Summer is often synonymous with sunny moments and glowing skin, with a tanned complexion and rosy cheeks. However, this long-awaited season can also be a vulnerable time for your skin. Intense UV rays, frequent swimming in the sea and profuse sweating put your epidermis to the test, making it more sensitive and prone to various discomforts. Sometimes, your skin can even send you warning signals, such as redness or irritation, telling you that it is overloaded.

To help you have a smooth summer, we've rounded up the 6 common skincare mistakes dermatologists see and how to avoid them. From forgetting sunscreen to neglecting to moisturize after swimming to overexposure to the sun, each mistake can have a significant impact on your skin's health.

By identifying these pitfalls and adopting the right reflexes, you can not only preserve your skin, but also keep it in great shape. Get ready to discover these common mistakes and the solutions for a beautiful and hassle-free summer!

1. Maintain the same skincare routines throughout the year

It's often said that you shouldn't change your products every two minutes, and it's true. But did you know that your skin changes with the seasons, and that your skincare routine must therefore adapt? In summer, your skin needs specific care, particularly in terms of hydration and sun protection.

That’s why we recommend choosing lightweight moisturizers that contain active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, bisabolol, and cucumber extract. These ingredients help replenish water loss through sweat while preventing clogged pores. Plus, while some may have overlooked sunscreen in the winter, it’s essential to protect your skin from the sun with an appropriate SPF during the summer.

2. Neglecting skin hydration and balance

In the summer, skin tends to become dehydrated, mainly due to sweating. While sweating is essential for regulating body temperature, it can cause significant water loss, throwing your skin out of balance and potentially causing excess sebum production, leading to breakouts and irritation. Know that we lose an average of 3 liters of water per day, which generally represents 3 to 4% of our body weight. So if you were thinking about skipping your moisturizer during the summer, it's time to reconsider. Hydration is still crucial even in hot weather. Opt for fluid textures that won't leave your skin feeling greasy.

Another important point is to maintain regular exfoliation. You may be worried about losing your tan, but exfoliating your skin is essential before your exposures to promote cell regeneration and maintain the balance of your skin microbiota. Opt for chemical scrubs enriched with fruit enzymes, which are gentle but effective. We recommend our New Skin Mask , which contains fruit enzymes to exfoliate and balance your skin while preserving your summer glow.

3. Exposing your skin to the sun without protection

We don't need to tell you this, but the UV index is crucial during the summer. UV rays can seriously damage your skin, accelerate aging and worsen brown spots, with sometimes more serious consequences.

UVA and UVB rays can irritate your skin and accentuate existing dark spots. That's why it's important to choose your sunscreen carefully, based on your skin type and skin tone, while avoiding potentially irritating ingredients like PEGs (polyethylene glycol), such as PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, and PEG-8.

If you’re seeing new dark spots appear, reach for vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce hyperpigmentation, regulates oil production, and keeps your skin microbiota in balance. To maximize the benefits, add a few drops of our Vitamin C Booster to your moisturizer or SPF. Your skin will thank you!

4. Forgetting to protect certain sensitive areas

Besides the face, did you know that areas like the eye area, ears, and scalp also need sun protection? These areas are often overlooked, but they are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and UV damage.

For the eye area, use a sunscreen specifically for this delicate area or opt for sunglasses with UV protection to avoid irritation and signs of premature aging. The ears, often exposed during outdoor activities, can also suffer from sunburn, so apply sunscreen or wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover them.

The scalp is also susceptible to burns, especially if you have fine or thinning hair. Don't hesitate to use a sunscreen spray or sunscreen powder designed for the scalp or wear a hat to avoid sunstroke and headaches.

5. Stop products specific to your problem

Yes, if you have been using retinol for several months, as well as AHAs, you can continue to use them, but with certain rules. It is advisable to reduce the doses or change the frequency of use to avoid damaging your skin during the summer months. It is also crucial to apply an appropriate SPF to protect your skin from increased sensitivity to the sun.

Indeed, abruptly stopping your usual treatments can have consequences on the health of your skin. Here is what can happen when you stop your specific products:

• Relapse of skin issues: If you are used to treating specific issues such as acne or signs of aging with actives like retinol or AHAs, stopping them suddenly can cause symptoms to return. Your skin may react with a breakout, increased wrinkles, or other blemishes.

• Loss of Progress: Long-term treatments, such as retinol, require continued use to maintain results. Stopping temporarily can reduce the benefits you’ve gained and make it harder to return to your optimal state when you start again.

• Changes in skin texture: AHAs, for example, help to gently exfoliate the skin. By stopping them, your skin's surface may become rougher or less even, as natural exfoliation may not be enough.

6. Forgetting that some medications increase sensitivity to the sun

Many medications can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun, increasing the risk of sunburn and other skin damage.

Here are some examples of medications that can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays:

• Antibiotics (such as tetracyclines and ciprofloxacin)
• Diuretics (such as hydrochlorothiazide)
• Acne medications (such as isotretinoin)
• Antidepressants (some serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (such as indomethacin)
• Medicines for heart problems (such as quinine and antiarrhythmics)
• Hormone treatments (such as birth control pills containing estrogen)
• Some anticancer drugs (such as anthracyclines)

So be careful if you have a treatment this summer, read the instructions carefully to check that your exposure does not pose a problem. If this is the case, do not take it lightly and prefer shade or protection with a hat / anti-UV clothing.