Warm summer days, sunbeams on your face, and that refreshing feeling of freedom while walking through the city or enjoying time by the water, is there anything better than that? Still, no matter how much we love summer and long for a golden, tanned complexion, our skin undergoes serious tests during this time of year. UV radiation, high temperatures, wind, and salt water relentlessly affect skin health, texture, and elasticity.
You have surely wondered at least once if you are making mistakes in your summer skincare routine. Do you really need SPF while just grabbing a coffee with a friend at your favorite café? Why does your skin feel dry even when you haven’t spent the whole day at the beach? And will sun protection cream stop you from getting the golden tan you’ve been looking forward to all year?
These exact questions, and many others, were asked by regional music star Jelena Rozga, known for her always fresh, well-cared-for, and radiant complexion. In a series of short, educational videos, Jelena joined forces with VZK pharmacist Ivana Avramović, M.Pharm. Spec., to get all the answers in one place.
Take a peek into this exclusive conversation and discover how to shine this summer in the healthiest way possible!
Proper care and quick skin recovery after sun exposure
Jelena Rozga: “I’m really curious now, how do we provide proper care to the skin after sun exposure, even if we haven’t spent much time outdoors?”
Ivana Avramović, M.Pharm. Spec.: “After sun exposure, we need to restore the hydration the skin lost throughout the day. We should use panthenol creams, aloe vera gel, or a hydrating cream.”
The sun, heat, and summer wind dry out the skin’s surface layer extremely fast, even during short stays outdoors. When exposed to UV radiation, the skin’s natural barrier weakens, accelerating moisture loss, which is why fast and deep hydration is essential upon returning home.
Products rich in panthenol encourage fast tissue regeneration and soothe the feeling of tightness, while products with aloe vera provide instant refreshment and cooling. By adding a lightweight hydrating cream to your evening routine, you prevent peeling, maintain elasticity, and ensure your skin keeps its natural, healthy glow all summer long.
Does SPF really prevent skin tanning?
Jelena Rozga: “Does SPF really prevent your skin from tanning?”
Ivana Avramović, M.Pharm. Spec.: “Not entirely. SPF actually filters the part of sunlight that can cause sunburns, hyperpigmentation, or additional damage, while still allowing the skin to develop a healthy, natural tan. “
The belief that sunscreen products completely block the tanning process is one of the most widespread summer myths. As Ivana explains, SPF does not act as an impenetrable barrier, but rather as a smart filter that lets the beneficial part of the spectrum through while stopping harmful radiation that causes sunburns and permanent cellular damage.
When skin burns in the sun without protection, it suffers an injury that leads to accelerated peeling and moisture loss; with SPF, pigmentation occurs gradually. This way, you not only get a nicer, more even, bronze shade, but you also maintain it significantly longer because your skin remains healthy.
Sun protection beyond the beach: The city, walks, and daily routines
Jelena Rozga: “Besides the beach, we need protection while we’re in the city or walking in nature too. Don’t we?”
Ivana Avramović, M.Pharm. Spec.: “Yes, very much so, absolutely. We need protection during daily activities, walking through the city, or having a coffee, even when it’s not very sunny, because long-term exposure without sun protection leads to photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and deeper skin damage.”
Many people forget that the city sun affects the skin just as intensely as the sun at the seaside. Everyday moments, an afternoon coffee in a garden café, driving, or a short walk through town, cumulatively expose the skin to a significant amount of UV radiation. Urban surfaces like asphalt and glass further reflect the rays, while cloudy weather provides a false sense of security since harmful rays penetrate through clouds.
Daily application of sunscreen is the single best step in fighting photoaging, preventing fine lines and wrinkles, and keeping your skin tone even all year round.
What do the terms UVA, UVB, and UVC actually mean?
Jelena Rozga: “We often see labels like UVA and UVB on creams. But what exactly do they mean, and how dangerous is UVC?”
Ivana Avramović, M.Pharm. Spec.: “UVB rays cause redness and sunburns, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, causing photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and deeper damage. UVC rays are potentially the most dangerous, but thanks to the atmosphere, they don’t reach us in significant amounts.”
Understanding dermocosmetic labels is key to choosing the right summer products. While UVB rays are easiest to recognize because they act on the surface and directly cause sunburns and redness, UVA rays are more insidious, they penetrate into the deepest skin layers, break down collagen, and cause long-term damage such as hyperpigmentation spots and premature aging.
Although UVC rays are theoretically the most destructive, the natural protection of Earth’s atmosphere shields us from their impact. When selecting a sunscreen, always look for a broad-spectrum formula that safely covers both the UVA and UVB ranges.
Skin health and beauty always go hand in hand
Through this dynamic conversation, Jelena and Ivana have shown us once again that skincare doesn’t have to be complicated when you have the right information. Combining daily SPF during the day with restorative panthenol and aloe formulas in the evening forms the foundation for building a healthy, well-cared-for complexion. With the right VZK products as part of your daily routine, you can completely let go and enjoy every sunny moment this summer.
The sun is on your side!
