How to repair your skin after spending time in the sun

So you’ve been enjoying every moment you can outside over the last few days of summer? Same. Along the way, your skin has probably gotten more sun than normal (hopefully you’re using sunscreen). sunscreen or protective clothing), so it may be time to replenish and soothe it even if you haven’t suffered a sunburn, especially as we head into fall.

The good news is that there are a few things you can do to repair your skin after sun exposure Dendy Engelman, MD, board certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, Hadley KingMD, New York-based board-certified dermatologist, and Trishna KhannaMD, board certified dermatologist in Florida. Here they share the best way to keep your skin healthy after a summer of outdoor activities and how to tackle sunburn if you have one.

How can I restore and maintain healthy skin after the sun?

First, according to dermatologists, it is the best way to maintain healthy skin attempt to stay out of the sun. “The sun damages the DNA of skin cells and proteins in the skin such as collagen and elastin,” says Dr. King, which can lead to wrinkles and in some cases even skin cancer. According to Dr. Khanna, exposure to the sun with increased UV radiation and heat can also lead to skin dryness. So the longer you stay out in the sun, the more dehydrated you may become inside and out (which is why you may feel extra thirsty during an outdoor walk or after an outdoor party).

Yet it’s almost impossible to escape the sun, whether you go to the supermarket or to the beach. And while you can’t reverse cell damage if you… to have If you’ve spent any time outdoors with exposed skin, there are ways you can replenish and repair skin through antioxidants like vitamin C (which help protect the skin against UVA rays) into your routine and keep wearing sunscreenand moisturizing.

“It is important that the body is adequately hydrated, so drinking plenty of water is important,” says Dr. King. “Moisturizers that contain a combination of humectants, emollients or occlusive agents should also be used to hydrate and support the skin barrier.” Dr. King notes that you should look for moisturizers that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acidglycerin, squalane, ceramidesand oils to the skin barrier healthy after sun exposure and to wear sunscreen even if you don’t go outside all the time.

How to identify sunburn

If your skin is red and swollen, warm to the touch, and stings or burns, you may have sunburn. “You will especially notice significant erythema or redness of the skin, which may be accompanied by pain and tenderness, or flaking, peeling, or blistering,” says Dr. Khanna.

How to cure sunburn

If this is the case, there are some steps you can take to reduce the effects of sunburn. “If necessary, start taking an oral anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin to reduce inflammation,” says Dr. King. Then, opt for a cool shower with a gentle cleanser like the Dove deep nourishing body wash ($19), formulated with glycerin to leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated (instead of dry and dehydrated). After showering, gently pat the skin (do not rub to avoid increased pain or friction) and apply a moisturizer to retain moisture in the skin. “Use one formula containing aloe vera to help soothe the burn, and apply layers 1% hydrocortisone cream can also be helpful for areas that feel uncomfortable,” she adds.

What to do if your sunburn is inflamed, blistering or peeling

If your sunburn is inflamed or blistering, you can definitely try soothing the area with natural and over-the-counter remedies. “Soften the skin with a washcloth soaked in cold low-fat milk for 15 minutes at a time,” says Dr. King. She explains that the fat content of milk can increase cleansing and moisturizing propertiesso it’s best to use it when your sunscreen is in the drying and peeling phase. If you have blisters, Dr. Khanna recommends that you avoid puncturing them, which can lead to further irritation and infection.

“Peeling is a natural part of the healing process, and if this happens, I recommend using a non-greasy moisturizer to treat the area,” says Dr. King. We recommend the La Roche-Posay Lipikar Daily Repair Moisturizing Lotion ($20) with shea butter and niacinamide to soothe your skin while leaving it feeling soft. Remember: As tempting as it is to pop or pick at a bumpy, peeling sunscreen, resist the urge to touch, scratch and pick at it. Of course, if your sunburn doesn’t improve or worsens, you should call a board-certified dermatologist who can take a closer look.

Last takeaway

The summer weather is certainly a good argument to enjoy the sun (and yes, we will miss the beach days and barbecues); However, it can also negatively impact your skin if you don’t take the right precautions. Ultimately, you don’t have to overcomplicate skin recovery after sun exposure (any time of year, tbh): stay hydrated, wear protective clothing, use (at least) a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30, and opt for moisturizers with moisturizing ingredients for skin that feels hydrated and healthy all year round.