While the sun is a vital source of energy and essential for our body’s production of vitamin D for bone and immune health, excessive exposure to its ultraviolet (UV) rays can compromise the health of our skin.
Here, we delve into some common sensitivity issues caused by too much sun exposure including dehydration, heat rashes and sunburn, and share our top recommendations to soothe and nourish skin so that you can enjoy the summer sun safely.
Quench thirsty skin
One of the most common symptoms of excessive sun exposure is skin dehydration. This happens when UV radiation damages the skin barrier, impairing its ability to retain water, leading to dryness, flakiness and a tight, uncomfortable feeling. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause premature ageing, making fine lines and wrinkles more visible.
Here’s our favourite products to maintain and restore hydration:
- To combat dehydration, it’s crucial to use a hydrating sunscreen like DARLING PROTECT-ME SPF 30. Its antioxidant formula protects and nourishes for resilient, soft and smooth skin.
- Spritz on Venn Synbiotic Defense Mist to preserve hydration. The 80% pre and probiotic blend supports a healthy skin microbiome and resilience against environmental factors.
- Sapelo Renewing Serum is an excellent reparative option for mature skin in summer. It’s formulated with a high concentration (4%) of three different types of Hyaluronic Acid to flood the skin with deep and lasting hydration, while Amino Acids and Stem Cell Extracts renew and soothe.
- Restore radiance after a day of sun just in time for your dinner reservation with Biologique Recherche Masque VIP O2. Infused with Perfluorodecalin and Marin Elastin, this cream mask has unique oxygenating and detoxifying capabilities at a cellular level, facilitating the repair and regeneration process after sun damage and resulting in a healthy glow in just 15 minutes.
- For a sheet mask that offers intense hydration, Biologique Recherche Masque Biologique Féerie harnesses the power of Marine Collagen and Glycerin to instantly plump, tighten and unify the complexion. Top tip: refrigerate before use.
Treat Prickly Heat
Heat rashes, also known as prickly heat or miliaria, are another common consequence of prolonged sun exposure. These rashes occur when sweat ducts become blocked and sweat gets trapped under the skin. The condition is characterised by small red bumps and a prickling or stinging sensation. Heat rashes are more likely to develop in hot, humid conditions and can be exacerbated by tight clothing.
Staying cool, wearing loose clothing and taking cool showers can help prevent and alleviate heat rashes, while these remedies can help mitigate the effects:
- Use Biologique Recherche Cryo Sticks for immediate relief. These ergonomically designed tools made from surgical stainless steel should be stored in your refrigerator to conduct optimum cooling that decreases skin inflammation and irritation wherever needed.
- Irene Forte Almond Cleansing Milk is dermatologically proven safe for sensitive skin and uses Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to gently remove impurities while soothing, calming and replenishing the skin barrier.
Cool and calm sun-sensitised skin
For individuals with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea, sun exposure can be particularly problematic. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterised by facial redness and sometimes pimples. Sun exposure is a known trigger for rosacea flare-ups, leading to increased redness, swelling, and discomfort. Similarly, menopausal women may experience increased sensitivity to the sun, resulting in more pronounced symptoms like hot flashes and skin irritation.
Fortify your skin’s natural barrier function against daily aggressions with these soothing and protecting emulsions:
- Biologique Recherche Emulsion Gel Biosensible is a lightweight soothing facial emulsion that alleviates discomfort and supports delicate skin, facilitating repair processes. Ideal for post-sun, generally sensitive or post-treatment.
- Boost your skin’s natural defences with Biologique Recherche Emulsion Originelle Régénérante Corps, a calming, protecting and hydrating body lotion ideal for daily care in the summer months.
Sunburn SOS
One of the most immediate and well-known effects of excessive sun exposure is sunburn. Sunburn occurs when UV radiation damages the DNA in our skin cells, leading to redness, pain, and inflammation.
Rescue an inflamed complexion with our essential products, but remember to avoid using products on open wounds.
- To avoid sunburns, it's essential to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen—like the lightweight and fast-absorbing DARLING SCREEN-ME SPF 50 —and shield your face using a hat or seek shade during sunlight hours.
- After a day of sun exposure, apply DARLING SOOTHE-ME’s blend of Aloe Vera, Ceramides and Vitamin E to calm, restore and rehydrate. (Coming Soon)
- To resurrect sunburnt skin, Biologique Recherche Crème Masque Vernix Vg is an intensely reparative overnight mask that mimics the same composition of vernix to ‘rebirth’ your skin. For oily skin, we recommend using it as a mask. For drier skin, apply a thin layer as an overnight cream to allow for longer absorption.
While enjoying the sun is an unmissable part of summer activities, recognising the potential harms of overexposure can keep your skin healthier for longer. From immediate issues like sunburn and heat rashes to ongoing conditions such as dehydration and flare-ups of rosacea or menopausal symptoms, protecting and nourishing your skin will ensure a youthful, resilient and glowing complexion.
