Sunny days bring joy and fun, but they also come with the risk of sun damage. After some time spent outside, your skin needs extra attention to repair and rejuvenate. Discover some after-sun do’s and don’ts to ensure your skin stays healthy.
A low-temperature shower can help soothe your skin, reducing redness or inflammation. Give your skin a deep cleanse to remove oils, sweat, sand or chlorine. Use a gentle body wash to avoid irritation.
Make sure to use the product all over your body. If you don’t wash off dirt and sebum, your skin will have difficulty absorbing your skin care products. After showering, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
Long sun exposure can lead to skin dryness, which may cause itchiness, redness or flakiness. Take extra time to moisturize your skin after sunbathing to regain its plumpness.
Whish's Coconut Milk + Verbena Correcting Gel is designed to soothe sun exposed skin and helps reduce the appearance of UV damage. And after soothing the skin with this cooling gel, use Whish’s Super Cream with Bakuchiol all over your body to lock in moisture— it contains botanical ingredients, including Kalahari melon seed oil and bakuchiol, that help protect your skin from dryness and premature aging. It’s also free from sulfates, phthalates and parabens, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
If you go outside again, protect your skin from further damage and sun exposure. Follow these tips to avoid irritation.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and long sleeves to protect your skin from the sun. The hat will help protect your face, neck and shoulders. Sunglasses can shield your eyes from the damaging effects of UV rays.
Reapply sunscreen before basking in the sun again. Choose a product with at least SPF 30 and UVA and UVB protection. If you’re swimming in the ocean, opt for a reef-safe sunscreen. Some chemicals can impair the growth and synthesis of green algae and kill corals. Wear an eco-friendly product to do your part in saving the seas.
Make time for occasional breaks while outside. The sunlight is most intense between 10 am and 4 pm , so seek shade from a tree, umbrella or indoors to avoid further skin damage during this time.
Spending too much time under the sun can strip away your natural glow. According to research, prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to oxidative damage , triggering dullness and redness. Your skin immediately switches into repair mode after UV exposure, and you’d want to do everything to support that healing process.
This is where antioxidants come in — these ingredients can help replenish your skin, allowing you to regain moisture and glow. Whish’s Body Butter contains antioxidants that help soothe and repair your skin from damage. It has shea butter, sunflower oil, seaweed extract and aloe vera, a well-known natural moisturizer.
High temperatures can trigger excessive sweating and dehydration, affecting normal bodily functions. Experiencing at least 10% water loss can cause confusion, reduced urination and potential seizures. Always bring a water bottle with you so you can hydrate regularly.
Here are some reminders to avoid further irritation.
Allow your skin to heal on its own. Peeling usually stops when the burn has healed, lasting about seven days for mild to moderate sunburns.
Avoid using physical exfoliants, such as scrubs and loofahs, as they may worsen irritation. Use a gentle scrub to eliminate dead cells and reveal brighter skin.
High temperatures and direct sun exposure can irritate skin, and shaving or waxing will only worsen your skin condition. Shaving can sometimes cause micro-cuts or skin irritation, which won’t help your skin’s natural healing process.
Prioritizing skin care before and after sun exposure can make you enjoy sunny days without worries. Follow these essential tips to soothe and protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
And don't forget, you don't need the risk of sun exposure to achieve a glowing tan, Whish's award-winning Self Tanner will give you that sun kissed glow without the UV damage.