The sun poses a major threat to the health of our skin. Exposure to UV rays is one of the leading causes of premature skin ageing and dehydration, and can even contribute to more serious conditions such as skin cancer.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation progressively damages collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, promoting the appearance of pigmentation spots, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and an uneven complexion. This process, known as photoageing, can continue for many years after sun exposure and is superimposed on the skin's natural ageing process.
For this reason, protecting the skin before and after sun exposure is essential to preserve its radiance, firmness, and overall health.
In this article, we will explain how to properly prepare and protect your skin before sun exposure with medical treatments, and how to repair sun-induced damage with appropriate post-summer treatments. We will discuss specific procedures such as Skinboosters, mesotherapy, the PRX-T33 peel, as well as post-sun treatments including Sculptra, Hydrafacial, and laser peels.
Key data on sun-induced skin ageing
Clinical study data on sun-induced skin ageing
Prevention remains the cornerstone of maintaining healthy skin against the harmful effects of UV radiation. Before any exposure, it is essential to optimize the skin barrier, strengthen antioxidant defenses and ensure optimal hydration. Well-prepared skin shows better resilience to light-induced stress, limits dehydration and reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation.
In general, proper preparation relies on three complementary principles. First, adopting a daily sun protection routine suited to one’s phototype and lifestyle. Then, using dermocosmetic care products that promote skin repair, especially those containing stabilized vitamin C, hyaluronic acid or biomimetic peptides. Finally, nutritional support can complement the routine through regular intake of dietary antioxidants, which rank among the best validated strategies to fight UV-induced oxidative stress.
The key to beautiful skin during summer lies in preparation before sun exposure. In addition to the regular use of sunscreen, certain aesthetic-oriented medicine techniques can boost hydration, strengthen the skin and prepare it to better withstand the aggressions of UV rays.
Skinboosters are an ideal treatment to prepare the skin before holidays in the sun. This procedure involves injecting fluid hyaluronic acid into the superficial layers of the skin. Unlike traditional fillers that add volume, Skinboosters work by deeply hydrating the skin and stimulating collagen production.
The benefits of Skinbooster before sun exposure are :
Mesotherapy is another procedure used to prepare the skin for summer. This technique consists of multiple injections of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants directly into the dermis.
Why choose mesotherapy before sun exposure ? Several benefits justify this choice.
Traditional peels are often not recommended during sunny periods, but the PRX-T33 peel is an exception. This treatment, based on trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and kojic acid, stimulates skin regeneration without causing visible peeling or photosensitivity.
The benefits of PRX-T33 before summer are :
Even when using the best sunscreens, it is common to notice skin damage after summer : dehydration, more pronounced wrinkles, pigmentation spots and skin laxity. Several aesthetic-oriented medicine treatments can help repair these effects and restore radiant skin.
Sculptra is a treatment that stimulates the skin’s natural collagen production. This product is an ideal solution after summer to restore skin firmness and elasticity. Composed of poly-L-lactic acid, it works deep within the skin to improve its quality and tone.
The benefits of Sculptra injections after summer are :
The Hydrafacial is a non-invasive procedure that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction and hydration. It is a treatment particularly recommended after summer to rehydrate the skin and remove impurities accumulated from sweat, salt and sunscreens.
Why is Hydrafacial a must after sun exposure ? Several benefits justify this choice.
The laser peel is an ideal solution to correct deeper damage caused by sun exposure, such as pigmentation spots, superficial wrinkles, and skin dryness. Unlike chemical peels, the laser precisely targets damaged skin layers while stimulating skin regeneration.
This treatment should be performed in winter.
The benefits of the laser peel after summer are :
After sun exposure, the priority is to soothe the epidermis, restore the barrier function and repair possible cellular damage. Repeated sun exposure generates oxidative stress, inflammation and transepidermal water loss. It is therefore crucial to intervene early.
From a dermocosmetic perspective, active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, panthenol, ceramides, vitamin E and soothing plant-based agents are particularly relevant. The daily application of emollient care products helps rebuild the lipid barrier, while antioxidant serums repair damage caused by free radicals.
Hydration through oral intake is also important. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, essential fatty acids and water contributes to optimal skin recovery.
In Geneva, several aesthetic medical treatments are offered to prepare the skin for sun exposure or to optimize post-sun recovery. Prices vary depending on the type of treatment and the selected protocol. Sculptra, used to restore skin density, is offered at 900 CHF per vial. Mesotherapy, recommended for its superficial revitalizing effect, is priced at 300 CHF per session.
Two types of peels are available : the laser peel at 600 CHF per session, and the PRX-T33 peel at 200 CHF. The Skinbooster, designed to deeply hydrate and revitalize the skin thanks to hyaluronic acid, is offered at 400 CHF per syringe. Finally, the Hydrafacial treatment, often chosen during the preparation or recovery phase, is priced at 200 CHF per session. These treatments are part of a preventive or restorative medical approach, depending on the patient’s skin needs.
Even with careful preparation, sun exposure must remain controlled to prevent cellular damage. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen, renewed every two hours, is essential. The product should be photostable, suitable for sensitive skin and ideally enriched with moisturizing agents.
Wearing a hat, using protective sunglasses and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours are simple yet essential habits. It is also recommended to avoid long and repeated exposure, especially at the beginning of the summer season, when the skin is not yet accustomed and remains more vulnerable.
It is advisable to avoid any excessive sun exposure before a hyaluronic acid injection to minimize the risk of inflammation and skin sensitivity.
Yes, it is possible to have botulinum toxin injections during sunny periods, but it is recommended to avoid sun exposure immediately after the session to minimize the risk of irritation and swelling.
A gentle peel to remove dead cells, mesotherapy to deeply hydrate, and antioxidant treatments to strengthen the skin’s protection are ideal before sun exposure.
After injections, avoid direct sun exposure for 48 hours, apply SPF 50 sunscreen, and wear hats to protect the skin.
Mesotherapy, skinboosters and treatments based on hyaluronic acid are perfect for restoring skin hydration after summer and repairing sun-induced damage.
Repairing treatments such as mesotherapy with vitamins and hyaluronic acid, as well as Skinbooster injections, help regenerate the skin after sunburn.
In summer, opt for hydrating, antioxidant and UV-protective treatments. In winter, choose instead repairing and nourishing care, such as peels and revitalizing treatments.
No, heat does not make hyaluronic acid melt. However, high temperatures can cause slight temporary swelling. It is therefore recommended to avoid saunas and steam rooms after the injection.
