Seven skincare mistakes we make in the summer

Summer is the season that definitely favors the skin. However, there are several care rules that should be taken into account when the temperature outside the window reaches or exceeds 30 degrees C. See what are the most common care mistakes we make in the summer season.

The most common mistakes made in summer skin care

In summer, the skin of the face and body is exposed to a number of weather conditions, mainly strong sunlight, salt water, and warm, but drying wind. Unfortunately, many of us still this season care much less about the condition of our epidermis. This is a big mistake, because the lack of basic care, including moisturizing, sun protection and supporting skin regeneration, can contribute to, among others. exacerbation of acne symptoms in the fall, severe dryness and peeling, the formation of unsightly-looking spots, and even skin cancer in the future.

The 7 most common mistakes in summer skin care

1. Not using preparations with UV filters – solar radiation has both short and long-term effects. Although a short exposure has positive effects, too long exposure can damage (even deep) the epidermis, contribute to the formation of spots and increase the risk of skin cancer development.
2. Lack of skin hydration – good condition of the hydro-lipid layer of the skin is the basis of its elasticity and firmness. In summer, the sweat glands work very intensively, which causes faster evaporation of moisture from the skin’s surface. Daily supply of nutrients contained in creams increases the protective barrier, provides cells with moisture and promotes regeneration.
3. No skin regeneration – after a day of active recreation in the fresh air, exposure to the sun, swimming in salt or chlorinated water, the skin needs additional strengthening. Therefore, after cleansing the face and body in the evening, it is worth applying a strongly moisturizing cream with ingredients that will promote the rapid renewal of cells.
4. Forgetting to irrigate the skin from the inside – drinking mineral water (about 2 liters a day) is a must to maintain adequate hydration of all cells, not only the skin. After all, water is the basic environment in which many changes take place at the molecular level. It is worth having a bottle of water with you at all times, especially when we organize trips, go to the beach or simply walk for ice cream with the children. 
5. The use of the same cosmetics in summer and winter – the skin in summer has completely different requirements than in winter. Above all, it needs much lighter consistencies and slightly different nutrients. Therefore, other cosmetics will work well when the outside temperature is below zero, and others when it is hot. 
6. No peeling of the skin – in summer the epidermis tends to dry out and peel off, especially when we spend many hours in the sun. It is a good idea to peel the whole body and face once or twice a week. Depending on the type of skin and its needs, you can choose an enzyme product (most often enriched with fruit enzymes, e.g. papaya or pineapple for sensitive skins) or granular (intended for people with normal and oily skin). This is the only way to get rid of dead skin cells and clean the pores thoroughly. 
7. Protecting your skin only on the beach – applying sunscreen makes sense not only when you go out to the beach. What’s more, even if we stay in the shade most of the time, we will not protect ourselves from the harmful effects of solar radiation. 

What does skin need in summer?

The condition of the skin in the fall and winter depends on how we take care of our skin in summer. What does our epidermis need during this period?

The first step should be thorough cleansing and exfoliation. The sweat and sebaceous glands are much more active, which can block the pores of the skin, which in turn aggravates the symptoms of acne. Dermatologists and cosmetologists recommend choosing a mild cleanser, preferably with a hypoallergenic composition. It is important that the product does not contain any factors causing allergies and sensitization, drying substances or artificial additives.

The second rule is to protect the skin from solar radiation and thoroughly moisturize it. An effective and popular ingredient present in cosmetics is urea, which significantly affects the level of hydration (retains water in the epidermis), increases the absorption of other cosmetics, and accelerates cell division in the granular layer, which supports regeneration. An example of a good-quality dermocosmetic is Cerkobalm balm with 10% urea, vitamin PP and beta-carotene. It is recommended primarily for sensitive skin after sea bathing, sunbathing, PUVA therapy and with a tendency to peel off and dry out.

Vitamin PP (also known as vitamin B3 or niacinamide), L-Arginine and B-glycyrrhetinic acid also have a soothing and regenerating effect. People with sensitive, atopic and prone to irritation skin should reach for a cosmetic that will not only strengthen the protective barrier of the epidermis, deeply moisturize it, but also provide antipruritic properties, eg Cerkopil balm.

In summer, it is also worth reaching for a product whose composition will have a depigmenting and anti-wrinkle effect. Noteworthy cream is Cerkoderm 5 with vitamin PP and urea, which supports the regenerative processes of the skin and makes it much more elastic. Its light consistency makes it suitable for use under makeup.