This article is a translation of the original French article “Taches solaires : les réflexes à adopter cet été et les solutions pour la rentrée” and is intended for the French market. Treatments, availability and prices may differ at our London clinic.
Protecting your skin in high summer: essential preventive steps
When the sun is shining, the absolute priority remains to curb the overproduction of melanin. This pigment, naturally produced by skin cells to protect them from radiation, tends to concentrate unevenly under prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Adopting a rigorous preventive routine helps avoid darkening existing spots and prevents new pigmentation disorders from appearing on the face and décolletage.
The two-hour rule and the advantage of tinted SPF
The first golden rule is to apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen (Sun Protection Factor) generously and to reapply it every two hours. UV filters degrade over the hours and lose their effectiveness against direct sunlight or perspiration.
For even more complete protection, choosing a tinted sunscreen is particularly wise, especially to prevent melasma. Tinted formulas contain iron oxides capable of blocking high-energy visible light, also known as blue light. The latter plays a major role in stimulating stubborn brown spots.
High-risk actives: what to pause until autumn
Although the urge to treat an uneven complexion during the holidays is tempting, certain cosmetic ingredients must be set aside during the summer season. Some actives increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun and risk triggering reactive hyperpigmentation that is even harder to correct.
You should suspend the use of retinol and its derivatives, which are particularly sensitive to light. It is also advisable to pause high-strength fruit acids such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid (AHAs, alpha-hydroxy acids, and BHAs, beta-hydroxy acids), as well as citrus essential oils such as bergamot or lemon.
The ideal morning pairing: vitamin C and high protection
To strengthen the skin's defences during the summer, adding a powerful antioxidant to your morning routine is a strategic choice. Pure vitamin C is the benchmark active for neutralising the free radicals generated by exposure to ultraviolet rays and pollution.
Daily use of a targeted skincare product such as the Antiox-Glow C15 Serum under your sunscreen offers a particularly effective double defence. This duo neutralises oxidative stress before it stimulates the pigment cells, regulates melanin synthesis and preserves the luminosity of the complexion throughout the summer.
Established spots: the LaseMD treatment journey for a radiant autumn
When spots persist or intensify despite rigorous prevention, support from cutting-edge technologies becomes the preferred solution as soon as summer ends. Aesthetic medicine centres now offer bespoke approaches to restore an even complexion without compromising the skin's sensitivity.
A personalised treatment journey makes it possible to act in depth to target accumulated pigments and stimulate cell renewal in a gradual, natural way, ideally at Innerskin.
LaseMD and tranexamic acid: a cutting-edge synergy
Among the most innovative methods for treating hyperpigmentation is LaseMD technology. This fractional thulium laser creates thousands of invisible micro-channels in the epidermis without damaging the skin's surface, thus enabling optimal, deep penetration of active ingredients.
Combined with this technology, the application of a concentrated tranexamic acid ampoule proves remarkably effective. This recognised active works directly on the inflammatory cascade responsible for melanin overproduction, making it an ally of choice against melasma. A course of 3 to 6 sessions spaced 1 month apart delivers a visibly more even, luminous complexion.
Home follow-up: extending the benefits of the session
The effectiveness of a comprehensive treatment plan also relies on continuity of care at home. At the end of each session, you will leave with a highly concentrated tranexamic acid serum to continue evening out your skin tone at home.
This follow-on skincare supports the work carried out in the centre, soothes the skin and helps maintain the regulation of pigment production. It thus helps sustain the results achieved and reveal a radiant skin texture over the weeks.
