YOUR SKIN TELLS THE STORY OF YOUR SUMMER

Skins Expert Nienke tells you how to choose the right aftercare.

As the end of summer approaches, it's good to review the aftercare for your skin. Your skin tells the story of the things you did this summer, of the memories you made. Your skin is tanned, freckles adorn your face, and tan lines mark the sunny days on your body. Our Skins Expert and Educator Nienke explains why good care is important and which aftercare products are essential after this season.

Why some can tolerate the sun better than others

Melanin is a pigment in the skin that helps protect against sun damage. People with darker skin have more melanin, which makes them less likely to burn. However, they can still burn and suffer other skin damage, such as premature ageing and hyperpigmentation. Melanin is produced by melanocytes; these are cells in the skin that respond to, among other things, sunlight and thus produce more melanin. The density and activity of melanocytes can vary between different parts of the body. The epidermis, or outer layer of the skin, is not the same thickness everywhere. This means that some parts of the body, such as the arms and face, naturally produce more melanin when exposed to UV radiation, resulting in a bronzed complexion.

Good aftercare is essential

People with less melanin, such as those with lighter skin types and redheads, are more prone to sunburn and skin damage. This damage can manifest as more pigmentation and the accelerated breakdown of collagen, resulting in wrinkles. However, this does not mean that people with more pigment in their skin should protect themselves less thoroughly. The risks and effects of UV radiation are the same for everyone.

Therefore, it is important to protect your skin well, regardless of your skin type, and to provide good aftercare. The care you give your skin after sun exposure is often forgotten or seen as less important, but it has a huge impact on your skin's quality, both immediately and in the future.

Enjoying a sun-kissed skin for longer

A sunburn is a reaction of the body, causing more blood to flow to the burnt area, making the skin appear red and swollen. The first thing you want to do is to calm this inflammatory reaction and restore and balance the skin barrier. The most obvious product is a good aftersun. These lotions are often enriched with cooling ingredients like aloe vera and cucumber that calm and hydrate your skin. Additionally, they give us a typical summer feeling with their often refreshing scent. In our collection, you will also find the Aftersun Shimmer Sorbet from Rudolph Care. This lotion hydrates and reduces the burning sensation of your skin and is enriched with subtle golden shimmer. This gives your skin a beautiful glow and is perfect for a night out, for example. However, the main thing is to hydrate your skin well after sun exposure with products that do not irritate and bring your skin back to top condition. Ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and glycerine balance the moisture level. You can find these ingredients in many skincare and body care products, such as aftersun lotions and body creams. It is good to note that body products have a light texture, so they are quickly absorbed by the skin. With products like rich body creams, a layer may remain on your skin that feels greasy, which you do not want in the (late) summer. Skin Drencher Super-charged Body Lotion from Bodyologist could be a good choice. This body lotion contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, niacinamide, and squalane. The algae extract contains a high level of fatty acids with antioxidant properties, keeping the skin supple and giving it a radiant glow.

Enjoying a sun-kissed skin for longer

A sunburn is a reaction of the body, causing more blood to flow to the burnt area, making the skin appear red and swollen. The first thing you want to do is to calm this inflammatory reaction and restore and balance the skin barrier. The most obvious product is a good aftersun. These lotions are often enriched with cooling ingredients like aloe vera and cucumber that calm and hydrate your skin. Additionally, they give us a typical summer feeling with their often refreshing scent. In our collection, you will also find the Aftersun Shimmer Sorbet from Rudolph Care. This lotion hydrates and reduces the burning sensation of your skin and is enriched with subtle golden shimmer. This gives your skin a beautiful glow and is perfect for a night out, for example. However, the main thing is to hydrate your skin well after sun exposure with products that do not irritate and bring your skin back to top condition. Ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and glycerine balance the moisture level. You can find these ingredients in many skincare and body care products, such as aftersun lotions and body creams. It is good to note that body products have a light texture, so they are quickly absorbed by the skin. With products like rich body creams, a layer may remain on your skin that feels greasy, which you do not want in the (late) summer. Skin Drencher Super-charged Body Lotion from Bodyologist could be a good choice. This body lotion contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, niacinamide, and squalane. The algae extract contains a high level of fatty acids with antioxidant properties, keeping the skin supple and giving it a radiant glow.

Products to avoid after sun exposure

When you go out in the sun, we prefer to perfume ourselves in a different way, as the alcohol in perfume makes the skin more vulnerable. Also, afterwards, especially if you are sunburned, it is not advisable to wear perfume. Your skin is red and sensitive, and perfume can irritate your skin even more. If you still want to wear a nice scent, opt for a hair perfume. In our collection, you will find various hair perfumes from, among others, Byredo, KILIAN Paris, DIPTYQUE, and Balmain Hair Couture. Your hair is a perfect carrier for scents, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful sillage.

Products to avoid after sun exposure

When you go out in the sun, we prefer to perfume ourselves in a different way, as the alcohol in perfume makes the skin more vulnerable. Also, afterwards, especially if you are sunburned, it is not advisable to wear perfume. Your skin is red and sensitive, and perfume can irritate your skin even more. If you still want to wear a nice scent, opt for a hair perfume. In our collection, you will find various hair perfumes from, among others, Byredo, KILIAN Paris, DIPTYQUE, and Balmain Hair Couture. Your hair is a perfect carrier for scents, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful sillage.

Night-time skincare for a boost after a sunny summer

Your skin works hardest at night. This is when your skin repairs itself and cell renewal takes place. When you have been in the sun regularly, it is even more important to repair and strengthen the skin. This prevents your skin from feeling drier, losing elasticity, and developing wrinkles. Le Prunier’s Plum Beauty Oil is a highly potent, rich oil for the face and body that repairs, balances, and cares for the skin, giving it a beautiful, youthful glow. The oil is a patented blend of organically produced plum kernels, vitamins, and antioxidants. The Rinascita Delle Olive Replenishing Balm from Furtuna Skin is a restorative balm with soothing properties that hydrates and softens your skin. Does your skin need an immediate boost? Then the 7-Day Skin Immunity Defence Treatment from GEZEITEN is your go-to. This perfecting and firming ampoule treatment contains concentrated Earth Marine CellTech Complex®, targeting cell core vitality, preventing premature skin ageing, and helping the skin recover from sun damage. The ultra-light treatment is quickly absorbed by the skin and works from within. A perfect SOS product to use after a wonderful sun holiday.

Additionally, you can add skincare to your routine with ingredients that stimulate collagen production. Great options are the Rejuvenating Night Cream from Susanne Kaufmann or Zelens’ 3T Complex Anti-Ageing Cream.

Enjoying a summer complexion for 365 days

We understand that it is wonderful to feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and – with the right protection – to get a sun-kissed skin. Unfortunately, the tan will fade over time. But have you ever thought about using a self-tanning product? Summer Dew from Bodyologist is self-tanning drops that make your skin look as if you just returned from a sunny holiday. Combine this product by adding a few drops to your body lotion, and determine the intensity yourself. The ideal way to enjoy a summer complexion all year round.

Enjoying a summer complexion for 365 days

We understand that it is wonderful to feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and – with the right protection – to get a sun-kissed skin. Unfortunately, the tan will fade over time. But have you ever thought about using a self-tanning product? Summer Dew from Bodyologist is self-tanning drops that make your skin look as if you just returned from a sunny holiday. Combine this product by adding a few drops to your body lotion, and determine the intensity yourself. The ideal way to enjoy a summer complexion all year round.