Ultimate Guide to Soothing Sunburn: Essential Skincare Routine After Sun Exposure

After a long day under the sun, caring for sunburned skin is crucial for skin health to plump fine lines and keep it hydrated. Sun exposure can have various effects on the skin, from sunburn to long-term damage like fine lines and wrinkles. Taking care of your skin before and after sun exposure can help prevent cancerous cells from forming, ensuring you maintain the best skin health. It is key to understand the impact of sunburn before and after, as the damage can reach deep into the skin. Not only that, but you can also cultivate a routine for skincare after sun exposure to let products reach deep and restore skin health.

What Exactly is a Sunburn?

These occur when skin is overexposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or things like tanning beds. This will damage the skin and possibly cause redness, pain, and peeling. This is especially true if you have low melanin.

How sun exposure affects skin

Sun exposure can damage skin cells and lead to dehydration, disrupting the balance of sebum. It is important to cleanse and cool your skin after being in the sun all day to prevent a breakout. We recommend using a cleanser to gently get rid of debris and a rich moisturizer to lock in moisture. Try to find products that are rich in antioxidants that will replenish the skin and also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Don't forget to use at least SPF 30 lotion in your routine

Exposing your skin to too much sun without proper protection can take a toll, leading to dehydrated, sunburnt skin and increasing the risk of melanoma. By using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, you can protect your skin's outer layer from harmful UV rays and keep it looking visibly healthy. Always remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours to make sure you are protected. Sun damage will cause your skin to age, so always protect your skin throughout the day. Again, use antioxidant-rice moisturizers in your skincare routine for an extra boost in healing.

What Skincare to Use After Sunburn?

It is important to know what kinds of products to use immediately after sun exposure. Look for products with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid to soothe and repair the damaged skin. Cleansing is essential in your post-sun aftercare routine. We recommend using products with Vitamin C or E to protect the skin from further damage and increase collagen and elastin.  Make sure to avoid harsh ingredients like alcohol and fragrances which will exacerbate irritated skin. Keep your body hydrated by drinking a lot of water. This will balance the water loss you experience during a hot summer's day. If the damage is severe, it is best to consult a dermatologist for further treatment options.

After-Sun Guide to Skincare

When dealing with sunburned skin, it's important to soothe and moisturize the affected areas. Using products with aloe vera or hyaluronic acid can help reduce redness caused by the sun's UV rays. Applying a gentle balm or gel can provide relief and protect the skin barrier. There are three easy steps for immediate relief:

Step 1: Use a Gentle Cleanser on Sunburned Skin

Cleansing sunburned skin is essential to remove impurities and excess sebum that accumulates on the outer layer of your skin. This will cause more irritation and can even lead to a breakout. Triple check that you are using a gentle cleanser that will not strip the skin of its natural oils, as this can lead to a breakout. Another quick tip is a nice cold shower. These are refreshing after being exposed to extremely sunny conditions.

• Rhonda Allison Calming Milk Cleanse heals and hydrates the skin while washing away impurities.  It is formulated with goat milk which is a natural moisturizer.  Shea butter protects the skin from dehydration and rose flower water provides the skin with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.  Skin is left feeling clean, soothed, and calm. 
• GlyMed Plus Vitamin C Cleanser nourishes and safeguards the skin, providing optimal hydration. It possesses healing properties that make it ideal for post-treatment skincare routines.
• Sanitas Milk & Honey Cleanser a creamy, corrective cleanser that gently washes away pollutants, dirt, excess oils, and makeup while hydrating dry skin. Skin appears softer and brighter. Shea butter and hyaluronic acid deeply hydrate, volumize, smooth and retexturize dry skin.

Step 2: Replenish, and Sooth with Serum or Gel:

After cleansing, use a hydrating serum or gel containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid to replenish lost moisture and plump up the skin. These products help in restoring hydration and promoting skin repair. You can also look for products with squalane as it mimics the skin's natural oil, helping to balance sebum levels. Also, you can try some cooling gels that moisturize with cooling agents like aloe vera to help the skin heal.

• Skin Beauty CC Serum delivers vitamins that protect and maintain the beauty and vibrancy of your skin. Your customers will experience remarkable results with this potent serum infused with Citrus Stem Cells from oranges, which enhance skin elasticity.
• Rhonda Allison Burn Relief 2024 soothes while rapidly reducing skin heat. Plant stem cells replenish antioxidants and help with damaged.
• CBE Botanicals Conducting Gel & Mask is a thick gentle moisturizing gel that soothes irritated and dehydrated skin due to sunburn, chemical peels, and laser treatments, providing the best TLC.

