Spending time outdoors under the sun is one of the best ways to enjoy summer, but without proper care, sun exposure can cause serious damage to your skin, from redness and dryness to painful sunburns. In the end, all those hours under the sun without sunscreen can take a toll on you. In this post, we offer a complete guide to soothe and repair your skin after sun exposure.
5 ways to care for and hydrate your skin after sun exposure
1. Cool your skin immediately
After being in the sun, the first thing you should do is cool your skin to reduce heat and prevent further damage. Here's how to do it:
- Shower with cold or lukewarm water: A quick shower with cold or lukewarm water will help lower your skin's temperature. Avoid hot water as it can increase dryness and irritation.
- Cold compresses: If you have particularly hot or red areas, apply cold compresses for 10-15 minutes. This will soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.
2. Deeply hydrate your skin
After cooling the skin, it is essential to replenish lost hydration. Sun exposure can dehydrate the skin, leaving it dry and rough.
- Apply Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera is your best ally to soothe your skin after sun exposure. Its anti-inflammatory and cooling properties will help relieve redness and the burning sensation. Avoid products with alcohol as they can dry out the skin even more. Here are 5 tips for taking care of your skin from the sun with aloe vera.
- Drink plenty of water: Don't forget to hydrate from the inside. Drinking plenty of water will help your body recover from the dehydration caused by sun exposure.
We recommend our After Sun with Aloe Vera, which nourishes, protects, and regenerates the skin thanks to its combination of active ingredients, and our Pure Aloe Vera Gel, which hydrates, regenerates, and soothes. It contains cold-stabilized aloe vera juice, not powdered or concentrated aloe.
3. Protect the skin to avoid further damage
Once your skin has been exposed to the sun, it's crucial to protect it to prevent the damage from worsening:
- Avoid direct sun exposure: Until your skin has fully recovered, it's important to avoid the sun. If you must go out, wear clothing that covers the affected areas and seek shade whenever possible.
- Loose and comfortable clothing: Wear loose cotton clothing that allows your skin to breathe and doesn’t cause additional irritation.
4. Do not peel your skin
If your skin starts peeling, it's vital to let it heal naturally:
- Don’t scratch or peel the skin: Even though it may be tempting, you shouldn't scratch or peel the skin that starts to flake off. This can cause infections or permanent scars. Let the dead skin fall off on its own.
5. Future prevention: Always protect your skin
The best way to treat sun damage is to prevent it:
- Use sunscreen: Apply sunscreen even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
- Protect your face’s skin: The skin on your face is much more sensitive, so we should hydrate it every day with a facial cream with daily-use sunscreen. The Hydradetox FP15 facial cream by Atlantia helps detoxify the skin from the harmful effects of environmental pollution while also protecting it against UVB and UVA radiation.
Avoid the sun during peak hours: Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., UV rays are strongest. Try to avoid direct sun exposure during these hours.
Sunspots caused by the sun?
Hyperpigmentation can actually have different causes, though sun exposure is one of the most important. Aloe vera for skin spots is an effective solution for this common issue after vacations. Discover here how aloe vera works for skin spots.
Taking care of your skin after sun exposure will not only help relieve immediate discomfort but is also crucial for preventing long-term damage such as premature aging and skin cancer. Follow these steps to keep your skin healthy and cared for even after a day in the sun. Always remember to protect yourself and enjoy the sun responsibly!
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