Rebound effect: why do spots always appear after summer?

All summer long, our skin feels good: smooth, even, beautifully tanned, almost photoshopped by the sun. And then comes back to school. Within days, the imperfections return, sometimes worse than before. We call this the rebound effect , and if you've ever experienced it, you know how frustrating it is.

But don't panic: understanding why it happens is the first step to avoiding the surprise return of post-summer spots.

During summer: the illusion of perfect skin

Under the sun, the skin changes rhythm:

UV rays have a temporary anti-inflammatory effect , which calms redness and reduces spots.
Tanning and thickening of the stratum corneum mask small imperfections.
Sebum circulates differently because of the heat, and pores appear less visible.

The result: skin looks more beautiful, clearer... but it's only a facade. Behind the scenes, dead cells accumulate, pores become clogged, and sebaceous glands work in overdrive.

After the summer: the backlash

At the start of the school year, when sun exposure decreases and the skin resumes its normal cycle, everything that was “put on hold” during the summer resurfaces:

Accumulated dead cells block the evacuation of sebum.
Inflammation returns, accentuated by back-to-school stress and pollution.
Result: pimples, blackheads and blemishes galore.

This is why we tend to experience breakouts in the weeks following the end of summer, even when we don't necessarily experience acne the rest of the year.

How to limit the rebound effect?

Fortunately, this is not inevitable. A few simple reflexes can help limit the damage:

Gently cleanse : there's no point in stripping skin that's already weakened by the sun. What it needs is a treatment that helps gently remove excess dead skin cells and prevents pores from clogging. Our Kerato-Reducing Emollient Treatment is ideal for smoothing, softening and preventing roughness, without being harsh.
Moisturize regularly : Tight skin overproduces sebum to defend itself. Remember to moisturize it morning and evening with a small amount of Mother-of-Pearl Cream.
Focus on restorative and rebalancing active ingredients : zinc, minerals, antioxidants, etc. to calm inflammation and support the skin barrier. Active ingredients contained in our Skin Perfecting Food Supplements.
Adopt a regular routine : a gentle daily routine is better than an overly aggressive “shock treatment.” With a good routine, the effects become visible quickly.

To support the skin in this critical back-to-school phase, we have created a 30-day Reset Pack , with treatments designed to soothe, rebalance and strengthen the skin barrier !