How to care for your skin after summer excesses

BarcelonaDermatologists make it clear: there is no such thing as a healthy tan. "A tan is always a consequence of the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation to our skin, and therefore, the best thing we can do to care for our skin is to prevent it," explains Francesc Alamon, a dermatologist at Hospital Clínic. Prevention involves adequate sun protection, physical protection with clothing, hats, and sunglasses, as well as avoiding the hours of greatest sunlight, which "is key to mitigating the effects the sun can have on our skin," adds Alamon. Photoaging and many of the spots and wrinkles that appear on the skin, especially on the face, are a consequence of the photoexposure we have accumulated over the years.

What can we do after the summer?

To care for your skin after the summer, hydration is "fundamental," this dermatologist assures, since both solar radiation and sea and pool water can make our skin drier. "Moisturizing should be included in your daily routine and it's recommended to do so with moisturizing creams that also include exfoliating agents, such as urea, and apply them after showering," recommends Alamon.

Active ingredients like retinol can help improve skin texture as well as some signs of aging like fine wrinkles or sun spots. "But it's important to be properly informed before starting a treatment with an active ingredient," notes Alamon.

Should you get a checkup?

After the summer, it's also recommended to check your skin for any spots or hyperpigmentation, especially on the face, new freckles, or changes in appearance and size. Take the opportunity to consult a dermatologist. Francesc Alamon also reminds us that sun protection is a long-distance race and shouldn't be limited to the summer months. "It's worth continuing to apply sunscreen on areas like the face, where the sun tends to accumulate more, as it's also the best sunscreen," he said. antiaging which exists against wrinkles and spots associated with sun exposure."