How to Repair Your Skin After Spending Time in the Sun

So you’ve spent the last few days of summer soaking up every moment you can outdoors? Same. Along the way, your skin has probably gotten more sun than usual (hopefully, you’re using sunscreen or protective clothing), so it might be time to replenish and soothe it, even if you didn’t get a sunburn, especially as we head into fall.

The good news is that there are a few things you can do to repair your skin after sun exposure, according to Dendy Engelman, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, Hadley King, MD, NYC-based board-certified dermatologist, and Trishna Khanna, MD, board-certified dermatologist in Florida. Here, they share the best way to keep your skin healthy after a summer of outdoor activities and how to address sunburn if you have it.

How can I repair and maintain healthy skin post-sun?

First, the best way to maintain healthy skin, according to dermatologists, is to try to stay out of the sun. “The sun damages the DNA of skin cells as well as proteins in the skin like collagen and elastin,” says Dr. King, which can lead to wrinkles and even skin cancer in some cases. According to Dr. Khanna, sun exposure with increased UV and heat can also lead to skin dehydration. So, the longer you’ve stayed out in the sun, the more dehydrated you can become inside and out (it’s why you may feel extra thirsty during an outdoor walk or after an outdoor day party).

Related Stories

Still, it’s nearly impossible to escape the sun whether you’re going to the grocery store or the beach. And while you can’t reverse cell damage if you have spent some time outdoors with exposed skin, there are ways you can replenish and repair the skin by incorporating antioxidants like vitamin C (which help protect skin from UVA radiation) into your routine, continuing to wear sunscreen, and hydrating.

“It’s important for the body to be sufficiently hydrated, so drinking a lot of water is important,” Dr. King says. “Moisturizers that contain a combination of humectants, emollients, or occlusives should also be used to moisturize and support the skin barrier.” Dr. King notes to look for moisturizers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, ceramides, and oils to keep the skin barrier healthy after sun exposure and to wear sunscreen even if you’re not heading outdoors continuously.

How to identify sunburn

If your skin is red, swollen, feels hot to the touch, and stings or burns, you may have a sunburn. “Mainly, you will notice significant erythema or redness of the skin, which can be accompanied by pain and tenderness, or flaking, peeling or blistering,” says Dr. Khanna.

How to heal sunburn

If this is the case, there are some steps you can take to lessen the impact of sunburn. “If needed, start by taking an oral anti-inflammatory drug like aspirin to reduce inflammation,” says Dr. King. Next, opt for a cool shower with a gentle cleanser like the Dove Deeply Nourishing Body Wash ($19), formulated with glycerin to help your skin feel soft and moisturized (versus dry and parched). After your shower, gently pat (don’t rub to avoid causing more pain or friction) your skin, and apply a moisturizer to help trap moisture in the skin. “Use a formula that contains aloe vera to help soothe the burn, and layering a 1% hydrocortisone cream can also be helpful for areas that feel uncomfortable,” she adds.

What to do if your sunburn is inflamed, blistering, or peeling

If your sunburn is inflamed or blistering, you can definitely try to calm the area with natural and over-the-counter remedies. “Soothe the skin using a washcloth soaked in cold low-fat milk for 15 minutes at a time,” Dr. King says. She explains that the fat content of milk can have cleansing and moisturizing properties, so it’s best to use when your sunburn is in the drying and peeling phase. If you have blisters, Dr. Khanna urges you not to pop them, which can lead to further irritation and infection. 

“Peeling is a natural part of the healing process, and when this happens, I recommend using a non-greasy moisturizer to treat the area,” says Dr. King. We recommend the La Roche-Posay Lipikar Daily Repair Moisturizing Lotion ($20) with shea butter and niacinamide to soothe your skin while feeling soft. Remember: as tempting as it is to pop or pick at a bumpy, peeling sunburn, resist the urge to touch, scratch, and pick at it. Of course, if your sunburn doesn’t improve or gets worse, you should call a board-certified dermatologist who can take a closer look.

Final takeaway

Summer weather definitely makes a strong case for soaking up sunshine (and, yes, we’ll miss the beach days and barbecues); however, it can also do a number on your skin if you don’t take proper precautions. Ultimately, you don’t have to overcomplicate skin repair after sun exposure (for any point of the year, tbh): stay hydrated, wear protective clothing, use (at least) a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen, and opt for moisturizers with hydrating ingredients for skin that feels hydrated and healthy year-round.