With the summer months approaching, it’s time to evaluate your sun care routines. Using both before and after sun care routines is essential for glowing, healthy skin.
We’ll tell you why both are necessary and give you before and after sun care routines to try.
Why Is a Sun Care Routine Important?
A small amount of sunlight is actually good for our skin. It helps our bodies produce vitamin D and can be helpful to those affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder. However, too much sun exposure can cause minor or major skin issues, especially for those with lighter skin tones.
Before and after sun skincare routines are essential for maintaining skin health and appearance.
Effects of Sun Exposure:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Dehydrated, flaky skin
- Inflammation
- Painful sunburns
- Loss of elasticity
- Hyperpigmentation
Before Sun Skincare Routine
The before sun care routine is arguably the most important routine. The best way to prevent sun damage is to protect and prepare beforehand.
Step One: Gentle Cleanser
The key is to find a cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin but removes impurities thoroughly. Use a cleanser with an oil base to help preserve moisture while lifting debris and makeup residue.
Step Two: Hydrating Serum
Next is to use a hydration booster serum. A serum with a humectant like hyaluronic acid or glycerin will help nourish your skin by preserving and attracting moisture.
Step Three: Protective Face Oil
Use a face oil that contains protective vitamins and nutrients. The Squalane Facial Oil contains cucumber oil, which has a high level of linoleic acid to help protect the skin barrier. It also contains vitamin E and açai berry, which fight against free radicals while offering anti-inflammatory benefits.
Step Four: SPF
Finish your routine with your favorite SPF. We recommend using an SPF of 50 or higher to ensure the best sun protection.
Step Five: Hydrating Makeup
If you want to wear makeup on your sunlit outing, it’s best to use makeup products that provide benefits for your skin. The Pink Vegan Blush Stick and Illumi Vegan Highlighter Stick are fortified with skin-protecting ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E and will give you a nice sun-kissed appearance.
After Sun Skincare Routine
After-sun care is important even without a sunburn. Our skin becomes dehydrated from prolonged sun exposure, so it's crucial to replenish your skin.
Step One: Aloe Vera
This step is for when you have a sunburn. Aloe vera is a powerful anti-inflammatory plant rich in essential vitamins. You can get aloe vera products at your local drugstore, or you can cut into an aloe vera plant and apply the gel directly to your skin.
Step Two: Hydrating Treatment
It’s best to provide your skin with as much hydration as possible after sun exposure. Use a humectant serum or a skin barrier protectant like ceramide to keep moisture locked into your skin.
Step Three: Repairing Face Oil
Next is to seal in your hydrating products with a face oil. The Aura Facial Oil contains antioxidants and vitamin E, which aid cell repair. It also has a blood-orange scent to help ease tension.
Step Four: Lip Treatment
Don’t forget to take care of your lips! Our lips are sensitive to sun exposure so provide them with hydration when you can. The Bare Vegan Lip Balm is a hydrating and protective lip balm made with coconut oil, vitamin E, and cocoa seed butter.
Additional Sun Care Tips
- Use sun-kissed products – Do you want that post-sun glow without the damage? Use sun-kissed products like the Sunlit Shimmering Body Oil to mimic that glow.
- Hydrate – Proper hydration is key! Get in eight cups of water a day if possible.
- Cover up – Wear protective clothing when you can for additional shielding from the sun
Avoid the sun – Ultimately, it’s best to stay out of the sun for long periods. Try to avoid direct sunlight during midday.
Written by Julia Pincus, The Beauty Mark Writer