Skin care in summer: how to avoid blemishes and premature aging?

(5 minutes reading)

Introduction

When the sun shines brightly, our skin immediately feels the effects - and not in the best way. While a tan may seem appealing, intense sun exposure accelerates skin aging, increases the risk of dark spots and damages its natural defenses. But did you know that some simple strategies and effective products can make all the difference? In this article, we explain how to protect your skin this summer and reveal some interesting facts that you've probably never heard. Let's dive in! 

What happens to your skin in summer?

Intense sun exposure, combined with heat, humidity and pollution, causes a cascade of changes in the skin. The main culprit is ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially UVA (aging) and UVB (sunburn) rays, which increase the production of free radicals. These attack collagen and elastin, proteins responsible for the firmness and elasticity of the skin, promoting premature aging.

In addition, heat stimulates the production of sebum and sweat, which can clog pores and aggravate problems such as acne and rosacea. The skin also becomes more sensitive and prone to hyperpigmentation - the dreaded dark spots.

A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology revealed that more than 80% of visible signs of facial aging are caused by sun exposure—not age itself. It’s time to say, “Oh my God! What am I NOT doing?” 

Strategies to avoid spots and premature aging

1. Sunscreen – your best ally

Daily use of sunscreen is the most effective way to prevent dark spots and wrinkles. And no, it’s not enough to just apply it at the beach!

·        Opt for SPF 50+ with UVA and UVB protection.

·        Reapply every 2 hours - especially after swimming or sweating.

·        Choose formulas with antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals.

Recommended product : Heliocare 360 ​​Oil-Free Gel SPF 50 , one of the best-sellers in our store and preferred by those with oily or combination skin. Contains Fernblock®, a highly studied antioxidant extract, with proven effectiveness in protecting against sun damage.

2. Topical Antioxidants – The Invisible Shield

To boost skin defense, it is best to use antioxidants such as vitamin C or resveratrol before applying sunscreen. These ingredients act as an extra barrier against sun-induced oxidative stress . Did you know that the combination of vitamin C with vitamin E and ferulic acid has been shown to increase skin photoprotection by up to 8 times?

Recommended product : SkinCeuticals Prevent CE Ferulic Serum , one of the most studied and effective antioxidants on the market. Contains 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid, a combination that has been shown to significantly increase protection against UV damage and improve skin firmness and radiance. Ideal for those looking for visible results in preventing signs of aging.

3. Specific care for the eye and lip contour

These areas are often neglected, but they have the thinnest and most sensitive skin and are the first to show signs of aging. The eye contour undergoes around 10,000 movements per day - blinking included - which accelerates the degradation of collagen.

Recommended product : ISDIN Isdinceutics K-Ox Eyes , which combats dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles, reinforcing the skin barrier in this delicate area.

4.  After-sun routine - repair is essential

Even with care, the skin suffers aggressions throughout the day. Investing in an after-sun routine rich in soothing and regenerating ingredients is essential to avoid accumulated damage.

Look for soothing, highly hydrating ingredients like allantoin, niacinamide, panthenol, or aloe vera. Choose light, refreshing textures that soothe without clogging pores.

Recommended products : after sun exposure, skin regeneration is essential to prevent the formation of dark spots and minimize oxidative stress. Lierac Sunissime After-Sun Refreshing Gel deeply hydrates, repairs and prolongs your tan with a delicious sensorial texture. Filorga UV Cellular-Protect After-Sun Gel for Face & Body acts at a cellular level, promoting the repair of skin DNA after damage induced by UV rays. ISDIN After Sun After-Sun Lotion refreshes, intensely hydrates and immediately relieves the sensation of heat, being ideal for daily use during the summer months. These products not only provide immediate comfort but also help prevent premature skin aging caused by accumulated solar radiation. 

How to treat existing blemishes and wrinkles

If signs of hyperpigmentation or fine lines have already appeared, summer doesn't have to be an obstacle - you just need suitable products that tolerate sun exposure well.

1. Gentle depigmenting agents : Avoid harsh depigmenting agents like retinoic acid at this time of year. Opt for gentle ingredients.

• • Niacinamide : regulates melanin production.
  • Azelaic acid : with anti-inflammatory and depigmenting properties.
  • Tranexamic acid (in low concentrations): effective on melasma and sun spots.

Recommended products : There are specific formulas that help to even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation. Medik8 Clarity Peptides Serum with 10% niacinamide combines depigmenting, anti-inflammatory and brightening action, and is ideal for sensitive skin or skin prone to blemishes. Caudalie Vinoperfect Anti-Dark Spot Niacinamide Cream combines the action of niacinamide with viniferine, a patented ingredient that is 62 times more effective than vitamin C in reducing pigmentation spots. Both products are excellent allies in the daily skin care routine for blemished skin, without compromising skin tolerance.

