Plastic surgeon and cosmetologist Mikhail Voronov has warned that skin can become dry, sensitive, and irritated after a holiday, even if a person did not experience a sunburn. Speaking to Russian news outlet Lenta.ru, Voronov outlined key steps to repair damage caused by exposure to sun, sea water, and chlorinated pool water.
Voronov explained that the first essential step after returning from vacation is to abandon aggressive cleansing routines. He warned that hot water, hard sponges or loofahs, mechanical scrubs, and skin products with high alcohol content can severely worsen dryness and irritation.
The outermost layer of human skin, known as the stratum corneum, functions as a protective barrier made of epidermal lipids and moisture-retaining cells. When skin is subjected to harsh physical friction or alcohol-based formulas, this delicate lipid layer is stripped away, accelerating moisture loss and leaving underlying tissue exposed to environmental irritants.
To protect compromised skin, Voronov recommended washing with mild products that do not have a pronounced degreasing effect. He emphasized that the skin should be cleansed gently without any rubbing, and then carefully patted dry with a towel after washing.
Restoring the Skin Barrier
To repair the protective barrier of the skin, Voronov stated that creams containing moisturizing and softening components are vital. He specifically advised using formulations with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, squalane, ceramides, and fatty acids.
These active dermatological ingredients target different aspects of skin recovery. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid act as humectants, binding water molecules to plump the epidermis and restore hydration. Ceramides and fatty acids replenish structural lipids needed to seal cellular gaps, while squalane provides emollient protection against moisture evaporation. Panthenol, a provitamin of B5, aids in soothing tissue inflammation.
Voronov highlighted that people must not stop using sunscreen after their vacation ends. He warned that repeated exposure to ultraviolet radiation can intensify pigmentation spots and prolong the overall recovery period. Sunlight contains ultraviolet rays that break down skin collagen and trigger excess melanin synthesis if skin remains unprotected.
Dangers of Home Remedies for Pigmentation
Regarding dark spots and hyperpigmentation, Voronov cautioned against attempting to lighten them using home remedies. He specifically warned against applying lemon juice, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or concentrated acids to affected areas of the skin.
Unverified home treatments can inflict chemical damage on sensitive skin tissue. Lemon juice contains high acidity and phototoxic compounds that can trigger acid burns, while baking soda disrupts the skin natural acidic surface pH. Hydrogen peroxide causes oxidative damage to repairing cells. Voronov explained that such household methods can cause chemical irritation and make pigmentation even more noticeble.
When to Seek Professional Medical Care
Rather than attempting to manage severe skin reactions independently, Voronov advised seeking professional medical assistance if specific symptoms develop. He noted that individuals should consult a physician if they experience worsening pigmentation, pronounced redness, pain, blisters, severe itching, or prolonged peeling.
In separate medical advice previously reported by Lenta.ru, dermatologist Alexander Bykanov stated that if a tick is discovered on the body, it must be removed to avoid contracting dangerous diseases. Bykanov noted that tick removal can be performed either at a medical emergency room or at home.
