a guide with products specially designed to combat the heat

Although it is associated with pleasant moments such as vacations, the sea, the beach and the pool, summer is not an easy season to endure. when temperatures are around 40 degrees and there is no other option but to face suffocation in the city. Without air conditioning on our side, the body inevitably begins to suffer from it. For example, causing the skin to sweat, suffocate and even become dehydrated.

The good thing is that today there are solutions to alleviate these annoying effects. Refreshing cosmetics is one of them. What is it about? “It is undoubtedly a new category of products that has burst onto the market in recent years, mainly driven by the thermal increase in the world. Skin ice specifically refers to products designed to create a feeling of freshness on the skin. They are especially pleasant on days of extreme heat or when you are looking for a revitalizing effect,” says Sabrina Nahon, Marketing Director of Idraet Group.

For Nahon, this particularity is due to several active ingredients that have the ability to induce a cold feeling upon contact with skin. “The most common include menthol or mint, plant extracts such as aloe vera, cucumber or green tea, and even salicylic acid, which helps maintain hydration and, in some cases, reduce inflammation and redness.”

Another innovation is the incorporation of super-hydrating ingredients, such as volcanic water. “This is the main characteristic of our products, which also have light textures that favor rapid absorption without leaving a greasy sensation. Likewise, we have the Neovadiol line, an option designed specifically for provide cooling relief during stages such as perimenopause and menopause, which are characterized by hot flashes and skin changes. This is possible because its formula contains 0.3% menthol, which causes body temperature to reduce by about 2.6 degrees instantly. In addition, these products help restore the density and firmness of the skin, combating the dryness and loss of elasticity that usually accompany this stage of a woman’s life,” explains Maite Iglesias Leal, brand general manager at Vichy Laboratoires, L’Oréal Groupe. Argentina.

Currently, the products with cold effect They come in various formats, which allow for a comfortable and effective application. Sprays are one of them. “Easy to use, these usually combine moisturizing properties with the effect of instant freshness. Some also contain antioxidants such as green tea or vitamins C and E, which protect the skin from environmental damage. We have other presentations such as the gel, which, being thicker, leaves a fresh sensation for longer; lotions, which are perfect for deeper hydration; gel or fabric masks with a calming effect and roll-ons with ball applicators, widely used to treat small or localized areas, such as around the eyes or areas of the legs,” details Nahon.

When this range of options is no longer enough, there are other tools that can be cooled in the refrigerator prior to application, such as ice massage rollers, and then gently passed over the face to reduce swelling and refresh the skin. “Ice effect ampoules, post-sun treatments and vaporizing mists are perfect since they can also be kept refrigerated to enhance their effect. These have evolved so much that, with a quick spray, they release active ingredients that are lightly and effectively discharged onto the skin, providing hydration, softness and vitality throughout the day. The best thing is that you can carry them in your purse or backpack and apply at any time, since they do not leave a trace of product on your hands,” says Mariela Hidalgo Paredes, cosmetologist and cosmiatrician at Boti-k Puro, a brand that has with a line of wet bamboo wipes or balsamic milks ideal for combating the heat.

But this type of cosmetics not only provides cold. “Among the parallel benefits we can mention that promotes the stimulation of blood circulation, crucial to reduce swelling and feelings of tiredness in areas such as the face or legs“, highlights Melisa Craig, product manager of Natura Argentina, a brand that launched a booster (rapidly absorbed concentrate) with a dry touch that does not leave the skin oily and offers a “frozen” effect that reduces heat in the dermis.

Now, how should this type of cosmetics be used in the high summer months? “When temperatures rise, skin hydration plays a fundamental role. In the case of vaporizers, they are used on demand. You can also follow the layered hydration method.

“This technique, derived from K-beauty (Korean cosmetics), consists of applying several moisturizing products, one on top of another, to enhance their effect and maximize moisture retention in the skin. The order of application should go from the lightest products to the most emollient. For example, you can start with a lotion or tonic, followed by an essence or ampoule, then a serum, and finish with a cream, which can be wet or dry,” explains Paula Verónica Corva, pharmacist specialized in Cosmetic Chemistry and director of Brands at Idraet Group.

“Also known as layering, hydration by applying hydrating cosmetics in layers is recommended for very dehydrated skin or in climates where the skin tends to lose water more easily.

But it is very important to maintain a daily skin health care routine, even in summer. Therefore, if we tend to sweat a lot and cannot tolerate putting too many products on our face and body, the best thing we can do is look for alternatives. For example, for cleaning it is ideal to choose products in gel format that, since they require rinsing, help eliminate excess sweat and also oil that can increase with the summer. Another option is micellar waters, which are also very comfortable due to their light consistency,” advises Dermaglós María Inés Hernández, dermatologist.

“Anti-aging products don’t have to be discontinued! We should only choose those that cope best with the sun, heat and increased sweat, such as serums and emulsions. For the day, I recommend those that contain vitamin C, niacinamide or hyaluronic acid. On top of that, you have to apply sunscreen with mattifying particles that generate a dry effect,” concludes Dr. Hernández. w