November 11, 2021

INGREDIENTS YOU SHOULD AVOID DURING SUNNY TIMES

Summer is coming and it doesn't come alone, this one, like every year, comes accompanied by a radiant sun that doesn't let anyone escape its pleasant but, at the same time, dangerous rays.

In recent years we have learned a lot about solar products and the harmful effects of the sun, but do we really have control over the products that we can use in the months when the sun does not give up? Do we know what the term photosensitive means? Don't worry, in this post we are going to explain that and some other things that can be very useful to you this summer when choosing products for your routine.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PHOTOSENSITIVE AND PHOTOSENSITIZING :

PHOTOSENSITIVE

We say that an ingredient is photosensitive when it oxidizes, loses properties or sees its structure damaged in contact with the sun. This does not always have to mean that when it degrades it has negative effects on the skin, simply that it changes when in contact with the sun or heat.

Changes may be observed in the odor, color or consistency of the product. As happens, for example, with vitamin C serums, which tend to degrade very easily in contact with the sun, turning a strong orange color due to oxidation.

SENSITIZING PHOTO

A photo-sensitizing substance is one that has an exaggeratedly negative response for the skin to contact with solar radiation. They are also known as phototoxic ingredients.

Some examples of phototoxic ingredients are:

Essential oils (bergamot, lemon, lime, mandarin, orange and verbena are some of the most common.
Perfumes in general
Some colorants
Strong treatment ingredients such as retinol, or any of its derivatives.
Topical prescriptions (consult dermatologist if in doubt)
Hydroquinone (used for spots, but should not be used if you are going to be in the sun)
Benzoyl peroxide (usually used in acne treatments)

AND WHAT ABOUT THE AHA, BHA?

If you are a fan of cosmetics, you have probably heard of the famous Aha, Bha and Pha... they are all acidic and exfoliate our skin, although there are some differences between them.

Both AHAS (citric, malic, glycolic, lactic...) and BHAS (salicylic acid), although they are neither photosensitive nor photosensitizing , are exfoliating agents that eliminate cells from the stratum corneum of our skin, thus leaving it more vulnerable to the effects harmful from the sun and can cause spots and premature aging .

The recommended way to use these products is during the winter and it is always advisable to apply them at night , making sure to use and reapply the sun protection perfectly the next day.

AND WHAT HAPPENS WITH HYALURONIC ACID?

Many of you ask us about the use of this wonderful ingredient during the summer, (there are those who are confused by the fact that it has the word “acid” in the name) but the reality is that it has little or nothing to do with the other acids that we are using. used to use in cosmetics to exfoliate and renew our skin (AHAs, BHAs and PHAs).

Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide that is found naturally in our body , acting as a natural lubricant for our eyes, hair, joints...etc.

It is especially important for the appearance of the skin since approximately 50% of the body's supply is found in the tissues , where this substance helps keep it plump, supple and soft. Our ability to produce it decreases with age, which is why the dreaded wrinkles and sagging begin to appear. Therefore, the topical application of this ingredient is very important to keep our skin juicy and plump for as long as possible.

It is ideal to use it throughout the year, and although its use does not require the application of sun protection , we always recommend using it daily to avoid all the negative effects of the sun.

Make sure you correctly apply the Solar protection if you use any product that you think may contain photosensitive ingredients, and reapply as many times as necessary during the day.

Use antioxidant products to delay the aging of the skin , especially in the summer months and in the mornings, although its use is recommended all year round.

You can add products to your routine that contain ingredients that regenerate the skin such as snail slime .

Apply hyaluronic acid In the summer months it will help your skin stay hydrated and juicy all the time.