\u00abIn summer, it\u2019s best to leave your skin alone.\u00bb We hear this phrase every year from May onwards here at alestetics\u00ae. Well-intentioned \u2013 but wrong. Because it is precisely in summer that your skin is under the most strain: up to 80 per cent of visible skin ageing on the face is caused by the sun. The very months when many people want to give their skin a break are precisely the ones when it needs the most protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The question, therefore, is not \u2018whether\u2019, but \u2018what\u2019. And when it comes to the HydraFacial in summer, the answer is: yes, even in the height of summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Summer in Zurich is intense, and people make the most of it. An afternoon at the Letten, a dip in Lake Zurich after work, then back to the office \u2013 where there\u2019s rarely proper air conditioning, just stifling, dry air. Add to that sweat, chlorine from the outdoor pool and a fresh layer of sun cream every day. Pores become clogged more quickly, the complexion looks more tired, and although it\u2019s hot, the skin feels tight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Acne is by no means just a teenage problem. It persists in around 12 to 14 per cent of adults, and it often gets worse in the summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bigger enemy remains invisible. UV rays trigger the formation of free radicals, which break down collagen and elastin \u2013 the fibres responsible for the skin\u2019s firmness and elasticity. This is exactly where our HydraFacial in Zurich<\/a> to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A HydraFacial removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells \u2013 to a measurable extent, and more than many people realise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Researchers documented this using a high-resolution imaging technique: before the treatment, immediately afterwards, and two weeks later. Immediately after the treatment, the stratum corneum had shrunk from around 9.4 to 6.7 micrometres \u2013 a reduction of almost a third.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is intentional, as the active ingredients can only be properly absorbed through the exposed surface. It also explains why the skin is more sensitive to the sun in the days that follow. The all-clear lies in the same study<\/a>: After two weeks, everything had returned to its baseline, with microscopic signs of skin rejuvenation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the final step, HydraFacial infuses hyaluronic acid and antioxidants into the freshly cleansed skin. Antioxidants are the direct antagonists of the free radicals triggered by UV radiation. A Study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology<\/em><\/a> showed that the method visibly improved skin quality and produced measurable improvements in the tissue, without adversely affecting the deeper layers of the skin. It even increased the skin\u2019s antioxidant content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And if your skin is prone to breakouts in the summer: A Study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology<\/em><\/a> Showed a marked improvement in the appearance of the skin over the course of six treatments in cases of active acne \u2013 precisely the condition that is exacerbated by sweat and sun cream in summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the treatment does require the use of some acid. The second step involves a gentle exfoliation using salicylic and fruit acids. It is a superficial treatment and well tolerated, but it does make the skin more susceptible to UV rays for a few days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A lot of things tend to get lumped together here, and that\u2019s exactly where mistakes happen. \u00abExfoliation in summer? No way\u00bb \u2013 that applies to some treatments, but not at all to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gentle, biostimulating exfoliants such as PRX-T33\u00ae<\/a> and BioRePeel\u00ae<\/a> are also possible in the height of summer. They do not visibly wear away the skin and do not cause photosensitivity. Instead, they stimulate the tissue to become active itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The situation is different with light and laser treatments. IPL treatments such as the Stellar M22\u2122 and the fractional ResurFX\u2122 laser interact with the pigment in the skin \u2013 on tanned skin, this increases the risk of burns and pigmentation issues. At alestetics\u00ae, we deliberately schedule these treatments for autumn and winter, when the results are more precise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t come for your treatment if you have a fresh sunburn or irritated skin. If everything feels normal, you\u2019re ready \u2013 just avoid any intensive home exfoliation for the two or three days beforehand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For us, sun protection is an essential part of our daily routine anyway, all year round, because UV rays are the main cause of premature skin ageing. After a HydraFacial, it becomes particularly important for a few days: avoid direct sunlight for three to four days and apply a high SPF sunscreen daily. For the first 24 hours, avoid saunas, intense exercise and hot showers, as heavy sweating can irritate the freshly treated skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you have an event coming up, or are you due to return to the office after the holidays? Book your HydraFacial two to three days beforehand. That way, any slight redness will have faded and you\u2019ll be looking absolutely radiant.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe moment your skin starts to get thinner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How summer skin benefits from it<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Summer exfoliation: yes; laser treatment: no<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No problem in summer<\/th> Better Autumn & Winter<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> HydraFacial<\/td> IPL (Stellar M22\u2122)<\/td><\/tr> PRX-T33\u00ae<\/td> ResurFX\u2122 Laser<\/td><\/tr> BioRePeel\u00ae<\/td> <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n How to plan your HydraFacial in the summer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Not sure what your skin needs right now?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n