Sun Exposure Recovery: Must-Have Treatments to Revive Your Skin

How to Take Care of Your Skin After a Day in the Sun

Spending a day in the sun can be one of life’s simple pleasures—whether you’re lounging on a beach, exploring a city, enjoying a hike, or simply relaxing in your backyard. The warm rays of the sun can feel comforting, energizing, and uplifting. But, as most of us know, prolonged exposure to the sun—especially without the right protection—can take a toll on our skin.

While reaching for a bottle of after-sun lotion might be second nature when you’re on vacation, many people forget or skip post-sun skincare once they’re back in the rhythm of everyday life. The truth is, whether you’re in the tropics or just enjoying a sunny afternoon at home, UV radiation affects your skin in the same way. That means post-sun care is always essential. Here’s a thorough guide to nurturing your skin after a full day in the sun—even if you used sunscreen throughout.

1. Start With a Cool Shower

One of the most immediate and refreshing ways to begin your skin’s recovery process after sun exposure is to take a shower. This simple step is often overlooked, but it plays a vital role in removing layers of sunscreen, sweat, bacteria, environmental pollutants, and other impurities that have built up on your skin throughout the day.

However, it’s important to be gentle with your skin, especially if you notice any signs of sunburn—such as redness, sensitivity, or tightness. While a cold shower might seem like a quick fix to soothe the heat radiating from your skin, it can actually cause more harm than good if your skin is already irritated. Ice-cold water can shock sunburned skin and intensify discomfort, so opt instead for cool or lukewarm water.

You can also consider soaking in a cool bath with added soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, baking soda, or a splash of apple cider vinegar to help calm inflammation and reduce itching. Avoid using harsh soaps or body washes that strip the skin of its natural oils. Instead, reach for fragrance-free, gentle cleansers that hydrate while they clean. Pat your skin dry afterward—never rub—and follow immediately with a moisturizer to lock in hydration.

2. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Hydration is key after any amount of sun exposure. The sun’s rays, particularly UVB rays, can dry out your skin by depleting it of natural oils and water. Replenishing that moisture is crucial to support your skin’s natural repair processes and to prevent dryness, peeling, or even premature signs of aging.

You might not be on holiday, but that doesn’t mean you can’t treat your skin with the same level of care. If you have an after-sun lotion on hand, especially those that contain ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or panthenol (vitamin B5), use it liberally. These ingredients are known for their soothing and hydrating properties and can provide instant relief to stressed skin.

If you’d prefer not to use a specialized after-sun product, a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer will work just as well. The key is to avoid heavy, occlusive creams—especially if your skin still feels warm. Thick formulations can trap heat within the skin, exacerbating inflammation and prolonging discomfort. Look for water-based or gel-like textures that absorb quickly, provide a cooling effect, and deliver deep hydration.

Be sure to reapply your moisturizer at least twice a day following significant sun exposure and continue this routine for several days to support skin regeneration.

3. Exfoliate—But Only If It’s Safe

Exfoliation is a crucial part of any skincare routine, as it helps to slough away dead skin cells and unclog pores. However, it requires caution when done after sun exposure.

First and foremost: if you have visible sunburn or your skin feels tender, itchy, or sensitive to the touch, do not exfoliate. At this stage, your skin barrier is compromised, and exfoliating—especially with physical scrubs—could damage it further. This could lead to inflammation, irritation, or even long-term consequences like hyperpigmentation or accelerated aging.

However, if you managed to stay sun-safe and your skin is neither burned nor overly sensitive, a gentle exfoliation can be beneficial. Using a mild chemical exfoliant like lactic acid or a soft physical scrub with ingredients such as finely milled rice powder or activated charcoal can help remove sunscreen buildup, excess oil, and debris that may have accumulated in your pores.

Exfoliating can also enhance your skin’s ability to absorb moisturizers and serums more effectively, helping you maintain that healthy, sun-kissed glow for longer. But remember: moderation is key. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week after sun exposure and always follow up with a nourishing, barrier-repairing moisturizer.

4. Hydrate From the Inside Out

Skin hydration isn’t just about what you put on your skin—it also has a lot to do with what you put in your body. Spending time in the sun, especially if you’re sweating a lot or engaging in physical activity, causes your body to lose water. Dehydration not only affects your energy levels and overall well-being but can also directly impact the health and appearance of your skin.

After a day in the sun, be intentional about rehydrating your body. Aim to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water throughout the rest of the day. If you’ve been particularly active, consider beverages with added electrolytes to help restore the body’s salt and mineral balance.

Dehydrated skin can appear dull, tight, flaky, and aged. It might even feel more sensitive than usual. By replenishing lost fluids, you’ll help your skin stay plump, resilient, and radiant.

In addition to water, eating hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, and strawberries can provide your body with both hydration and skin-boosting nutrients like antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E.

5. Use a Hydrating Face Mask or Serum

To supercharge your skin’s recovery after sun exposure, consider incorporating a hydrating face mask or serum into your routine—especially before bed, when your skin enters its natural regeneration cycle.

Sheet masks, in particular, are a fast and effective way to deliver an intensive dose of active ingredients directly into the skin. Look for masks or serums containing ingredients like marine extracts, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, green tea extract, or chamomile. These help calm inflammation, deliver antioxidants, and reinforce your skin’s protective barrier.

Products like a marine moisture mask—rich in deep-sea minerals and algae—are excellent for repairing sun-stressed skin. They provide a surge of hydration, help combat the damaging effects of free radicals (which increase after UV exposure), and may even reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles that sun damage can worsen over time.

Apply your chosen treatment in the evening after cleansing and follow up with your moisturizer to seal in all the beneficial ingredients.

6. Don’t Forget Your Lips and Scalp

When we think of sun care and post-sun recovery, the skin on our body and face usually gets all the attention. But two often-neglected areas are the lips and scalp, which are also vulnerable to UV damage.

Lips have thin, delicate skin and no natural oil glands, making them particularly prone to dryness, chapping, and burning. After sun exposure, apply a lip balm with soothing ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, or aloe vera. Avoid any products with menthol or fragrances, which can further irritate sensitive skin.

As for your scalp, even if it’s covered by hair, it’s still at risk—especially around the hairline or in areas where hair is thinning. If you notice redness or peeling on your scalp, use a gentle, hydrating shampoo and follow with a nourishing conditioner or scalp treatment. Avoid using hot styling tools or harsh hair products until your scalp feels normal again.

Conclusion: Healthy Habits for Radiant Skin

Whether you’re soaking up the sun on a beach holiday or just enjoying a sunny Saturday in your backyard, caring for your skin before, during, and after sun exposure is essential. Sunscreen is your first defense, but your post-sun routine is what helps your skin recover and thrive.

Taking a cool shower, moisturizing thoughtfully, avoiding exfoliation when burned, drinking plenty of water, applying hydrating treatments, and paying attention to your lips and scalp can make a massive difference in how your skin looks and feels after time in the sun. With a little extra effort and the right products, you can maintain a healthy, glowing complexion all year round—wherever the sun may find you.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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