Summer is here ! Sun, heat, salt, chlorine… it is undoubtedly during this time of year that the skin is most exposed to external aggressions! It must adapt to this new environment, warmer and drier. But then how does our skin adapt to this new season? And how to properly prepare it before summer and exposure to the sun?
What changes for our skin in summer
First of all, what changes in summer is obviously the intensity and duration of exposure to the sun. Even if we take care to apply sun protection, certain UV rays can still damage our skin and accelerate skin aging. It is therefore important to take care of your skin during this season. In addition to accelerating skin aging, UV rays also stimulate pigmentation and therefore the appearance of brown spots. Indeed, during exposure to the sun, melanin, the molecule responsible for the coloring of the skin, is produced in order to protect it from the sun's rays. But, during long-term exposure, melanin will be synthesized excessively and irregularly, thus causing the appearance of these spots. Another phenomenon can also occur during the summer. Due to greater solar radiation, the presence of molecules reactive to oxygen such as oxygen ions or peroxides increases at this time of year. These cells, toxic to the body, will push our body to eliminate them by producing more antioxidants. Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, are naturally present in skin cells; their role is essential since they allow us to protect our cells from these toxic molecules. In summer, these antioxidants are therefore overconsumed. All these external aggressions put a strain on the skin. Although the hydrolipidic film is there to protect it, it will not be able to be produced in sufficient quantity to effectively fight against all these attacks at the same time. The skin will then draw on hydration reserves to compensate for this drop in production. We then find ourselves with dry and dehydrated skin. But, as our body is well made, the barrier function of the skin will adapt to these changes and will become thicker to protect itself. It is therefore important to adapt your skincare routine according to the skin's new needs.
How to properly prepare your skin for summer?
Properly preparing your skin involves both the outside and the inside. Adapting your
skincare routine and diet is essential. Before exposure, it is recommended to exfoliate the body and face in order to eliminate dead cells, optimize the uniformity of the tan and avoid hyperpigmentation spots. It is also advisable to consume foods rich in carotenoids, such as beta-carotene and lycopene. These natural pigments will help speed up the tan and make it more even. Beta-carotene, also called provitamin A, is present in carrots, apricots, mangoes and even dark green vegetables. Lycopene is very present in tomatoes, in all their forms: raw, cooked, in puree, in juice, etc., and also in watermelon and grapefruit. In addition to carotenoids, it is interesting to consume more ingredients rich in antioxidants to compensate for their high consumption by the body in summer. Fruits like strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and apples contain a lot of it. It may also be useful to take food supplements, rich in carotenoids and antioxidants, in order to boost the body and promote tanning. And finally, drinking enough water helps the body stay hydrated.
