This is how you treat your skin in and after the summer

2023-05-22 cathy molenaar

Zo verzorg je een onrustige huid in en na de zomer

Dry skin summer

Summer is wonderful! You feel rested and recharged, yet your skin looks different. This can happen both during and after the summer. Your skin can feel dull, blotchy, or dry, and you might have some under-the-skin blemishes. And yet, you've taken good care of it. How can this happen? Here are four causes of less-than-perfect skin during or after the summer.

1. Pimples from sunburn

Using sunscreen can cause acne on your face, and you might notice more pimples in the summer. Both natural and chemical filters can cause a skin reaction.

a. Physical/mineral/natural filters create a UV-blocking layer on your skin, which causes it to react differently than normal. Because sunscreen with a natural filter doesn't penetrate your skin but remains on it, it's extra important to cleanse your skin thoroughly at the end of the day, for example, with our mild Carrot Cleanser.

b. Chemical filters block UV rays from reaching the skin, which can cause skin reactions and inflammation.

2. Food and drink

On vacation, you often eat and drink differently than you would at other times of the year. Alcohol has a dehydrating effect on your body, which can cause drier skin in the summer. And you might have eaten a bit more oily food than usual. This can disrupt your skin's appearance.

3. Pimples from the sun

Sun on your skin. Even though the sun feels wonderful and you protect your skin as best you can, it still suffers from the sun. UVA penetrates deep into the skin, which can cause more wrinkles, and UVB can trigger an inflammatory reaction in the skin. You don't notice this immediately, but often only over time.

4. Less vital skin layer

The sun causes your top layer of skin to thicken. As a protective mechanism against the sun, your skin will shed fewer dead skin cells. This means you'll have more "old" cells in your top layer, which are less vital.

After summer, you'll also notice that the change in weather (autumn!) makes your skin look less attractive. The heating comes back on, the weather suddenly gets cooler, and you spend less time outdoors. This is a normal skin reaction to external conditions.

OK, now you may have found some causes of irritated skin, but more importantly: what can you do about it?

Beauty tips and skin care during and after summer

Find our tips for getting your skin flora (microbiome) back on track here. You can do this both during and after the summer.

1) Visit the beautician

Visit your beautician for a professional skin cleansing. Look here Which specialists work with Food for Skin products? Don't use strong stripping and exfoliating products yourself. These remove the protective layer of your skin flora, causing more problems. The skin receives the signal that it needs to defend itself against these products, and this only makes it more sensitive (for more information, see our blog about the skin barrier ).

2) Cleanse gently

Use a gentle cleanser that won't further irritate your skin. Our Carrot Cleanser cleanses the skin, but doesn't further disrupt its balance and actually helps restore skin flora. Make sure your cleanser is pH neutral so it doesn't further disrupt the balance of your skin barrier.

3) Wipe with a light textured cloth

Remove your oil cleanser with a lightly textured cloth, such as our washcloth , or any other lightly textured washcloth. Rinse your cleanser with lukewarm water (not too hot!) and swirl the cloth around your skin with light movements. Don't scrub! This removes dead skin cells without stripping away the protective layer of skin you're wearing.

4) Use a mild exfoliant twice a week

If you suffer from dull skin or a buildup of dead skin cells, you can use a gentle exfoliator twice a week. By removing dead skin cells, the living layer on your face literally receives more oxygen and is better able to absorb your nourishing skincare. Use the exfoliator in the evening and be sure to apply a generous amount of SPF the next day or days to protect the exfoliated skin.

5) Nourish your skin with a serum

Give your skin an extra boost with a serum. At Food for Skin, we offer three serums, depending on your age or skin condition. Find the one that suits you best here .

6) Apply a protective cream

Apply a layer of protection on top. The Tomato Base Cream is a superb protector against the elements (rain, wind, temperature fluctuations) and retains nutrients and moisture better in the skin instead of evaporating due to, for example, using the heater.

7) Drink plenty of fluids

And by that, we mean water or herbal tea! In the summer, many people drink a bit more alcohol, which dehydrates your body and therefore your skin. Therefore, drink more water or herbal tea during this period to strengthen your skin from the inside out. You really need moisture from within to hydrate. A cream simply ensures that what you already have is better retained and doesn't evaporate. A strong day and night cream alone won't be enough.

8) Pay attention to the humidity

Help your skin by paying attention to whether the humidity in your office or home (and especially in your bedroom) is adequate. You can do this by using a hygrometer and placing bowls of water around your home if the air is too dry. Ideally, do this near heat sources so the moisture can be distributed effectively.

9) Fresh air

Your skin needs to breathe. It's a living organ and doesn't want to be covered in thick layers of foundation or Vaseline. Ideally, you should use nothing on top of your cream for a few weeks and let your skin heal itself. But also ensure adequate ventilation in your home, for example, by opening a window.

Do you have any questions after reading this blog?

Then read here more about the functioning of the skin barrier
Contact beautician Cathy (co-founder of Food for Skin) with your questions at specialist@foodforskin.care

Frequently asked questions about troubled skin during or after summer

Why do I get more acne in the summer?

In the summer, heat, higher humidity, air conditioning, increased sebum production, and sweat can make your skin more prone to breakouts. Combined with dead skin cells and skincare products, pores can clog more easily. Therefore, cleanse your skin gently every evening, especially if you have worn sunscreen. The Carrot Cleanser removes sunscreen, dirt, and excess sebum without unnecessarily drying out the skin.

Can you get pimples from the sun?

The sun itself does not directly cause pimples. However, heat and sweat can contribute to clogged pores and irritation, which can worsen acne in the summer. UV radiation can also exacerbate inflammation and hyperpigmentation after pimples. Therefore, continue to properly protect your skin from the sun and cleanse your skin at the end of the day.

What are the causes of troubled skin?

Troubled skin can have various causes, such as hormonal changes, stress, heat, excess sebum, clogged pores, skin irritation, or harsh products that don't suit your skin. Over-cleansing or over-exfoliating can also disrupt the skin barrier and cause irritation. Therefore, don't just look at the pimples themselves, but also at your entire skincare routine.

How to soothe irritated skin?

For irritated skin, the most important thing is to keep your routine mild and simple. Temporarily avoid strong peels, scrubs, and other products that could further irritate your skin. Cleanse gently and choose skincare that supports the skin barrier. The Cucumber Serum has been specially developed for sensitive and red skin and therefore fits well into a calming routine.

How do I get rid of an irritated skin?

Troubled skin usually doesn't have a quick fix. Start with a simple routine: gentle cleansing, nourishing, protecting, and daily SPF. The Carrot Cleanser can be used as a gentle basic cleanser in combination with a serum that suits your skin needs. If you mainly suffer from dull skin and accumulated dead skin cells, you can optionally use the Apple Peeling up to twice a week. If pimples or inflammations persist, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist.

Cathy Molenaar, co-founder Food for Skin

About the author

Written by Cathy, co-founder of Food for Skin.

I worked as a skin specialist with my own salon for 30 years. At Food for Skin, I write about ingredients and skincare, aiming to provide a nuanced and complete picture. My focus is on explaining what does and doesn't work, so you can make informed choices based on good information.