Staying safe in the sun has become an important part of enjoying warmer weather. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause the skin to become dehydrated, red, and sore, leaving you with damaged skin that needs intense treatment to recover.
Shorter times in direct sunlight (seeking shade at notably hot times of the day) and a high SPF sunscreen are essential to keeping your skin in tip-top condition.
At La Mer Spa, we reveal our secrets to achieving a healthy glow after sun exposure in this blog, as well as the nourishing and indulgent spa treatments to help you on your way, such as our soothing facial to hydrate and repair your skin, leaving you feeling calm and cleansed.
A Healthy Glow from the Sun
Let’s not forget the many benefits of sun exposure. Sunlight on the skin initiates the production of vitamin D, necessary for key biological processes to take place in the body. This includes supporting healthy bones, managing calcium levels, reducing inflammation, and supporting the immune system. An article from Vogue, on the benefits of vitamin D during winter suggests 20 minutes of exposure to summer-strength sunlight on bare skin is ‘a good goal’ for boosting this vitamin.
Not to mention the mental health benefits of feeling the Sun’s rays on your skin! Sure to improve your mood and even lower blood pressure.
Achieving a healthy glow after sun exposure requires a combination of proper skin care, hydration, and sun protection. Enhance your skin’s radiance and care for it post-exposure with our helpful tips…
Hydration After Sun Exposure
Too much exposure to the sun dehydrates the skin, leaving it dull and lacklustre. To help replenish moisture, drink lots of water. You can use online calculators like this one from Giga Calculator to work out the amount of water you should be drinking each day, adjusting this amount depending on your sun exposure.
For those who struggle to drink lots of water, there are other options to help with your daily hydration. Smoothies, teas, milk, coconut water, and kombucha are also tasty alternatives to H2O.
You can also incorporate hydrating skincare products that focus on replenishing your skin’s moisture barrier. A hydrating facial mist is great for locking in moisture and cooling the skin.
Gentle Exfoliation for Sensitive Skin
It is important not to over-exfoliate skin struggling from over-exposure to the sun. It can be more sensitive. A gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells that have accumulated will reveal fresh, glowing skin underneath. It’s a crucial step in enhancing your skin’s absorption of subsequent skincare products.
You might be wondering where exfoliation lies in the skincare routine order but we’ve got you covered with our step-by-step guide. Depending on your skin type, you should exfoliate two to three times a week. Not sure of your skin type? Read our helpful blog: The Ultimate Skincare Guide Based On Skin Type.
Moisturize With Ingredients That Repair
Too much time in the sun can weaken the skin’s natural barrier. Using a moisturizer containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or ceramides (to name a few) helps replenish moisture, improve skin texture, and soothe irritation.
As well as caring for your skin during the day with a great skincare routine, be sure to use the time you’ll be sleeping to work its magic on your face. A thicker, more emollient moisturizer in the evening will aid your skin in repairing itself, all while you’re dreaming!
Anti-Ageing Benefits of Sun Protection
Maintaining healthy skin and a glowing complexion after sun exposure is greatly helped by applying sunscreen. When it comes to your face, the higher the SPF rating the better! Using SPF 30 or higher shields your skin from harmful UV rays and prevents wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and other signs of ageing.
Remember to reapply your sunscreen every two hours to keep your skin protected and moisturized. Many products also come with added skincare benefits such as hydration-boosting ingredients and antioxidants. Be sure to check out the La Mer Spa ageless facial that focuses on reducing the signs of ageing and improving the skin’s natural balance.
The Cooling Effects of After-sun Skincare
After-sun care soothes and hydrates the skin, which is essential after being in the sun for extended periods of time. Products with aloe vera, chamomile, or cucumber extracts give cooling relief, reduce redness, and boost the skin’s natural healing process. Plus, they feel amazing on the skin, with almost instant relief from sun exposure.
For an extra cooling effect, place your after-sun lotions and potions in the fridge. Not only will the ingredients get to work in calming the skin, but the temperature will also give a refreshing hit!
Did you know that aloe vera contains 99% water? When looking for an after-sun treatment, it’s harder to find something more hydrating than that.
Lifestyle Choices for a Healthy Glow
Good sleep
Getting adequate rest allows your skin to repair itself – vital in the quest for a healthy glow after sun exposure.
Hydration, hydration, hydration
As mentioned earlier, hydration is key to gorgeous skin, in your consumption of plenty of water throughout the day and in the products you use on your face.
Regular exercise
Physical activity increases blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the skin. Grab your exercise gear and get moving!
An antioxidant diet
Food such as leafy greens, berries, and citrus fruits support skin health as well as combating oxidative stress (an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body). Combine them all in a delicious smoothie.
Facial skincare
A good skincare routine at home will work wonders on your skin, giving you a healthy and radiant complexion. Self-care also extends outside the skincare you do at home. Having regular spa facials will also rejuvenate and boost your skin’s natural beauty.
At La Mer Spa, we specialize in tailored skincare treatments that follow a layered approach. Look at our full range of spa treatments in Grand Cayman to work towards long-term skin health for your face and body.
