How to Rejuvenate Your Skin Post-Sun Exposure
Have you ever noticed that your skin feels dry, tight, or different after you’ve been in the sun?
The truth is that although we need Vitamin D, sun exposure is harmful to our skin, even if we aren’t sunburnt.
The good news is that we can take steps to help our skin both before and after sun exposure.
Here are six ways you can rejuvenate your skin after you’ve been in the sun.
What Happens When You Are Exposed to the Sun?
The steps I list below are helpful for sun exposure, and it’s first essential to understand what happens to your skin when in the sun.
The short answer is that it loses hydration. In essence, the sun affects the barrier level of your epidermis, the top layer of your skin; it compromises your skin, and in turn, you begin “losing” moisture. So the more exposure (tan or burnt) that your skin gets, the more hydration it loses.
This lack of hydration is what leads to things like premature aging and burns. In addition, skin exposure to the sun increases the risk of skin cancer, and severe burns can lead to overall dehydration, fever, blisters, and systemic symptoms. This damage can continue to take place even hours after you’ve been in the sun.
So how do we help our skin bounce back?
How to Rejuvenate Your Skin Post-Sun Exposure
1. Stay Hydrated from Within
I always say that great skin comes from the inside out. The more hydrated you are, the more moisture you are providing your skin.
2. Cool and Moisturize Highly Exposed Areas
Your skin will naturally feel the need to cool down and have extra moisture after the sun. You can help it by using natural aloe vera or Intense Moisture, which help calm and soothe while giving the extra external hydration your skin needs.
3. Vitamins Help
Vitamins C, D, and E are beneficial in skin rejuvenation. If you have a sunburn, try an oral Vitamin D to help reduce inflammation.
You can also apply Vitamin CE serum to help combat any sun-damage that may have occurred. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant; adding it to your regular skincare routine in the form of serum or cream is a great way to ensure daily protection and strengthen your skin’s barrier.
4. Opt for creams.
One of the best ways you can help hydrate your skin, in addition to internal hydration and products like Intense Moisture, is that you can use creams, which are thicker than lotions, to help lock in moisture.
When choosing a cream, look for ones containing ceramides, antioxidants, and peptides.
5. Avoid harsh products.
Post-sun, be sure to avoid anything exfoliating or gritty; now is not the time to be rough with the skin!
You’ll also want to avoid products that are very strong or drying, like retinoids or pure essential oils.
Many foods can act as a natural protection in addition to sunscreen and rejuvenate your skin post-sun exposure.
Adding foods into your diet such as tomatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, berries, grapes, pomegranate, oranges, kiwi, grapefruit, flaxseeds, and walnuts increase your Vitamin C, E,and omega-3s. These foods help as added protection against UV damage and aid in repairing skin post-sun exposure.
The best thing you can do for your skin is to protect it from the sun by using a reliable SPF 30 or higher, hats and shade will also help.
I hope you find these tips easy and effective ways to keep your skin healthy, undamaged, and glowing!