Now that summer has come to an end and all the beautiful moments of the holidays are slowly turning into unique memories, it’s time to invest in the right skin care products. After a summer at the beaches, the pool, and constant exposure to the sun, our skin will need diligent care. Also, very often summer days are associated with alcohol consumption and less mindful eating, which directly affects the skin. Therefore, it is time to focus on rejuvenating and detoxifying our skin. After all, heavy exposure to the sun, sweat and environmental pollutants can leave our skin distressed, dehydrated and possibly irritated. Therefore, Plastic Surgeon in Athens Dr. Maria Skolarikou presents you with a comprehensive guide to skin care after summer – a detox program that will leave you with glowing, rejuvenated and revitalized skin.
Skin care after summer: Replenish lost moisture
One of the most critical steps in post-summer skin care is to deeply hydrate your skin and replenish lost moisture. Sun exposure can lead to dehydration and loss of essential moisture, causing the skin to appear dry, dehydrated or even flaky. Start by drinking plenty of water to give your body the hydration it so desperately needs. Also incorporate water-rich foods such as cucumber, watermelon and leafy greens into your diet.
However, don’t stop there – your skin also needs skin barrier hydration. Choose a gentle, moisturizing cleanser to remove any remaining sunscreen, sweat and dirt. Follow up with a high-quality moisturizer that suits your skin type. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides – these will help lock in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.
Don’t forget to exfoliate the skin
Sun exposure can cause dead skin cells to build up, leaving your skin looking dull and uneven. At the same time, sweat causes sebum to build up in the pores, which makes it easier for pimples to start popping up. Therefore, exfoliation is the ultimate step to regaining fresh, glowing skin. However, caution is needed as you may be doing your skin more harm than good. When we hear the term exfoliation, the first thing that usually comes to mind is intense scrubs with granules, which we vigorously rub into the skin of the face, thinking that this way they will do an even more effective job. And yet, in this way, all we will achieve is to cause micro-injuries in the surface layer of the skin.
The key to exfoliation is to apply a gentle, non-gritty exfoliant. Choose a mild product that contains natural exfoliating agents such as fruit enzymes or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). These will gently remove dead skin cells without causing irritation. An amazing ingredient that works impressively against clogged pores is beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and more specifically salicylic acid. Regular exfoliation not only improves skin texture but also allows your subsequent skincare products to penetrate more effectively, maximizing their benefits. Don’t get carried away, however, as 2-3 times a week is enough to apply an exfoliating product.
Skin care after summer: Reverse sun damage
While we can’t turn back time, we can certainly undo some of the sun damage done during those days spent lounging on the beach. The sun’s rays can lead to hyperpigmentation, fine lines and loss of skin elasticity. Combat these effects by incorporating targeted active ingredients into your skin care routine after summer. Vitamin C serums are a powerful weapon against sun damage. This ingredient helps fade dark spots, brighten your skin and boost collagen production. The leading pharmaceutical cosmetics company, SKINCEUTICALS, has in its product line a number of excellent quality vitamin C serums, each of which is selected based on the type and needs of every skin type. Retinol is another miracle ingredient as it accelerates skin cell renewal, improving its appearance and texture while reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. However, these ingredients can be strong, so introduce them gradually into your routine and always wear sunscreen during the day.
Don’t forget sun protection
Just because summer has come to an end doesn’t mean it’s an opportunity to skip sunscreen. In fact, sunscreen application is essential throughout the year. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it thoroughly and liberally, even on cloudy days. This step is non-negotiable to prevent future sun damage and maintain the results of skin care after summer.
Professional treatments that will provide optimal results
For those looking for more intensive skin care after summer, professional treatments can deliver noticeable results. Dr. Maria Skolarikou applies personalized protocols, based on the newest and most revolutionary treatments, to restore the skin after the summer months. In fact, the doctor recommends as ideal treatments after the summer the specialized cleanings with the Aquafacial or Hydrafacial technology, as well as the innovative skinbooster mesotherapy.
Aquafacial and Hydrafacial treatments are the most modern approaches to professional, deep cleansing and post-summer skin care. With the combination of hydration, suction and nourishment, they cleanse in depth and reveal an intensively renewed skin. Through a gentle yet highly effective process, these treatments simultaneously infuse your skin with a custom blend of serums, leaving you with unparalleled radiance and a renewed sense of confidence.
At the same time, depending on the needs, gender and age of each person, the innovative skinbooster mesotherapies with the doctor’s technique will offer you unique regeneration, smoothing of fine wrinkles, tightening, shine and hydration. In fact, various types of mesotherapy can be applied, such as skin booster mesotherapy or autologous mesotherapy. We always choose the right one according to the needs of each skin. We can also apply the Dermapen 4 microneedling treatment as an anti-aging mesotherapy, which is indicated for the fight against fine wrinkles, collagenogenesis, hydration, while it has an impressive effect against spots and freckles. In fact, there are complete anti-acne, freckles and spots and deep hydration treatments that are combined impressively with the above protocols. And finally, let’s not forget the injectable botulinum toxin for severe expression lines that may have been accentuated after sun exposure.
As the beautiful days of summer come to an end, it’s time to focus on rejuvenating your skin from the inside out. A comprehensive skin care routine after summer can reverse sun damage, hydrate your skin and restore its natural glow. Remember, consistency is key. Establishing healthy skin care habits now will pay off in the long run, ensuring your skin stays young, glowing and healthy for years to come. So embark on this exciting post-summer skin recovery journey and give your skin the love and attention it deserves!
