We all love spending time outdoors, whether it’s hiking in the mountains, relaxing by the pool, or enjoying a sunny day at the park. But did you know that only 12% of adults use sunscreen every day, while 33% report never using it at all? That means most of us aren’t doing enough to protect our skin from the long-term damage the sun can cause.
Even if you forgot to apply sunscreen—or didn’t reapply as often as you should—there are still steps you can take to help your skin recover.
Aftersun Care Best Practices
Here are some aftersun care best practices to help soothe and heal your skin after a day in the sun.
1. Cool Down
After sun exposure, your skin needs immediate relief. A cold shower or cool bath helps lower your body temperature and soothe redness or discomfort. Avoid hot showers, as they can dry out your skin and make irritation worse.
2. Moisturize
Sun exposure dehydrates your skin. Applying a rich, hydrating moisturizer—or a specialized aftersun lotion—can help restore lost moisture and prevent peeling. Look for aftersun lotion with calming ingredients, like aloe vera, chamomile, or green tea, that lock hydration back into your skin.
3. Hydrate
In addition to moisturizing your skin topically, it’s important to hydrate from within. Drink plenty of water to replenish lost fluids and prevent dehydration. This is especially important if you’ve been out in the sun for a long period of time.
You can also increase your intake of foods that are high in water content, such as fruits and vegetables. Some examples include watermelon, cucumber, and celery.
4. Utilize Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a natural go-to for aftersun care. With its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps calm irritation and speeds up the skin’s healing process. For best results, use a pure aloe product without added alcohol or fragrance.
Prevention Is the Best Medicine
The best aftersun care actually starts before you go outside. By protecting your skin from the start, you minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
Wear Sunscreen Daily
Even on cloudy or cool days, UV rays can cause damage. Make sunscreen a daily habit—not just when you’re at the beach. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF and reapply every two hours when outdoors.
Shop daily moisturizers with SPF here.
Wear Protective Clothing
Hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses all add an extra layer of defense. Lightweight, breathable fabrics make it easier to cover up without overheating.
Avoid Peak Hours
UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you can, schedule outdoor activities in the morning or evening, when the sun’s intensity is lower.
Keep Your Skin Healthy and Radiant
Taking care of your skin after sun exposure is just as important as preventing damage in the first place. From cooling down and moisturizing with aftersun lotion to committing to daily sunscreen use, these practices help keep your skin smooth, hydrated, and youthful for the long run.
If you’ve noticed ongoing skin irritation, discoloration, or texture changes after sun exposure, don’t wait to get it checked out. Our dermatology team can help you find the right aftersun lotion and preventive care for healthier skin. Learn more about skin conditions and how to treat them here!