Which cosmetics should you not use in summer?

Cosmetics also have seasonality. Therefore, the beauty shelf changes depending on the time of year. In winter, more nourishing creams and masks appear, and in spring, serums that will restore radiance to the skin appear. During the summer months, the need for moisture and sun protection increases, but that’s not all. We talked to dermatologists from DocMed clinics and CMD – Molecular Diagnostic Center about which cosmetics can and cannot be used during the summer season.

What should not be in summer cosmetics?

An important task in summer is to reduce the harmful effects of UV rays. For this reason, cosmetics should not contain active ingredients that increase sensitivity to sunlight.

retinol

Some of the most popular ingredients in cosmetics are vitamin A derivatives (retinol), retinoids. They help reduce wrinkles, lighten pigmentation and treat acne. But they also increase the skin’s sensitivity to light. There are many types of retinoids; active (drugs) and not so active (cosmetics). “If this is a cheap mass-market cream labeled ‘vitamin A’, you are unlikely to see side effects of retinol in the sun. But vitamin A is different in that it is quickly destroyed in the sun. That’s why “retinol cosmetics” are applied at night. Despite the above, effective anti-aging products containing retinol The time for cosmetics is autumn and winter. Therefore, in the summer it is better to give the skin a rest,” says dermatologist Marina Savkina.

AHA acids

There is still no consensus among dermatologists about whether it is possible to use acids in the summer. For example, dermatologist Ekaterina Kandinskaya believes that alpha hydroxy acids such as retinol increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun and cause photodamage. And Marina Savkina argues that if these are home care products with a low concentration of active ingredients, you can use them, but at the same time remember about sunscreen. However, cosmetic peelings using acids should be postponed until autumn, since the concentration of the active substance in them is much higher.

essential oils

“It would seem that natural ingredients do not pose any danger, but this is not the case. Essential oils contain photosensitive substances that “attract” more sunlight to the skin surface. Therefore, there are two options: Avoid them in the product formula or always remember to protect yourself from the sun,” says Ekaterina Kandinskaya.

What skin care rules should you follow in summer?

It is important to follow two basic rules to keep your skin comfortable during the summer months: Cleanse it thoroughly and protect it from the sun. But that’s not all. Marina Savkina will tell you more about the main rules.

Pay attention to the cleanliness of your skin

Due to increased sweating during the hot season, additional cleaning may be required in addition to the standard double wash. This is especially true for those with oily skin types. Sweat mixed with bacteria and cosmetic ingredients can clog pores and create an occlusive effect, thereby provoking the appearance of acne and comedones. Therefore, if necessary, people with oily skin and acne are recommended to use dry or special cleansing wipes during the day. You need to gently pat your face without rubbing it to remove excess oil and sweat. It is better to avoid cleansers containing alcohol and opt for milder ones.

Protect your skin from sun rays

Everyone should have cosmetic products with a protection factor of 30 and above. Especially for those who decide to go out in nature all day in sunny weather after a long winter. Unprepared skin will experience shock and react with burns.

How often you use SPF products depends on your lifestyle. If you spend most of the day in the office, you can simply apply Sunscreen in the morning and use a care product with additional SPF before leaving work. However, if you come on vacation to a place where you will sunbath, the product layer should be renewed every two hours, especially after swimming. And the optimal protection factor in this case is 50.

Choose products with mild formulas

During the summer months, most of us no longer need heavy creams (even people with dry skin). It is better to postpone mineral oils, shea butter, coconut oil and other products with heavy ingredients until autumn. However, you still need to moisturize your skin. To do this, choose creams and gels with a light consistency that contain hyaluronic acid, urea or ceramides.

Minimize the use of foundation

If possible, try to limit the use of “camouflage” cosmetics (foundations, concealers). If you can’t avoid foundation completely, the product should contain the phrase “non-comedogenic” and a note stating that it contains at least SPF 30.