In recent years, we’ve heard a lot about resilience. Its use has extended to multiple aspects of life, and it seems to be a term that has become quite "trendy." But what is it, exactly? In general terms, resilience is our ability to adapt and face various situations. And while we often think of it in emotional or mental terms, have you ever wondered if our skin can also be resilient?
Spoiler alert: Yes, it can!
Just like our body and mind, our skin has the ability to become stronger and more resistant to the daily challenges it faces, but to achieve this, we need to learn how to care for it.
The dermis is constantly exposed to external factors that can damage it. The primary factors are:
- Changes in climate
- UV rays
- Stress
- Environmental pollution
All these elements affect the skin's protective layer, known as the skin barrier, which is our first line of defense. If this barrier weakens, our skin becomes more vulnerable, prone to irritation, dehydration, and premature aging.
To make your skin resilient, this article introduces a 3, 2, 1 method with tips and products to help you strengthen your skin barrier and keep your skin looking amazing all year long.
3 must-have products to protect your skin
If your skin were a movie protagonist, it would definitely be Elle Woods in Legally Blonde—smart, strong, and always ready to face challenges with her own style. Just like Elle had her bag of tricks for Harvard, your skin needs its own defense kit. Here are three products that will make your skin barrier resistant to any challenge that comes its way:
A perfect chemical exfoliation treatment right from the comfort of your bathroom. With PHA (gluconolactone) and macadamia oil, this product gently exfoliates while nourishing your skin at the same time.
Result: Skin so soft and radiant that it looks like it came straight out of your favorite K-drama, achieving that dreamy glass skin we all want. Ideal for those seeking even skin texture without irritation or dryness. Say goodbye to impurities with a thank you, next!
Splash! This moisturizer is a burst of vitamin C and panthenol, meaning it hydrates and absorbs super quickly without leaving that sticky feeling. Plus, it combats free radicals thanks to its antioxidant properties.
This serum with niacinamide and tranexamic acid is the shield your skin desires. Tranexamic acid strengthens the skin barrier, preventing dark spots and fortifying the skin’s surface. A must-have for anyone looking for a more even and protected complexion!
2 key ingredients to protect your skin
Also known as provitamin B5. It stands out for its ability to:
- Stimulate cell regeneration
-
Stimulate skin healing
Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, soothing, humectant.
It is a fatty component naturally found in your skin, essential for protecting it and ensuring it maintains optimal moisture levels. It stands out because:
- It protects against harmful environmental factors like pollution
-
It is essential for maintaining hydration.
Benefits: Moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, regenerative.
1 Essential: Sunscreen
When we talk about protecting and caring for your skin, we can’t leave out the real star of the routine: sunscreen. And to make it easier to remember, let’s think of the acronym S.F.P.—three letters that represent everything sunscreen does for your skin:
S for Safety
Sunscreen acts as a shield against harmful UV rays, which can cause everything from burns to skin cancer.
Science fact: using sunscreen significantly reduces the risk of developing melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.
F for Firmness
The sun is one of the main culprits of premature skin aging. UV rays break down collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining skin’s firmness and elasticity. By using sunscreen, you protect these structures, keeping your skin younger and healthier for longer.
P for Protection
A good sunscreen provides a barrier against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays cause aging, while UVB rays cause burns.
Using broad-spectrum sunscreen ensures complete protection, preventing short-term and long-term sun damage. We recommend trying the Sun Drop SPF 50+ Sunscreen Oil, which hydrates your skin while giving it a natural glow.
Tips for protecting your skin from the sun
- Apply enough sunscreen: Apply an adequate amount of sunscreen—studies recommend using about one tablespoon (approximately 2 mg/cm²) for your face and two for your body. Don’t be shy with the amount!
- Reapply every 2 hours: Especially if you’re outdoors or have been swimming, even if the sunscreen is water-resistant, it’s always better to reapply!
- Protect sensitive areas: Don’t forget your lips, ears, and neck. These areas are often exposed and can burn easily. Use a hat that will also go great with your summer style.
- Avoid peak sun hours: Between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., the sun’s rays are strongest.
- Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher: Make sure your sunscreen covers both UVA and UVB rays.
Quick test: How much are you protecting your skin?
Do you think you’re protecting your skin enough? It’s time to find out.
Answer this test and discover if you’re a skincare expert or if you need to make some small adjustments to your routine. Let’s go!
- Every day, no matter what, even when it’s cloudy.
- Only when I’m going to the beach or when it’s really sunny.
- Almost never… I forget or I’m too lazy.
- I always use SPF 30 or higher.
- I use SPF 15 or 20, depending on the day.
- I don’t pay attention to the SPF.
- Of course! I reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating.
- Only when I’m outdoors for a long time, but not always.
- No, just once a day and that’s it.
- Yes! A hat and sunglasses when necessary.
- Only sunglasses, occasionally.
- No, I don’t use anything like that.
- I always look for shade and avoid the sun between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.
- I try to avoid strong sun, but I don’t always manage.
- I love being in the sun all day; I love tanning!
Results:
- Mostly A’s: You are doing amazing, sweetie! You take excellent care of your skin, and it will surely thank you with a healthy appearance in the long run.
- Mostly B’s: You’re doing well, but you could improve a few habits to ensure your skin is always protected. A few small changes, and you’ll be at 100%!
- Mostly C’s: Sun alert! It’s time to prioritize sun protection to avoid future damage. Remember: prevention is better than cure.
Remember, the perfect skin isn’t found, it’s created. At Jess Beauty, we want to be your partner on that journey, helping you build a routine that protects, nourishes, and makes you feel unstoppable.