Tips for your skin care in summer
Dr. Barbara Franz on the right care for your skin
Summertime is here, and it’s time to think about our skin care. Sun exposure can lead to sunburn, premature skin aging and even skin cancer. It’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your skin from the harsh rays of summer.
In this blog post, we’ll give you the best summer skincare tips to help you stay protected and look your best all season long. From sunscreen to hats and sunglasses, you’ll learn how to enjoy the sun without worrying about damage or discomfort. With these simple but effective tips, you can enjoy the sun while protecting your precious skin, whether you’re by the sea or in the park!
Skin care in summer follows its own rules
Skin care in the summer months follows its own set of rules that are important to follow. Skincare should not just be a one-off event, but rather an ongoing routine tailored to your lifestyle and the environment you are exposed to. To get the most out of your summer skincare routine, it’s important to keep your skin moisturized: use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, minimize sun exposure and wear sun-protective clothing.
Use the right sunscreen
Sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause sunburns and deep-seated damage that you may not see or feel until it’s too late.
Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 and a broad spectrum of protection against UVA and UVB rays. Reapply your sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Important: Do not underestimate the sun in cooler temperatures or windy weather!
It is important to remember that sunscreens do not block all ultraviolet light; UVA radiation can still penetrate the skin even with adequate protection. This means that while sunscreens can protect against sunburn and other acute effects of overexposure to the sun, they do not provide complete protection against long-term skin damage associated with UV radiation, such as premature skin ageing and increased risk of certain types of skin cancer. Therefore, it is important to limit exposure to direct sunlight during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm) when UVA/UVB rays are strongest.
Protect your skin with clothing
Wearing protective clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts and sunglasses can help protect your skin from the sun’s rays. Look for clothing that is labeled UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) or blocks a certain percentage of UV radiation.
Skin care in summer: moisture is better than oil
In the summer months, it is important to moisturize the skin sufficiently and avoid products containing oil. Excessive oil can clog pores and lead to pimple breakouts and other blemishes. Instead, opt for light moisturizers that have been specially developed for the summertime.
Look out for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, which moisturize the skin without making it look greasy. Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers that strip the skin of its natural oils, as this can lead to dehydration. Finally, drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated from the inside out!
Sun protection and care for your skin type:
Oily skin types:
For oily skin, it’s important to look for sunscreens that are oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores or cause blemishes. Look for ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. Avoid products that contain alcohol or fragrances as these can dry out and irritate the skin.
Dry skin types:
If you have dry skin, you should opt for moisturizing sunscreens that contain moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and shea butter. These ingredients moisturize the skin and protect it from UV rays at the same time. Sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher are also recommended for dry skin types.
Sensitive skin types:
Your sensitive skin can be particularly irritated by certain sunscreens, so look for products that have been specially developed for sensitive skin. Ingredients such as aloe vera and green tea extract can help to soothe redness and inflammation. It is also important to use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 if you have sensitive skin.
Normal/mixed skin types:
For normal/mixed skin, it is important to find a sunscreen that is lightweight yet provides adequate protection from UVA/UVB rays. Look for mineral sunscreens with active ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as they cause less irritation than chemicals. Choose a cream with a sun protection factor of at least 30, but no higher than 50; anything over 50 offers no additional protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
Tips for sunburn
1. seek shade or cover your skin with clothing to protect it from the sun.
2. apply cold compresses to the burnt area, e.g. a towel soaked in cool water, to relieve inflammation and pain.
3. use moisturizers and after sun lotions that contain natural ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin E and shea butter to soothe and nourish the skin. Be careful to avoid products with chemicals or fragrances that can irritate the skin even more. You can also opt for anti-inflammatory creams that contain ibuprofen or hydrocortisone – to further soothe the burn.
10 care tips to protect your skin particularly well in summer
1. use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 and protect your facial skin in particular, as it is most exposed to the sun.
2. renew your sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
3. wear protective clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts and sunglasses.
4. avoid direct sunlight during the midday sun (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
5. drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
6. exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells.
7. eat foods high in antioxidants to protect the skin from free radical damage.
8. use a moisturizer and after sun lotion that contains natural ingredients such as aloe vera and vitamin E.
9. shower lukewarm instead of hot during the summer months to avoid drying out your skin.
10. don’t forget to protect your lips – use a lip balm with SPF!
How long does the SPF in the sunscreen protect for?
The sun protection factor (SPF) in sunscreen protects your skin from the sun’s rays for a certain period of time. As a rule, SPF 30 is sufficient for two hours if you do not sweat or swim.
If you sweat or swim, you should reapply sunscreen to maintain its effectiveness. For the healthiest possible summer tan, avoid long periods of sunbathing and make sure you use sunscreen instead.
Tips for a healthy summer tan
To get a healthy tan, it’s important to limit direct sun exposure and wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when spending time outdoors. Self-tanners are a good option for those seeking a sun-kissed glow without the harmful effects of UV radiation. These products color the skin with a safe, waterproof colorant that won’t wash off with rain or sweat. In addition to applying sunscreen and using self-tanners, it is important to moisturize the skin with creams that contain antioxidants and avoid tanning beds where you are exposed to dangerous UVA rays. By following these tips for healthy summer skin care, you can protect your skin and still maintain a healthy tan.
