Summer 2025: Key Ingredients to Save Your Skin from the Sun and Those to Avoid

Between UV rays, heat, chlorine from swimming pools, and sea salt, summer puts the skin through a daily marathon. The result: increased dehydration, oxidative stress, inflammation, and weakening of the skin barrier. Fortunately, some cosmetic ingredients act as real shields, while others aggravate the damage.

Why does hot weather weaken the skin?

A single exposure to UV rays is enough to increase insensible water loss for several days, a sign of a compromised barrier. Radiation (UVA/UVB), blue light, and pollution also generate an excess of free radicals that oxidize lipids and collagen, while triggering an inflammatory response responsible for redness and tightness.

Humectants: replenishing the skin's moisture levels

• Hyaluronic acid with multiple molecular weights : binds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, without photosensitizing.
• Glycerin, PCA, panthenol : improve cell cohesion and limit evaporation (compatible with all skin types).
• Polyglutamic acid : forms a continuous film and prolongs hydration after exposure.

Strengthen the skin barrier

Adding lipids restores the hydrolipidic film, reduces water loss, and protects against irritation:

• Biomimetic squalane : restores permeability.
• Vegetable oils rich in fatty acids omega-6 and omega-9 : improve ceramide synthesis.
• Vegetable butters (shea butter, cocoa) with a gentle occlusive effect, limit evaporation.

Neutralizing free radicals: the essential trio

A combination of antioxidants reduces sun-induced oxidation:

• Vitamin C derivative + vitamin E + ferulic acid : proven synergy that doubles photoprotection and slows the appearance of pigment spots. 
• Molecules such as resveratrol or niacinamide complete the antioxidant screen and even out the complexion.

Soothe inflammation and repair

• Centella asiatica : reduces epidermal permeability and inflammation, improving the skin barrier and comfort.
• Aloe vera : rich in polysaccharides, forms a moisturizing film and quickly soothes erythema.
• Pro-vitamin B5, squalane : accelerate skin repair and reduce burning sensations.

Safe exfoliation: make way for PHAs

Polyhydroxy compounds (gluconolactone, lactobionic acid) remain on the surface due to their high mass; they smooth the skin texture without causing photosensitivity, unlike AHAs.

Assets to be banned 

• Retinoids : thinning of the stratum corneum, potential photosensitizing effect.
• High concentration of AHA : increase the risk of phototoxicity and irritation.
• Essential oils (citrus, angelica, etc.) : may cause burns and hyperpigmentation.
• Concentrated alcoholic perfumes : promote localized rashes (spray on clothing).

Daily habits for maintaining healthy skin all summer long

1. Apply a broad spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen, reapply every two hours and after swimming.
2. Rinse off salt and chlorine as soon as you get out of the water, then apply a moisturizing and lipid-replenishing treatment.
3. Use antioxidants in the morning; favor soothing active ingredients in the evening.
4. Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunglasses between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
5. Drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day to support skin microcirculation.

See this post on Instagram

A publication shared by Beautydecoded (@skincaredecoded)