How to achieve a protected and well-cared for skin during the summer?

Midsummer, relaxation, outdoor activities, vacations... May our skin not be forgotten, because it deserves to be cared for with the necessary care so that we don’t regret it later. We must prevent dehydration, dryness, burns and other seasonal skin conditions.

"During the hot months our skin needs extra hydration and always be sealed with sunscreen over 30-40 SPF, which prevents oxidative damage, depigmentation and dryness. Also, in case of air conditioning, we need to pay attention to the effects caused by temperature changes", explains Cata Aguirre.

Also, she highlights that “we never forget that care routines are a commitment to our skin 365 days a year. Being constant will only bring us benefits, which we will appreciate over time. Skin treated with dedication, even on vacation, is the best self-care gift we can give ourselves”.

Of course, the sun's UV rays are the most aggressive external factor for our skin. The damage is cumulative and requires prevention from an early age. Correct hydration and the use of sunscreen with a sun factor above 30-40 SPF, whether summer or winter, is essential. After direct exposure to the sun, consider hydrating and moisturizing products that can soothe the skin, hydrate it effectively and replenish its lipid layer. Likewise, you must avoid dryness, spending a lot of time in water, pollution and smoke, among other external factors.

"The most important thing is to take the appropriate precautions to face each season of the year and keep the pH of the skin in balance. For this, the water and lipids that cover the epidermis, which is the outer layer of the skin, must be monitored, using the appropriate products. In the event of any oversight, the lost water should be returned to the skin and extra hydrated", Cata recommends.

In relation to travel, she specifies that “these can cause changes to the skin, especially dehydration. For this reason, it is important to consider what the climates and environments are like where one will travel, to take the best care measures according to the means of transportation and the place we visit”.

Tips for taking care of your skin on holiday:

-During the journey and on arrival at your destination, maintain a healthy diet, rich in fruit, vegetables, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, which recover and maintain skin quality. Avoid tobacco and alcohol.

-Drink plenty of water (hopefully at least 2 litres a day).

-Follow your skincare routine for day and night. Never skip steps, as the sum of them gives the expected result.

-Do not wash your face with hot water, as this dehydrates it, disrupts its protective barrier and can cause irritation.

-Always carry sunscreen with a high sun protection factor for the face, neck, neckline and hands, and reapply it continuously, together with the rest of the exposed areas of the body (avoid direct sunlight during the most dangerous hours, which are between 11 am and 5 pm).

-Wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

-Prefer sport and a good night time sleep, 8 hours if possible, to activate cellular renewal.

ABC of skincare to always remember:

Step 1 = Facial Cleansing: Essential to remove dirt, accumulated toxins and make-up, leaving your skin ready for the treatment and moisturizing/nourishing products to come to be absorbed more effectively.

Step 2 = Specific Treatments: These target specific skin needs more efficiently and are used to achieve results in precise areas.

Step 3 = Moisturizing / Nourishing: Very important to seal any routine. Depending on the needs of each skin type, it is the product you should use.