During the summer, it’s all too easy to spend too much time in the sun. Whether you forgot to reapply sunscreen regularly, didn’t realize just how strong the UV rays were, or didn’t realize you’d have no access to shade at your outdoor event, overexposed and sun-damaged skin needs some extra care and attention. After a day of sun exposure, there are a few easy steps you should take to help your skin recover and rehydrate.
1. Cool Down First
If your skin feels warm or looks red, the first step is to gently cool it down. A cool (not cold) shower or compress can soothe the heat and reduce inflammation. Avoid hot water and harsh soaps, which can make skin irritation worse. Afterward, pat your skin dry with a soft towel (rather than rubbing it dry).
2. Moisturize While Skin Is Damp
After cooling off your skin, it’s time to lock in moisture. To maximize absorption, apply your moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp. Reach for a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or after-sun lotion—ideally one that contains aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides. These ingredients help calm the skin and restore hydration.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
Hydration isn’t just a surface issue. Sun exposure can dehydrate you from the inside out, so drink extra water throughout the rest of the day to help your skin recover. Staying well-hydrated supports your body’s natural healing process and helps maintain your skin’s elasticity and barrier function.
4. Avoid Further Irritation
After a lot of sun time, skip products with retinoids, exfoliants, and alcohol-based ingredients for a few days. Your skin barrier needs time to heal, so stick to gentle, nourishing products until the redness and sensitivity subside.
5. Watch for Serious Skin Damage
Sunburns are common after a long day outside, but if your skin blisters, becomes very painful, or shows signs of infection, it’s important to consult a dermatologist. You may need special care to soothe your damaged skin. Remember that blisters should never be popped—they’re your body’s way of protecting damaged skin.
While prevention is always best, sometimes it’s difficult to be prepared, and you can’t always control your circumstances. And we all make mistakes. Giving your sun-damaged skin a little extra care for a few days after your time in the sun can speed up your recovery, reduce peeling, and minimize long-term damage. Most importantly, remember this: your skin doesn’t forget sun exposure, and sun damage is cumulative. Let this be a gentle reminder to protect your skin daily.
For more sun protection and recovery tips, call Medovate Dermatology at (847) 499 – 5500.