Inflamed Skin Post-Sun? Here's Exactly How To Calm It Down According To Experts

It's the day after a holiday, which is conventionally spent outdoors, embracing the warm weather and enjoying time with friends and family. Not only that, but we're gearing up for a sunny weekend as well. I also suspect some folks may have just made a nice, long weekend out of it—to really maximize their relaxation and sun time. 

While I trust that everyone regularly applies sunscreen and is smart about their time in the sun, caring for skin post-sun is just as important.

UV exposure can trigger free radical damage and inflammation—even if the skin doesn't appear to have burned or turned red. And this can lead to signs of premature aging, such as wrinkles and sun spots.

After spending hours in the sun, hop in the shower. Not only will the rinse wash off dirt, sand, and residual sunscreen, but the cold water can help ease sun-drenched skin that might be experiencing inflammation. 

"After a long day in the sun, the first step I recommend is to take a cool bath or shower to cleanse the skin, minimize inflammation, and relieve any discomfort caused by the sun's UV rays," board-certified dermatologist Kim Nichols, M.D., once told us. "To prevent further dehydration to the skin, it is best to keep your bath or shower brief." 

While in the shower, be sure to only use calming, gentle formulas. For washes, look for nonirritating cleansers free of fragrance, sulfates, abrasives, and chemical exfoliants.

Aloe is the beloved plant of the summer for a reason: The juice of the plant has many hydrating and protective properties that make it ideal for use post-sun.

While you certainly can rub the juice on the skin as is, it's not the most practical method. Natural aloe itself doesn't have a long shelf life, so it's perhaps best to find moisturizers with aloe as an ingredient. 

You should look for a body lotion that contains a decent amount of aloe, ideally with aloe vera juice as a base (you can tell if it's listed near the top of the ingredient list).

After time outdoors, you may be tempted to slough off buildup or patchy, dry skin. But exfoliation will only make things worse. The act of exfoliation removes the top layer of the stratum corneum, which is the skin's protective layer. Since the skin is already quite vulnerable and sensitive, it's best to treat it gently.

After spending time in the sun, avoid any products that contain chemical exfoliants. Steer clear of body and face products that contain AHAs or BHAs (think salicylic, lactic, or glycolic acids). Retinol body serums and lotions are another no-no for post-sun care.

It's good to spend time in the sun—especially when that time is spent with family, moving your body, or doing hobbies that you love. It's very important that you do so responsibly by wearing sunscreen and practicing safe sun behaviors (like not tanning and utilizing accessories).