For our skin, the sun is a real strain, including skin ageing. Find out how you can help sun-damaged skin here.
The skin does not forget: Permanent cell damage from the sun
The destructive power of UV-A and -B rays have a lasting effect on the skin’s cell structure. All signs of skin ageing, such as wrinkles, age or pigment spots and loss of elasticity, are favoured and significantly intensified by exposure to the sun. Because every sunbath triggers an increase in free radicals in the body, damages the genetic material in the cell nuclei and weakens the skin’s defence system.
The sun’s rays break down collagen and elastin fibres deep within the skin that keep our skin smooth, supple and flexible. Wrinkles caused by the sun are the least of the problems. Sun damage to dramatically damaged skin (elastosis) or, in the worst case, skin cancer is the consequence.
The insidious thing about it: Permanent damage from UV radiation does not only occur if the skin is visibly reddened and irritated by sunburn. The most severe damage is initially not visible to the naked eye. They only show up years later. Skincare with a sufficiently high sun protection factor is essential to prevent skin damage. But proper care is also crucial after sunbathing because UV-stressed skin needs regeneration.
Tips for skin care after the sun vacation
As beneficial as a beautiful summer vacation is for the soul, it is often just as exhausting for the skin. If you only want to remember the good sides of the trip, you should take good care of your skin after the holiday. These are the best after-holiday care tips:
1. Plenty of moisture
Instead of rich creams, it is now the turn of watery gels, which are ideally enriched with active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, panthenol or glycerin. The reward: creases caused by drought are slightly smoothed out for a short time; the skin can look plumper and livelier again.
2. Stay soft
Because dry skin absorbs moisturising care like a sponge, it is often not enough to apply the cream in the morning and evening. Regular follow-up creaming is ideal. On the other hand, you should avoid heavy peeling treatments, as the salty sea air has stressed the skin, causing lots of moisture and UV radiation.
3. Stay cool – even when washing
High water temperatures when bathing, showering and washing are now taboo. They remove fat from the skin and, with it, the protective layer that stores moisture inside the skin. Instead, it is better to use mild temperatures and moisturising cleaners. By the way, the frequent “clean beauty” recommendation to only clean the skin with water is nonsense. This can even remove additional moisture from the skin. It is, therefore, best to always use gentle formulations with urea, glycerin or panthenol. Extra care tip: Gently dab your face after washing so that some moisture remains. Now put a few drops of almond or coconut oil on a cotton pad and rub it over the skin. The oil combines with the humidity and lays on the skin like a pleasant care film.
4. Deep down: repair, revitalise, regenerate
Cosmetic care measures are a blessing for sun-stressed skin, and they revitalize the skin, rejuvenate it and complement self-made care perfectly. Active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin can nourish the tissue from the inside. The effect is not only noticeable but, above all, scientifically proven as well as long-lasting and visible: supplied with the natural active ingredients from the inside, the complexion radiates and looks smoother, younger and just as relaxed as you wish after a holiday!
