Summer skin care: a word from a cosmetologist

We have long forgotten about the fierce frosts, welcomed the elegant spring and experienced with it the exciting birth of nature. Now we are enjoying summer with its faithful companions - the scorching sun and the salty sea. It's time to talk about professional procedures and proper summer skin care at home during this hot period. Yulia Borzykh, Ph.D., dermatologist, cosmetologist, member of the expert council of DMK International, member of the UADV, will tell us about this.

What summer treatments can patients receive? After all, many are afraid to do micro-polishing, peeling and much more. There is a fear that pigmentation will appear or worsen after the procedures. But why are we wary of procedures, but are not afraid to lie in the sun during peak hours? Why do we tan without proper sun protection? Why do we apply heavy makeup with oils and go out into 40-degree heat, and then wonder where some kind of rash on our face came from? And how to properly care for your skin in summer?

Peeling in summer: yes or no?

The answer is simple: if you do everything correctly before, during and after peeling, it can become a summer procedure! Of course, we are talking about surface grinding and peeling. In fact, it is better to avoid deep procedures in the summer.

There are countries where the sun is hot all year round, but this does not limit the use of peeling, micro-resurfacing and laser. Therefore, the right restorative, moisturizing products with photoprotection will help prevent the appearance of age spots.

In summer, you can and should visit medical clinics and salons, and the choice of procedures is varied: enzyme therapy, summer peels, superficial microdermabrasion, moisturizing therapy combined with adequate sun protection. And if you have already suffered from the sun, skin rehabilitation procedures will help restore its hydration, relieve redness, peeling, and reduce inflammation.

Both friend and foe

Despite the fact that there is now a lot of talk about the unfriendly influence of the sun and its effect on the body, many of us are indifferent to these warnings.

Today, doctors are sounding the alarm - premature aging is increasingly worrying cosmetologists, and the increasing incidence of skin cancer is worrying dermatologists and oncologists. Of course, the sun is not only an enemy, but also partly a friend: it improves mood, increases performance, stimulates the formation of vital vitamin D in the skin. The sun, like a medicine, can be a poison and an elixir. You just need to approach tanning and sun exposure wisely.

Avoid being in the sun during the hottest hours. And be especially careful if you are taking medications with photosensitizing properties (tetracyclines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.). The easiest way to protect your skin and eyes is clothing (long-sleeved tunics, a hat) and high-quality sunglasses.

UVA and UVB radiation: what is the difference?

The ultraviolet radiation range is divided into UVA, UVB and UVC rays. UVC rays are absorbed by ozone, oxygen and carbon dioxide by almost 90%. Therefore, UVA and UVB radiation reaches the Earth's surface.

UVA radiation penetrates into the deep layers of the epidermis and dermis and damages biological molecules; its exposure can damage the eyes, accelerates skin aging, causes skin cancer and diseases at the DNA level.

UVB rays affect the top layer of skin and quickly cause burns and sunstroke.

Sun protection in summer

Don't forget that sand and water reflect most of the ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, be vigilant even in partial shade! Be sure to wear sunscreen.

How to choose sunscreen?

Sufficient protection against ultraviolet radiation is a cream with SPF of at least 30, which must be applied every 2 hours and after swimming. There are sunscreens that contain not only physical and chemical filters, but also moisturizing and healing ingredients. Among them are aloe extract, panthenol, allantoin, as well as powerful antioxidants, for example, tocopheryl acetate. It strengthens cell membranes, moisturizes and nourishes the skin, reduces inflammation and irritation. Such creams can be used as a daytime moisturizer, antioxidant and sunscreen.

And if you don’t want to wear makeup in the heat, you can use a product that already contains moisturizing, sun-protective ingredients with a tone (light, medium and dark colors).

Let's enjoy every warm day that gives us health, smiles and pleasure! However, don’t forget about “friend-enemy” and skin care in the summer for a minute!

The article was first published in Makeup&YOU Professional magazine.