The best cosmetics for summer – choosing active ingredients

Summer is a time of joy and holidays, family outings and outdoor picnics. We try to rebuild our energy reserves after a busy year. Summer is therefore a time for rest, but we should not forget about our skin then. How should we look after our skin while on holiday? What are the best cosmetics for summer?

 

Does your skin like summer?

Strong sun and heat, wind, bathing with sea salt, urban pollution – all these adversely affect the skin and cause it to weaken. According to medical statistics, it is during the summer that the number of dermatological problems increases. It is an important task for dermatologists and cosmetologists to convey to their patients the importance of proper home care during the summer period and professional help for the skin in case of problems. A suitable skin care and regeneration regime with selected active ingredients will help the skin to adapt to the summer weather.

 

What active ingredients are best in your cosmetics in summer?

 

Neuropeptides like ‘botox’: Argireline Neuropeptide and Synvel 3-Peptide

The sun’s rays make the skin’s photo-ageing process more active. In addition, we ourselves provoke the appearance of more wrinkles on the face, for example by squinting in the sun. It is therefore advisable to choose cosmetics containing neuropeptides at this time of year. Neuropeptides are sometimes referred to as ‘botox in cream’ (botulinum toxin). However, when injected, we obtain a paralysing effect on the nerve endings, preventing the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which transmits the signal to the muscles and causes them to contract. In contrast, neuropeptides only act on the neurotransmitter itself. Consequently, the muscles still tense up, but less intensely. Furthermore, the action of neuropeptides is reversible. Measures with neuropeptides give good results at a young age, when it is too early to inject botulinum toxin alone. They are also ideal in areas that are difficult for it to reach, such as the eye area (closer to the eyes than ‘crow’s feet’), lips and neck. Neuropeptides are particularly recommended in summer, as they help visually smooth and significantly plump dynamic first wrinkles.

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Rejuvenating GABA acid

The GABA acid molecule reaches a maximum size of up to 10 microns (which is equal to 10-⁶ metres), while skin pores reach a size of 500 microns. Therefore, it penetrates through the pores into the skin and freely penetrates the skin. Gamma-aminobutyric acid interacts with the GABA receptors of the skin cells – activating them. The chlorine ion channel then opens up, and the permeability of chlorine ions across the cell membrane increases. This allows them to move into the nerve cells, causing hyperpolarisation of the cell membrane and inhibition of the nerve cells. As a result, skin cells shrink less, are more relaxed and fine lines and wrinkles become less visible and the skin looks younger.

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Antioxidant and brightening vitamin C

This well-known vitamin has a brightening and anti-free radical effect, lightening hyperpigmentation and evening out skin tone. Vitamin C has long been considered an effective antioxidant, and this has been confirmed by a study conducted by the Department of Dermatology at Duke University (USA). Researchers also showed that the skin absorbs twenty times more vitamin C when it is applied directly to the skin than after oral administration. Another important finding was a study that confirmed that vitamin C enhances the effect of sunscreen when combined with it. Therefore, in summer, it can be used every morning to enhance sun protection.

 

Exfoliating enzyme scrub

In summer, the air is warm and humid, plus there is smog in the city. The sebaceous glands work very intensively, secrete more sebum, clog the pores and bacteria multiply much faster. At the same time, cell metabolism slows down and therefore oxygen consumption decreases, making the skin more flabby. Enzymes deeply cleanse the skin, while at the same time they are not aggressive chemicals, so they can be used safely in summer.

 

Kaolin – the perfect clay for summer

Kaolin is a natural clay, most commonly used in masks and anti-acne products. It is excellent at absorbing excess sebum and eliminating oily shine from the skin. Kaolin is applied to the skin for 20 minutes and then washed off with water. In summer, perspiration and sebum secretion increases regardless of skin type. This product is therefore suitable not only for women with oily skin, but also for normal and combination skin types, as it cleanses the skin perfectly and gently.

Note: kaolin is also an ingredient in acid masks. These products are not recommended in summer..

 

Actively moisturising hyaluronic acid

The body loses moisture with sweat to protect itself from overheating. Sea bathing is also one of the causes of skin dehydration. According to the law of osmosis, sea salt draws water molecules from the inner layers of the skin to the surface. In addition, sunburn contributes to the degradation of hyaluronic acid – the skin loses its internal moisture. This is why protecting the skin’s hydration is so important in summer. Hyaluronic acid is considered to be a powerful moisturiser because the amount of liquid it can hold exceeds its weight by a thousand times. This ingredient works particularly well in humid air. If you have dry skin and spend most of your time in air-conditioned rooms, choose cosmetics containing hyaluronic acid and lipids (ceramides, cholesterol and sphingolipids).

 

High UVA/UVB protection is a MUST HAVE every summer

Small doses of UV radiation are required for the human body to function properly. They have been proven to play a unique role in the synthesis of vitamin D and calcium metabolism, as well as in many skin diseases that are exacerbated during the winter months. However, excessive UV radiation has harmful effects on our skin. The harmful effects can be divided into acute and chronic. Acute side effects include tanning, skin thickening and sunburn. Chronic: premature ageing of the skin and degeneration of cancer cells. There are three main ways to protect the skin:

• • • avoid direct strong sunlight between 11:00 and 17:00,
    • wear clothing that protects your skin from the sun,
    • apply sunscreens containing UV filters (chemical UV filters and mineral filters)

 

Almost all Chantarelle day creams contain filters to protect against UV rays.

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Daily ritual

It’s no secret that the face is our business card. To keep your skin looking healthy and radiant, you need to take care of it every day: moisturise, regenerate, strengthen, protect, nourish…. Choose the right cosmetics, pamper your skin every day, take care of your diet and physical activity too, love yourself and you will be beautiful every day! May the summer bring you many happy and beautiful moments.

 

dr Khrystyna Shekhovtsova

Chantarelle expert, dermatologist and aesthetic physician