HOW TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN ?

Understanding the dangers of the sun to better protect yourself

The sun, although synonymous with warmth, holidays and pleasant moments, can also represent a threat to the health of our skin. Exposure to UV rays is one of the main causes of premature aging, pigmentation spots, skin dehydration, and sometimes even more serious conditions such as skin cancer. That’s why protecting the skin before and after sun exposure is crucial to preserve its radiance, firmness and health.
In this article, we will discuss 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 care. We will talk about specific treatments such as Skinbooster, mesotherapy, PRX-T33 peel, and post-sun care such as Sculptra, Hydrafacial and laser peels.

Preparing the skin before sun exposure : essential principles

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.

Protecting your skin before sun exposure : benefits of aesthetic-oriented medicine treatments

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.

Skinbooster : hydration and skin strengthening

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 :

  • Deep hydration : the sun dehydrates the skin, and Skinboosters help prevent UV-induced dryness by providing intense hydration.
  • Natural glow effect : the skin appears radiant, plumped and more luminous, perfect for a glowing complexion all summer long.
  • Improved skin quality : the injections strengthen the skin barrier, making the skin more resistant to external aggressions such as the sun and sea salt.

Mesotherapy : nourishing and protecting the skin

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.

  • Hydration and cellular protection : the antioxidants contained in the mesotherapy cocktail help neutralize free radicals generated by UV rays, thus delaying skin aging.
  • Prevention of premature aging : the injected nutrients stimulate cell renewal and strengthen the skin, making it more resistant to the harmful effects of the sun.
  • Revitalized skin : mesotherapy gives an immediate radiance boost, perfect for achieving fresh and toned skin from the very first days of summer.

PRX-T33 peel : a non-irritating peel before summer

photo food supplements hair loss after pregnancy

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 :

  • Gentle regeneration : this peel stimulates cell renewal while respecting the skin barrier, without causing sun sensitivity.
  • Firmness and radiance : by stimulating collagen and elastin production, the PRX-T33 peel tones and firms the skin, which appears younger and more radiant.
  • Skin preparation : by gently renewing the skin, this peel perfectly prepares it to face external aggressions such as the sun.

Taking care of your skin after sun exposure

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 : volume restoration and firming

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 :

  • Restoration of collagen levels : after prolonged sun exposure, the skin can lose collagen, leading to skin laxity. Sculptra stimulates the natural production of this protein, making the skin firmer and more toned.
  • Progressive improvement of wrinkles : this treatment provides gradual results, gently filling wrinkles and restoring volume to sagging areas of the face.
  • Long-lasting results : the effects of Sculptra appear gradually (over several weeks) but last up to two years, leaving the skin looking youthful long after summer.

Hydrafacial : deep cleansing and intense hydration

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.

  • Deep cleansing : after summer, the skin may be congested by the accumulation of dead cells and impurities. The treatment effectively removes these residues, allowing the skin to breathe.
  • Immediate hydration : the intense hydration provided by this treatment is ideal for repairing dry and dehydrated skin after prolonged sun exposure.
  • Instant radiance : the complexion appears immediately more radiant, and the skin smoother and more even, thanks to the gentle yet effective exfoliation of Hydrafacial.

Laser peel : laser treatment for photoaging

photo of cheek wrinkle treatment with skinbooster

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 :

  • Reduction of pigmentation : the laser peel is highly effective in treating sunspots that often appear after prolonged UV exposure.
  • Improvement of skin quality : by stimulating collagen production and exfoliating the superficial layers of the skin, the laser enhances skin quality, making it smoother and firmer.
  • Long-lasting results : the effects of the laser peel become visible after a few days of healing, and the results last for a year. The skin appears younger and more even.

After the sun : restore, repair and hydrate the skin

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.

Aesthetic treatment prices before and after sun exposure

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.

Sun exposure in a mindful way : medical recommendations

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.

Is it possible to be exposed to the sun before a hyaluronic acid injection ?

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.