Step 3: Lock in Hydration

Seal in the hydration with a moisturizer that nourishes and protects the skin barrier, giving your skin the best TLC. Look for moisturizers with antioxidants to combat sun damage and keep the skin healthy and supple.

• Epicuren Coconut Hydrating Milk is a weightless body lotion that locks skin in moisture for a long-lasting hydration, making it part of the best skin care routine.
• Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Repair Creme is an antioxidant repair creme. It protects skin daily for ultimate anti-aging benefits, helping to plump fine lines. Paraben-free.
• NeoGenesis Intensive Moisturizer is an extra-rich formula created for those who require extra moisture to the skin, providing it with the best skin TLC.

Step 4: More SPF To Prevent from Further Sun Damage

Apply a generous amount of sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on all exposed areas of your skin. Reapply every two hours, especially if you are swimming or sweating. A higher SPF can provide even more protection against harmful UV rays. Remember to also cover areas like your scalp, ears, and lips with appropriate sun protection products. This extra layer of SPF will help prevent any further sun damage and keep your skin safe and healthy.

1. Circadia Circa-Shield – Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 defends against oxidative stress and free radical damage.  Zinc oxide protects skin from harmful UV damage to prevent sunburns.  It creates a barrier to defend against blue light, oxidative stress, and free radical damage.  
2. Image Skincare IMAGE MD Restoring Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 50 is a daily, lightweight moisturizer that absorbs quickly without greasy, heavy residue while offering SPF 50 broad-spectrum UVA/UVB and infrared protection. Perfect for general daily suncare protection, leaving skin with a sheer and seamless finish.
3. Rhonda Allison Broad Spectrum eZinc Protection SPF 22 is a fast-absorbing physical block using zinc oxide, providing high protection outdoors. Powerhouse antioxidants help this emulsion provide essential hydration and soothing support for the skin.

Step 5: Drink Water

The most vital tip is to keep hydrated. Drink a lot of water! This will keep your moisture levels high from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.!

Questions about After-Sun Skin Care

How long after sunburn can you moisturize?

You can start immediately after a long day in the sun to help soothe the skin and prevent further moisture loss. Regular moisturization aids in the healing process and skin recovery.

How to reduce redness of sunburn?

Use cool compresses, apply aloe vera, and opt for anti-inflammatory products like chamomile or green tea extracts. Moisturize regularly to help soothe and calm the skin.

What not to do after getting over exposed to the sun?

Avoid further sun exposure, harsh exfoliation, picking at peeling skin, using irritants like alcohol-based products, and wearing tight clothing that can further irritate the sunburned skin.

What should you not put on a sunburn?

Avoid harsh chemicals, fragrances, and exfoliating products on a sunburn as they can further irritate and damage the already sensitive skin. Use gentle options instead.

Is it good to let sunburn dry out?

No, it is not good to let sunburn dry out. Proper TLC is needed to soothe the skin. It is important to keep the affected area, well moisturized to prevent further damage and help with healing. Applying aloe vera gel, lotion, or coconut oil can help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. It is also important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and promote the natural healing process. Letting it dry out can lead to increased pain, peeling, and potential scarring.

Sun skincare routine

Establishing a post-sun exposure skincare routine is crucial to repair and nourish sun-stressed skin. Following a simple yet effective routine can help restore hydration and maintain skin health after sun exposure.

Choose Brightening Serums to Fade Sunspot and Wrinkles

Brightening serums containing ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide effectively fade sunspots and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Regular use can help achieve a brighter, more youthful-looking complexion. After-sun products with skin-brightening properties can help restore radiance to sun-exposed skin. Look for ingredients like licorice extract or kojic acid to even out skin tone and reduce pigmentation.

 Protecting your skin during sun exposure

This is essential in maintaining healthy and youthful looking skin. Limiting your time in direct sunlight, especially during peak hours of 10am to 4pm, can help reduce the risk of sun damage. Wearing protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, can also shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Applying sunscreen with a high SPF regularly, even on cloudy days, is crucial in preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of skin cancer. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the sun safely while keeping your skin healthy and radiant.

Other tips for post-sun exposure?

Aside from skincare, make sure to drink plenty of water, wear protective clothing, and seek shade to prevent further sun damage. Apply sunscreen with SPF regularly and avoid peak sun hours.