I often see patients who notice a deterioration in their skin's condition after vacation. Summer is a beautiful time, full of sunshine, travel, and outdoor activities, but it's also a time of enormous challenge for the skin. UV radiation, exposure to salt water and wind, and air conditioning make facial skin dry, dehydrated, and more susceptible to discoloration and irritation. It's not uncommon for fine lines, previously invisible, to appear after vacation.
That's why post-summer skin regeneration is an essential step in skincare. It's time to reach for natural cosmetics rich in active ingredients that rebuild the skin's protective barrier, moisturize, even out skin tone, and protect against oxidative stress. This allows the skin to regain firmness, smoothness, and a healthy glow.
Why does the skin need regeneration after summer?
Summer is the time when the skin works at full speed, trying to defend itself against harmful external factors. The greatest threat is UV radiation – it's responsible for photoaging , the accelerated skin aging process. UVA and UVB rays damage collagen fibers, leading to discoloration, and increasing oxidative stress in cells.
Additionally, high temperatures and sun exposure cause skin dehydration – it loses water and minerals, becoming rough and tight. During vacation, many people bathe in salty or chlorinated water, which further damages the epidermal hydrolipid barrier. The result is a loss of elasticity, accelerated appearance of fine lines, and increased sensitivity of facial skin.
From a cosmetologist's point of view, this is the moment when it is worth implementing intensive regenerative care, based on strongly moisturizing polysaccharides, antioxidants and ingredients that rebuild the natural protective barrier .
The most common facial skin problems after the holidays
Dryness and tightness
UV radiation and heat cause excessive water loss from the epidermis. After summer, skin often feels tight , rough, and lacks radiance.
Sun discoloration
Under the influence of sunlight, melanocytes produce more melanin. Unfortunately, this process often leads to uneven pigmentation , resulting in spots and discolorations that are difficult to remove without proper care.
Loss of firmness
Collagen and elastin are weakened by UVA radiation. After summer, skin may appear less elastic and facial contours may become less defined.
Deepening of fine wrinkles
Lack of proper hydration highlights wrinkles that were previously subtle. This is the result of dry skin and the action of free radicals.
Irritations and sensitivity
Salt water, wind, and air conditioning further weaken the skin's natural protective barrier . As a result, the skin may react with irritation, redness, and sensitivity.
How to regenerate your skin after summer step by step?
The process of restoring facial skin after the holidays requires a comprehensive approach. The key is cleansing without damaging the hydrolipid barrier, intensive moisturizing, reducing discoloration, and strengthening the skin's natural defenses . Below is the regimen I recommend to patients in my office:
Cleansing – gentle, without irritation
After the summer, skin is often sensitive, so avoid harsh detergents and products containing SLS. It's important to provide your skin with nourishing ingredients right from the cleansing stage.
Recommendation:
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- Orientana delicate facial cleansing foam – contains natural cleansing substances and Japanese gourd extract, which moisturizes, soothes and protects the epidermis, while strengthening it.
Toning and preparing the skin
Properly restoring pH balance after cleansing is the foundation of effective regeneration. The tonic-essence not only refreshes but also enhances the absorption of active ingredients from subsequent steps.
Recommendation:
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- Orientana Tonic-Essence contains gluconolactone (PHA), which gently exfoliates, rice proteins, and date extract. This toner supports epidermal renewal, intensely moisturizes, and regenerates the skin. For young skin, it can be used instead of a serum. For skin 30+, it replaces regular toner and essence in one product.
Serum – a concentrated dose of regeneration
After summer, skin is especially in need of active ingredients with antioxidant, moisturizing, and brightening properties. At this stage, we choose a serum based on our needs.
Recommendation:
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- Ashwagandha + CICA + Niacinamide Antioxidant Ampoule Serum – ideal for minor sun spots and uneven skin tone. Niacinamide brightens and strengthens, while ashwagandha protects against oxidative stress.
- Hydro Tremella Serum with Exosomes – a deeply moisturizing serum that rebuilds the skin's hydrolipid barrier. Also recommended for very irritated, sensitive skin in need of intensive regeneration. Exosomes stimulate repair processes, while aloe soothes and moisturizes.
- Brightening Serum Ampoule Ashwagandha + Vitamin C + tranexamic acid - will help with moderate skin discoloration, uneven skin tone and skin damage caused by e.g. salt water.
Cream - moisturizing and rebuilding the protective barrier
Finally, it is necessary to apply a cream or mask that will consolidate the regenerative effect and rebuild the skin's natural barrier.
Recommendation:
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- Hydro Tremella Orientana Cream , rich in tremella polysaccharides, the plant equivalent of hyaluronic acid, provides intense and long-lasting hydration. Applied to combination skin, it regulates sebum production and minimizes pores.
- Ashwagandha Nourishing Cream - a cream with a rich, nourishing consistency, perfect for skin damaged by the sun, wind or sea water.
Additional support – night care
Skin regenerates more intensively in the evening, so it's worth using richer formulas. Booster treatments are great for post-summer skincare.
