10 summer self-care questions

Send

The secrets of skin and hair care in the summer.

Photo: pixabay.com

1. How to reduce the damage caused to the body by the sun?

"Redness, hyperpigmentation, burns - these are the consequences of skin hypersensitivity to the effects of the sun. In order to avoid such problems, doctors do not recommend sunbathing to those who take antibiotics, hormonal contraceptives, as well as preparations containing vitamin A or St. John's wort," La Roche-Posay brand expert Ekaterina Dobrydneva. "Some household detergents and cosmetics can also cause a negative reaction. For example, using lip gloss or perfume on the beach can cause serious burns."
Excessive exposure to UV rays reduces immunity and leads to exacerbation of chronic diseases and acne. Caution should be in the sun and people suffering from psoriasis. It all depends on the form in which the disease occurs: in some cases, the sun is useful, in some it is contraindicated. Therefore, before you go to the resort, be sure to consult a doctor.

2. Do I need to specially prepare the skin for a beach holiday?

In principle, not necessarily. The main thing is that in your suitcase lay a sunscreen with a suitable SPF factor (determined by phototype). A month before the trip, you can go to the solarium several times - this adapts the skin to meet the sun. The main thing is not to overdo it. You can sunbathe no more than twice a week for 3-5 minutes.
If you want to get the most beautiful and lasting tan, 10 days before departure, begin to actively use face and body scrubs.

3. Can I use tanning creams regularly?

“Any tanning agent contains chemicals and dyes that accumulate in the skin when used continuously,” warns Irina Kulakova, cosmetologist at the German Medical Technology Clinic of GMTClinic. “It’s impossible to predict how it will react to a large number of these ingredients. Yes, it’s negative effect on the body cannot be ruled out either. " In addition, bronze creams stimulate the production of melanin in the skin cells, but at the same time they do not protect it from exposure to sunlight, so do not neglect protective means in any case. And a few words in defense of tanning. The harm that they hypothetically can cause you is not comparable with what is ultraviolet radiation.

4. Is it possible to minimize the risk of melanoma?

The sun's rays stimulate the production of melanin, and it begins to accumulate in the skin. This can trigger the growth of moles, a change in their structure and, as a consequence, degeneration into a malignant formation. Sunbathing, many are trying to protect moles by sticking them with a band-aid. But this is not a panacea. The cosmetologist at the GMTClinic German Medical Technology Clinic Irina Kulakova warns: "The patch really protects the mole from direct rays, but under it it inevitably fades, and this is also a useless and traumatic process. There are two ways out: either apply sunscreen to the moles and update it there as often as possible, or just cover them with clothes. If you notice that the birthmark changes color, shape and increases in size, immediately stop sunbathing and consult a doctor as soon as possible. "

5. How to prevent the appearance of age spots?

Summer pigmentation is a consequence of the phototoxic reaction of the skin to the components of some cosmetics. They can be a variety of substances: from vitamins B2 and B6 to vegetable oils. They are called photosensitizers. Once in the skin (inside or on the surface), they absorb the energy of UV radiation and transmit it to neighboring cells, damaging and then killing them. As a result, a spot appears at the place where such a reaction occurred.If the skin is prone to pigmentation, it is important to ensure that the summer diet has enough vitamins C, B9 (folic acid) and PP. The lack of these substances leads to increased production of melanin. Before going outside, be sure to apply an agent with an SPF of at least 30 on open skin areas and, if possible, refuse to use decorative cosmetics and perfumes.
Read labels on sunscreen carefully. Some filters that make up their composition, scientists consider dangerous and oncogenic. Such, for example, are oxybenzone and retinol palmitate.

6. Is it necessary to change the face care products for this period?

In summer, cosmetologists recommend using creams with lighter textures. It is desirable that the composition of day creams included SPF factor. For owners of dry, mature skin, it makes sense to switch to moisturizing fluids and emulsions
with hyaluronic acid, plant extracts and antioxidant vitamins C and E (they fight photoaging of the skin).
Use in day care products with acids and retinol (vitamin A), experts do not recommend. They increase the sensitivity of the skin to the sun. However, in the evenings it is quite possible (and even useful) to apply peels, which include these “harmful” components in the morning.
Regarding face care at sea, the cosmetologist, Clinic of German Medical Technologies GMTClinic Irina Kulakova advises: "For more delicate care
I recommend that you wipe your face with an azulene tonic or lotion before applying sunscreen during sunbathing - it will moisturize the skin and speed up the regeneration process. In general, morning and evening spa care is no different from home. "

7. How to care for hair in the summer?

The top layer of any hair consists of flakes that fit snugly against the shaft, thanks to the sticky keratin protein. The sun's rays destroy it, the scales begin to disintegrate, and the hair becomes like a dry bump, it becomes brittle and dull. That is why for summer care products with keratin and natural fats - ceramides are so important. Masks and sprays with these substances penetrate the hair structure and “cement” it, and the hair becomes soft, supple and shiny again. In summer, it is better to give preference to moisturizing shampoos and, in the same way as in the case of the skin, use products with SPF. Also, before going outside or going to the beach, it is recommended to apply a special protective spray to the hair.
In summer, the temptation is very great to dry the hair wet after washing directly in the sun. This cannot be done! Wet hair is very vulnerable to sunlight.

8. What to do with sunburn?

Rinse the burned place with clean water (sea and river are not suitable), then apply restoring "Panthenol" or "Bipanten" to it. And update regularly. The burn should be covered constantly.
Even if there is no burn, after a long exposure to the sun, the skin should always be moisturized and “cooled” with a special lotion or cream-gel after tanning (for example, with menthol). By the way, some cosmetologists believe that products containing panthenol, and are completely ideal for "spa care."

9. What decorative cosmetics can be used in the summer?

And again we repeat: choose products with the function of protecting the skin from ultraviolet radiation. Moisturizing herbal extracts, vitamin E and SPF factor should be included in foundation creams, powders, concealers or lipsticks.
It is better to completely abandon waterproof mascara for the summer. Often, it contains paraffin resins, which under the influence of the sun begin to irritate the skin of the eyelids and can lead to serious inflammation. You should not trust persistent lipsticks: as a rule, all of them dry their lips and thus at times increase the harmful effects of the sun. In summer, it is better to use cream lipsticks.Perhaps they are not so persistent, but due to the soft texture, the skin of the lips will be smooth and quite moisturized.

10. What you need to know about nail care?

Today in the assortment of some brands you can find nail coatings with UV filters. This is not just a marketing ploy. Nails and cuticles also suffer from the sun. The nail plate becomes brittle and dull, and the skin around it becomes dry and noticeably stiff. Therefore, leaving the house, apply hand cream with SPF not only to the skin, but also rub it into the nails and cuticles. In the morning, use products with a light texture, and in the evening - more dense and greasy means.