Exactly How To Care For Your Skin Post-Sun, According To Derms

We've stressed the importance of prepping your skin for sun exposure, but what about the aftercare? Though you may be tempted to lounge around in your smudged SPF all evening, you might want to reconsider that habit, especially if you want your skin to bounce back quickly. 

We have to note the two cardinal rules of safe sun care: First, be sure to cover your skin (face and body) in SPF. We prefer non-nano mineral formulas as they're better for your skin and the environment (which you can read about here.) If you're in the market for your next go-to SPF, check out our top picks for the best body products and face sunscreens. 

After spending hours in the sun, the first thing you'll want to do is rinse off the dirt and residual SPF left on your skin. "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," Nichols says. "To prevent further dehydration to the skin, it is best to keep your bath or shower brief." 

Perhaps the most important step in your post-sun routine is to rehydrate your skin with a high-quality moisturizer. Which ingredients should you look for? Nichols recommends hunting down a body lotion that contains both humectants and emollients. In simpler terms: You need ingredients that pull water into the skin and fill the cracks, thus leaving your skin supple and soft. 

One common humectant found in body and face moisturizers is hyaluronic acid, but don't forget about the shining star of after-sun care: aloe vera. "The gold standard for a natural product is aloe," board-certified dermatologist Christina Chung, M.D., says. "It works well for post-sun care because of its anti-inflammatory properties." You can read all about those skin-loving properties here. 

As for emollients, Nichols prefers a plant-based oil like squalene to help maintain the skin's moisture barrier for lasting hydration. Squalene also doubles as an occlusive, meaning it locks in moisture. Bonus: Squalene contains antioxidants that work to fight free radicals, manage oxidative stress, and protect the skin from environmental stressors, like UV rays and pollution.

If you’re looking for a body lotion with aloe vera and squalene, the mbg postbiotic body lotion checks both boxes. Beyond those expert-approved ingredients, you’ll find shea butter, coconut oil, and oat oil, which work together to rehydrate your skin after drying out from UV rays.