After a day spent under the sun, your skin deserves some extra love and attention. Proper after sun care is essential to maintain healthy, radiant skin, and youthful-looking skin, whether you’ve been sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Our guide will walk you through the best practices for after sun care, from soothing sunburns to hydrating and nourishing your skin.
Why After Sun Care Matters
Exposure to the sun can dehydrate your skin, lead to premature aging, and cause sunburns. Even if you haven't experienced sunburn, the UV rays can still cause damage. Implementing an after sun care routine helps to repair, soothe, and rejuvenate your skin, ensuring it stays healthy and glowing.
Immediate After Sun Care
1. Cool Down Your Skin
After sun exposure (and even during), the first step is to cool down your skin to reduce inflammation and discomfort. A cool shower or bath can help lower your body temperature and soothe your skin. Avoid using hot water, as it can further dry out and irritate your skin.
2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Sun exposure can strip your skin of its natural moisture, making it crucial to rehydrate both internally and externally. Drink plenty of water to help rehydrate your body from within.
External Hydration Use a hydrating lotion or gel to replenish the moisture lost during sun exposure. Look for products containing aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin to deeply moisturize your skin.
Addressing Sunburn
3. Soothe the Burn
If you have a sunburn, take additional steps to reduce pain and inflammation. Applying a cool compress to the affected areas can help. Aloe vera gel or a lotion with hydrocortisone can provide relief and aid in healing Mayo Clinic: Sunburn Treatment.
4. Avoid Further Damage
Sunburned skin is more sensitive and vulnerable to further damage. Avoid direct sun exposure until your skin has fully healed. Wear protective clothing and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen if you need to be outside American Academy of Dermatology: Sun Protection.
Ongoing After Sun Care
5. Nourish Your Skin
To repair and rejuvenate your skin after sun exposure, incorporate nourishing treatments into your routine. Look for products rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and hydrating ingredients. Vitamin E and C serums can be particularly effective in repairing sun-damaged skin.
6. Exfoliate Gently
After your skin has had plenty of time to recover, gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and promote cell renewal. Use a mild exfoliant to avoid irritation.
Tips for Exfoliation
Exfoliate 1-2 times a week using a gentle scrub or an enzymatic exfoliant.
Avoid harsh scrubs that can damage the skin barrier (you know the one we're talking about 😉).
7. Continue Using Sunscreen
Sun protection should be a daily priority. Incorporate a broad-spectrum sunscreen into your daily skincare routine, even on cloudy days, to protect your skin from UV damage.
Caring for Your Skin
Proper after sun care is crucial for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. By cooling, hydrating, and nourishing your skin, you can mitigate the effects of sun exposure and keep your skin looking its best. Incorporating these after sun care practices into your routine will help ensure your skin remains healthy and glowing all summer long. Combine that with a regular facial treatment, and you're on your way to protecting and nourishing your skin for the long haul (ahem...don't forget to book your next appointment).
Remember, taking care of your skin after sun exposure is just as important as protecting it beforehand.