sun, apply a refreshing mask or gel to soothe and repair your skin, avoiding exfoliants or strong active ingredients.
Don’t forget about your body. If you are already body brushing, continue! A great natural daily exfoliation before your shower. Do not do it if you are burnt. Apply aloe vera gel anytime during the day or shea butter at night for extra hydration. I personally like to treat myself with body moisturizers from Pure Fiji containing also very hydrating ingredients for the body like, coconut, moringa or their best seller Dilo oil with extremely cell regeneration properties.
