Summer is synonymous with relaxation... When it comes to our skin, we also tend to do less.
If you're going on vacation, it's normal to try to aim for a more minimalist routine to avoid taking 1000 bottles with you.
And then, once the skin has sunbathed a little, we proudly display our tanned complexion and we put less product on our face. In addition, you have probably noticed that we have fewer imperfections, fewer pimples during the summer period. Everything seems perfect then!
But this pretty skin is only temporary, it's just the tip of the iceberg... When your skin is no longer exposed to the sun regularly, you will probably notice an outbreak of pimples. This is what It's called rebound acne!
Believe me, having a good skincare routine even in summer is essential to avoid disasters when you go back to school!
WHY DO I HAVE SUCH BEAUTIFUL SKIN IN SUMMER?
The sun is necessary for our body, especially because it helps to synthesize vitamin D. On a moral level too, sunny days are always welcome. The sun also reduces the level of melatonin (linked to stress and depression). Exposure to the sun in small doses can also help alleviate certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis or acne because it has an anti-inflammatory action.
But the sun also has negative impacts on our skin. UVA rays, which pass through the skin to the dermis (second layer of the skin), accelerate skin aging: they cause pigment spots and reduce the production of collagen and elastin, promoting the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
It is important to know that UV rays are responsible for 80% of premature aging of the skin.
The sun is also responsible for many skin cancers. 2/3 of them are caused by excessive or prolonged exposure to the sun, especially during childhood.
THE SKIN, A NATURAL BARRIER AGAINST SUN DAMAGE
To protect itself from these attacks, the skin has a natural barrier: tanning. In fact, melanocytes produce melanin from the first exposure to the sun. Melanin is a natural pigment that gradually colors our skin as exposure increases.
But that's not all, the skin has another means of protection against the sun: hyperkeratinization. This very complicated word is used to designate the phenomenon of thickening of the horny layer (the most superficial part of the epidermis) and tightening of the pores .
To protect themselves from dehydration and UV rays, keratinocytes will produce more cells that will accumulate on the surface of the skin, causing the skin to thicken. The skin then constitutes a natural barrier against UV rays.
The sebum, naturally produced by the skin and which flows through the pores, therefore finds itself trapped under the horny layer.
Hence the sensation of clearer skin during the summer, less oily, drier.
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Be careful, this skin barrier has its limits! It is essential to expose yourself in moderation and always apply a sunscreen to protect your skin optimally.
AND WHEN SCHOOL GOES BACK TO SCHOOL, WHAT HAPPENS TO MY SKIN?
As soon as the skin is no longer subjected to strong UV exposure, it regains its normal thickness. The pores also regain their usual diameter.
Result: the sebum accumulated until now under the horny layer flows freely. This is the return of oily skin, inflammation and imperfections! Ouch...
HOW TO AVOID PIMPLES AFTER SUMMER?
Don't panic, there are solutions to avoid this rebound effect! To avoid this strong return of spots at the start of the school year, there are several actions to implement in your skincare routine.
1/ APPLY SUN CREAM EVERY TIME YOU ARE EXPOSED
Sunscreens will limit the action of UV rays on the skin by reflecting them. This will limit the thickening of the skin.
I recommend the Odyskin range , which is certified organic and contains mineral filters.
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2/ PERFORM GENTLE EXFOLIATIONS REGULARLY.
To keep your skin fine all summer long, it is necessary to exfoliate once a week . They will eliminate dead skin that quickly accumulates on the surface of the skin, and unclog pores.
So if you were hesitant to take a scrub with you in your suitcase, believe me, this product has its place in your vacation kit!
You can do peels based on fruit acids (AHA). They will nibble away at the dead cells on the surface of the skin (e.g. Likami exfoliating peel ). Be careful because these types of peels are photosensitizing: use them only in the evening.
There are also gentle scrubs, called mechanical scrubs . Be careful here to choose fine grains for the face, which has finer skin. Sugar or coffee grounds scrubs are reserved for the body.
For the face, you can choose scrubs made from clay (like Indigène's powder cleanser ), apricot kernels (like Likami's exfoliating cream ), or silica (Bobone offers one for dry skin and one for combination and oily skin ).
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3/ CONTINUE TO CLEAN YOUR SKIN WELL
Sunscreen, sweat, sand, sea salt... At the end of the day, the skin is very sticky!
It is essential to properly clean it every evening. Here, I strongly recommend the double cleansing method : oil + cleanser . The oil will help remove even the most stubborn sunscreens! You then use a cleansing gel or a gentle soap to eliminate all impurities and regain clear skin, ready to receive moisturizing treatments.
You now understand better how the skin naturally protects itself from the sun and how it works in summer, when it is exposed to UV rays.
The solutions to avoid the rebound effect and its spots after the holidays are quite simple: only one watchword, regularity . It is important to keep good habits throughout the year, even on vacation, with constant hydration , a weekly scrub and a good skin cleansing every evening , without forgetting to apply a good sunscreen !