Summer can be great for your mood, but it is not always quite as kind to your skin. Increased sun exposure, warmer temperatures, holidays, chlorine, salt water and changes to your usual skincare routine can mean that the skin looks and feels duller.
The good news is that autumn is an ideal time to focus on repairing and refreshing your skin. With the right skincare routine and professional treatments, you can help restore hydration, improve texture and address some of the visible effects of summer.
What Happens to Your Skin During Summer?
The damage to your skin during summer is largely caused by increased exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, even when using sunscreen.
While UV protection is a key element of your skin care routine during the summer months, being outdoors for longer periods means there is an increased risk of cumulative exposure to the sun’s rays. This can cause a variety of problems including age related pigmentation, skin deterioration, decrease in collagen production and signs of premature ageing.
During the hot summer months, our skin can produce more oil while sweating more than usual. When combined with sunscreen, makeup and grime from the environment, this can lead to blocked pores and spots.
Also, the chlorinated water from swimming pools, dry air from air conditioning, and even the salt water from the sea, combined with prolonged exposure to the sun, can cause dehydration.
Focus on Hydration
The best thing to do to your skin after summer is to start to rehydrate it. Dehydrated skin looks and feels dull, with lines showing up more clearly than normal. Also, it loses its natural glow and can look greying and lacklustre.
Start using a moisturiser that contains Hyaluronic Acid to replenish the skin’s hydration levels and give your skin the nourishment it needs. Your moisturiser can also work to protect the skin’s natural barrier from further damage.
A professional hydrating facial can also be used to give the skin an extra boost of hydration if it feels dry and lacklustre. The HydraFacial treatment also deep cleanses and gives the skin an instant hydration boost which is why it is so popular with clients looking to revive their skin after the summer months.
Address Sun Damage and Pigmentation
Pigmentation is another common problem that can become apparent in the skin following the summer months. These darker patches of skin may be noticed in addition to freckles. As the summer tan begins to wear off, you may begin to notice areas where your skin tone is becoming increasingly uneven.
Melanin is produced by the skin and causes pigmentation. Sunlight is one of the major factors that can trigger an increase in melanin production. This will depend on the type and depth of the individual’s pigmentation. Chemical peels, laser and other advanced skin care treatments are available to treat various types of pigmentation.
The type of pigmentation also needs to be assessed before treatment as some types need more treatment than others.
Improve Dull or Uneven Skin Texture
The skin’s outermost layer can become dull when dead skin cells pile up on the skin’s surface creating a rough look and feel.
Exfoliation can be undertaken to remove dead skin cells; however, use of exfoliation products can be too harsh on the skin and exacerbate dry skin, causing further irritation and discomfort.
Chemical peels can offer more targeted exfoliation of the skin depending on your individual skin type and concerns. This can be discussed at your initial consultation, when a practitioner can recommend the most suitable strength and type of chemical peel for your individual skin type.
Encourage Collagen Production
Collagen is the main skin structure protein and helps to give skin firmness and elasticity. Collagen can break down due to natural ageing of the skin and also due to UV exposure to the skin.
By using treatments that create controlled micro-injuries to the skin (to stimulate your skin’s natural repair processes) such as microneedling, it is possible to stimulate production of important skin matrix proteins. Uneven skin texture, large pores, fine lines, and acne scarring are all issues that can be addressed using microneedling.
Do Not Stop Wearing SPF
It might be tempting to put your SPF away once summer is over, but sun protection should ideally remain part of your skincare routine throughout the year. UVA rays are present even during cloudy weather and can contribute to premature skin ageing and pigmentation.
Using a broad-spectrum SPF every day is particularly important if you are undergoing treatments designed to improve pigmentation or resurface the skin. Prevent further damage in order to maintain your skin’s appearance and allow your skin care and treatments to work effectively.
Refresh Your Skin at Nuovo Clinic
At Nuovo Clinic, our skin and aesthetic treatments can help to treat a number of skin problems including hyper-pigmentation, dehydrated skin, uneven skin texture and signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Following a consultation, we can assess your skin and recommend a personalised treatment plan based on your concerns and the results you would like to achieve.
If your skin is looking tired after summer and you would like to restore a healthier, fresher appearance, contact Nuovo Clinic to arrange a consultation and discover which treatments may be suitable for you.