The ingredient I recommend as soon as summer ends is retinol. As summer slowly gives way to the cooler months and the sun shines milder, it's the perfect time to introduce retinol into your skincare routine. I recommend Retinol H10 to my clients – it's a more stable ingredient, effective, and rarely irritating.
Recommendation:
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- Reishi Retinol H10 Serum - renews the epidermis, regenerates, and smooths the skin. Don't be afraid of it.
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- Orientana Regenerating Booster - created for tired and weakened skin, helps rebuild its structure.
Hydrolipid barrier after summer – why is it disturbed?
The hydrolipid barrier is a thin protective layer of the skin, composed of sebum, lipids, and natural moisturizing factor (NMF). Its role is to maintain an appropriate level of hydration, protect against external factors, and prevent water loss . It can be called the skin's natural shield.
How does summer affect the hydrolipid barrier?
This layer becomes particularly weakened in summer. This happens for several reasons:
- UV radiation damages skin lipids, accelerating their oxidation. This causes the protective barrier to become thinner and less porous.
- Salty and chlorinated water – washes away natural oils and NMF from the skin surface, leading to dryness and irritation.
- Wind and high temperature increase transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which causes the skin to dehydrate faster.
- Air conditioning – prolonged stay in air-conditioned rooms additionally dries the skin, deepening barrier disorders.
The result is dryness, tightness, a feeling of roughness, and hypersensitivity in the facial skin . Sometimes, even micro-cracks appear, which increase susceptibility to irritation and inflammation.
How to rebuild the hydrolipid barrier after the holidays?
From the cosmetologist's point of view, the key factors are:
- ceramides - rebuild the intercellular cement and restore the integrity of the barrier, e.g. biotechnological Yuzu Ceramide B present in Orientana cosmetics,
- polysaccharides - create a layer on the skin that prevents water loss while moisturizing,
- plant emollients (oils, butters) - restore elasticity and softness,
- niacinamide - strengthens the barrier, reduces water loss and has anti-inflammatory properties,
- gluconolactone (PHA) - gently exfoliates and supports the renewal of epidermal cells without disturbing the barrier.
Orientana cosmetics supporting the hydrolipid barrier after summer - an example of minimalist care
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- Orientana Essence Tonic – regulates pH and supports natural renewal processes.
- Reihi Serum and Ceramides – rebuilds and regenerates the skin, reducing the symptoms of irritation.
- Hydro Tremella Cream – intensively moisturizes and strengthens the skin's protective function.
After summer, the skin's hydrolipid barrier is damaged by sun, water, and wind. Its reconstruction is the most important step in facial skin regeneration – only then can moisturizing and nourishing cosmetics work effectively.
Which active ingredients support skin regeneration after summer? Here's my pick.
After the holidays, facial skin requires special care. Ingredients that simultaneously moisturize, soothe, brighten, and rebuild the protective barrier are crucial. These ingredients determine the effectiveness of regenerative skincare.
Tremella - the latest discovery - plant-based hyaluronic acid
The Tremella fuciformis mushroom is an Asian treasure that has been used in natural medicine for centuries. Its polysaccharides function similarly to hyaluronic acid, but with smaller molecules , they bind water even more effectively in the epidermis. The result? Skin regains its smoothness, firmness, and elasticity after the summer.
Check out the cosmetics series with tremella.
Ashwagandha - an adaptogen that protects against oxidative stress
Withania somnifera extract is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals produced by UV radiation. Ashwagandha reduces inflammation, supports repair processes, and soothes irritated skin.
Choose the Orientana Serum Ampoule and adapt it to your needs, as well as the face cream with ashwagandha.
Niacinamide - reduces discoloration and evens out skin tone
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is one of the most researched ingredients in dermatology. Its ability to brighten pigmentation spots , regulate sebaceous gland function, and strengthen the epidermal barrier is especially important after summer.
Key Product Ashwagandha Serum + CICA + Niacinamide .
Exosomes - modern cellular regeneration
Plant-derived exosomes stimulate the skin's natural renewal processes. They accelerate the healing of sun-induced micro-damage and support collagen production, helping skin regain density and elasticity .
You will find exosomes in Hydro Tremella Serum.
Summary – how to effectively regenerate facial skin after summer?
Summer is a time of joy and relaxation, but it's a real challenge for facial skin. UV radiation, salty and chlorinated water, wind, and air conditioning weaken the hydrolipid barrier, causing dryness, discoloration, and loss of elasticity. As a result, post-holiday skin often loses its radiance and requires comprehensive regeneration.
To restore its healthy appearance, it is worth implementing care based on good active ingredients responsible for rebuilding the protective barrier, evening out the color and intensively moisturizing.
Post-summer skin regeneration checklist:
- Cleansing with a gentle gel or foam
- A good moisturizing tonic
- Serum tailored to the skin's needs :
- for discoloration →
- for irritations →
- for dehydration →
- Intensive moisturizing cream
- Cream for rebuilding the skin barrier
- Evening regeneration
Your skin deserves regeneration!
Don't wait for the effects of summer to set in. Choose Orientana cosmetics to help restore your complexion's healthy appearance, smoothness, and radiant glow.
