How to Restore Your Skin After Spending Time in the Sun

So you’ve spent the last few days of summer soaking up every moment you can outside? Same. Along the way, your skin probably got more sun than usual (hopefully you’re using sunscreen or protective clothing), so it may be time to repair and soothe it even if you haven’t gotten a sunburn, especially as fall approaches.

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

How can I restore and keep my skin healthy after a period of sun exposure?

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

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Yet it’s nearly impossible to escape the sun, whether you’re going to the grocery store or the beach. And while you can’t reverse cell damage if you to have If you spend any time outdoors with bare skin, there are ways to repair and restore the skin by taking in antioxidants such as vitamin C (which helps protect the skin against UVA radiation) into your routine, by continuing to wear it sunscreenand moisturizing.

“It’s important to keep the body hydrated, so drinking plenty of water is important,” says Dr. King. “Moisturizers that have 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 use sunscreen even if you are not outdoors continuously.

How do you recognize sunburn?

If your skin is red, swollen, warm to the touch, and stings or burns, you may have a sunburn. “Most commonly, you will 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 Heal a Sunburn

If this is the case, there are some steps you can take to reduce the impact of sunburn. “If necessary, start by taking an oral anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin to reduce inflammation,” says Dr. King. Next, opt for a cool shower with a gentle cleanser like Dove Deep Nourishing Body Wash ($19), formulated with glycerin to leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated (instead of dry and parched). After showering, gently pat (don’t rub to avoid more pain or friction) your skin and apply a moisturizer to retain moisture in the skin. “Use a formula containing aloe vera to soothe the burn and apply a layer 1% hydrocortisone cream can also help in areas where it feels uncomfortable,” she adds.

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

If your sunburn is inflamed or blistering, you can certainly try soothing the area with natural, over-the-counter remedies. “Sooth the skin with a washcloth soaked in cold skim milk for 15 minutes at a time,” says Dr. King. She explains that the fat content of milk can have cleansing and moisturizing propertiesso it’s best to use when your sunscreen is in the drying and flaking stage. If you have blisters, Dr. Khanna advises not to pop them, which can lead to further irritation and infection.

“Peeling is a natural part of the healing process, and when it does occur, 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 help soothe your skin and leave it feeling soft. Remember: As tempting as it may be to squeeze or pick at a bumpy, flaky sunburn, resist the urge to pick, scratch, and pick. Of course, if your sunburn isn’t improving or is getting worse, you should call a board-certified dermatologist who can take a closer look.

Last takeaway

Summer weather is certainly perfect for soaking up the sun (and yes, we will miss beach days and BBQs). However, it can also be damaging to your skin if you don’t take proper precautions. Ultimately, there’s no need to overcomplicate your skin’s recovery from sun exposure (all year round, let’s be honest): stay hydrated, wear protective clothing, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 (at a minimum), and opt for moisturizers with hydrating ingredients so your skin feels hydrated and healthy all year round.