The right skincare after the summer

Sun, sea air, and saltwater have taken a toll on the skin in summer: It has become drier, perhaps a bit tight, showing flakes. Many might immediately reach for richer care – that's not always the best choice.

If the after-sun skin feels tighter rather than flaky, it first needs a lot of moisture . If it still feels tight afterwards, you should use after-sun care and then lighter lotions, even on the face.

What ingredients should skincare contain after summer?

It's ideal if the skincare products contain ingredients like Hyaluronic acid , aloe vera or glycerin, these are the classics in terms of moisture. Or also prebiotics, which support the beneficial skin bacteria and thus the microbiome strengthen the skin. Similarly effective: layering, i.e. apply a moisturizing serum under the day or night care in the face.

What helps with dry, flaky skin?

If the skin is rather dry and flaky, richer formulations with e.g. ceramides, vitamin E, and panthenol support the rebuilding of the skin barrier. The body benefits from richer body lotions e.g. with shea butter, macadamia or argan oil.

Urea (urea) also belongs to the after-summer classics, as it refines the skin and binds water – but: approach carefully, high concentrations can irritate sensitive skin.

Very light, lotion-like cream for intense moisture by Junglück, 50 ml, around €35 Intensive care for sun-stressed skin by Shiseido, 300 ml, around €54 Contains urea and nourishes dry skin: Body lotion by La Roche-Posay, 400 ml, around €20 Contains prebiotics: Skinovage Revitalizing Eye Cream by Babor, 15 ml, around €49

Peelings against rough skin

If the skin feels very rough, a gentle exfoliation can help. Don't worry, the tan won't disappear, on the contrary, it will even become more radiant. And: Subsequent care can be better absorbed. Important: The closer you get to the face, the gentler the exfoliation must be, because the skin is already stressed.

Here, for example, peelings are suitable, which carefully dissolve the dead skin cells with enzymes. They come in lotion, cream or powder form - important: Let them sit for a short time and rinse very thoroughly, so that any remaining residue doesn't unintentionally "continue working".

Gentle alternative for a body scrub: Ayurvedic Garshan gloves (made of raw silk) or a very soft body brush. Please use only on dry skin and do not press too hard.

Pigmentation - what can I do about it?

Attractiveness researchers have found: An uneven complexion makes one appear older in the eyes of others than a few wrinkles. And everyone who loves the sun will at some point get unwelcome companions: more or less large pigment spots.

At home, you can tackle them with products containing active ingredients such as vitamins A and C and thiamidol.From late autumn, when the sun is weaker, it is also a good time to have them professionally treated by a dermatologist.

Prerequisite: You really shouldn't go out in the sun, or if you do, only with ultra-high UV protection - otherwise it can even have the opposite effect. Professional treatments for an even complexion include, for example, fruit acid treatments or combination treatments. Microneedling .

Bewährt haben sich auch IPL (Intensed Pulse Light)-Behandlungen. Neu im Anti-Sonnenschäden-Game: Polynukleotide. Dabei handelt es sich um sogenannte Biostimulatoren, die flächig in die Haut injiziert werden. Keine Angst, Sie haben keinen Plumping-Effekt, erfrischen aber den Teint und lassen Pigmentflecken verblassen.

Mild, liquid multi-infusion facial peel: The Resurfacing Treatment by La Mer: 100 ml, approx. 124 € Gently removes calloused cells and impurities: Aromaphytocare Gommage au Sucre Tonic by Clarins, 250 ml, approx. 46 € Makes the skin supple: Superfood Kale & Turmeric Renewal Body Peeling by Ahava, 200 ml, approx. 19 €

Soforthilfe für die Haare: Seren und Masken

Die heissen Sommermonate gehen auch an Haaren und Kopfhaut nicht spurlos vorüberg. Wenn die Haarspitzen trocken und splissig sind, hilft leider nur eins: Die Schere. Andere Beauty-Probleme kann man mit Pflege lösen. Interessant: In Haarprodukten findet man immer häufiger Wirkstoffe aus der Skincare.

Eigentlich logisch, denn auch Kopfhaut ist Top - with the same needs. And: Only if the scalp is healthy, the hair is beautiful too. Here's the first aid program: A scalp serum with moisturizing and soothing ingredients strengthens the barrier function again and relieves itching.

For more shine in the hair: Apply a hair mask (e.g. with proteins) twice a week or regularly apply nourishing leave-in products to the stressed lengths. Gentle alternative to coloring? A glossing gives the faded color saturation and radiance again and extends the time until the next coloration a little. And as a special highlight: book an appointment in a hair spa – it's pure wellness, from the scalp to the hair tips.

ASTERA Serum for sensitive scalp by René Furterer, 75 ml, approx. €39 Specifically for damaged hair: The Scalp Treatment by Augustinus Bader, 30 ml, approx. €74 For stressed hair: Repair & Care Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment by Aveda, 150 ml, approx. €50

But beware: Even though summer is over, the sun continues to shine and sends harmful UV rays. And this mainly affects outdoor fans. Whether on the golf course, hiking, or on an e-bike tour – the autumn sun should not be underestimated.

Especially when the playground is a bit higher: With every meter of altitude, we are also a bit closer to the sun. It's best to stick to your sun care routines even in the colder months and use high sun protection filters.