Did you know that niacinamide, in addition to reducing blemishes, also improves the skin's barrier function and reduces redness, making it ideal for sensitive skin?

2. Moisturizers with anti-aging action : continuous hydration improves skin elasticity and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles. Choose creams and serums with ingredients that strengthen the skin structure.

Recommended products : Dehydration accentuates wrinkles and makes the skin more vulnerable to oxidative stress. Filorga Hyalu-Filler Plumping Moisturiser offers intense hydration thanks to high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, visibly plumping fine lines from the first application. Its formula also contains a plant complex that reinforces the skin's barrier function, ideal for keeping the skin nourished and elastic during the drier and hotter months.

For those who are already noticing signs of aging, such as loss of firmness or fine wrinkles, La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Anti-Wrinkle Serum is an excellent option. This serum combines hyaluronic acid with vitamin B5 and madecassoside, ingredients known for their repairing, moisturizing and soothing action. Its light texture makes it ideal for daily use, even on sensitive skin exposed to the sun.

 Extra care: what almost no one does (but should)

• Should you wear sunscreen indoors? Yes . Visible light and blue light from screens can also affect your skin, especially if you are prone to dark spots. Recommended Products: Sunscreens
• Clothing with UV protection . There are now clothes with a built-in sun protection factor (UPF). Ideal for those who spend a lot of time outdoors.
• Oral photoprotection . Supplements with polypodium leucotomos, lycopene or astaxanthin help to strengthen the skin's resistance to the sun. If in doubt, consult us before starting any supplement. Recommended Products: Sun Supplements
• Don't rub your face with a towel? Sure . This gesture may seem harmless, but it damages the skin and promotes inflammation - especially in skin with rosacea or blemishes.

TOP 5 most wanted items in our store for the Summer:

1. SkinCeuticals Prevent CE Ferulic Serum (30 ml) 178,99€ 143,19€
The benchmark antioxidant with pure vitamin C that protects against photoaging and visibly brightens - a must-have for your summer routine.
Buy now and prevent damage before it happens .

2. Filorga UV Cellular-Protect Sunscreen Face SPF50+ (40 ml) 39,50€ 19,75€
More than a sunscreen: it protects and repairs damage at the cellular level, with a light texture and invisible finish.
Get your anti-aging shield now .

3. Caudalie Vinoperfect Duo Anti-Blemish Serum + Sun Fluid Offer 48,99€ 44,09€
One of the most effective depigmenting serums on the market, now with a sunscreen offer - the perfect duo against dark spots.
Take advantage of this limited edition now .

4. Filorga Hyalu-Filler Plumping Moisturizing Cream (50 ml) €62.99 €31.49
Deep hydration and immediate filling of wrinkles with pure hyaluronic acid - ideal for sun-dehydrated skin.
Refresh and rejuvenate your skin today .

5. Medik8 Crystal Retinal Night Serum Vitamin A Anti-Aging (30 ml) €57.50-€138.99 € 51.75-€125.09
Next-generation vitamin A to visibly reduce wrinkles and renew skin while you sleep - with excellent tolerance even for sensitive skin.
Include this serum in your nighttime routine today .

Conclusion

Summer doesn’t have to be your skin’s enemy. With the right care, you can enjoy the sun and keep your skin healthy, glowing and youthful for longer. Remember that prevention is the best weapon against blemishes and wrinkles, but even if they have already appeared, there are effective and safe solutions to treat them.

Visit our online store or click on the links and discover all the products mentioned in this article. Take advantage of our special summer campaigns and take care of your skin with confidence. Your future self will thank you!

Bibliographic References

1. Lavker RM, Veres D, Irwin CJ. Quantitative assessment of cumulative damage from repetitive ultraviolet irradiation. J Invest Dermatol. 1995.

2. González S et al. Fernblock, a plant extract, shows efficacy in photoprotection and treatment of photodamage. Int J Dermatol. 2010.

3. Lin FH, Lin JY, Gupta RD, Tournas JA, Burch JA, Selim MA, Monteiro-Riviere NA, Grichnik JM, Zielinski J, Pinnell SR. Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin. J Invest Dermatol. 2005.

4. Rawlings AV. Trends in stratum corneum research and the management of dry skin conditions. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2003.

5. Draelos ZD. The multifunctional benefits of niacinamide in dermatology. Cutis. 2017.

6. Mahmood T, Akhtar N, Khan BA. The morphology, structure, and function of skin. In: A Concise Manual of Cosmetic Science. 2020.

7. Svobodová AR, Walterová D, Vostalová J. Ultraviolet induced light alteration to the skin. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub. 2006.

*This text was produced with the help of Artificial Intelligence.