As the summer comes to an end, all that time spent frolicking on sunny beaches and chilling by the pool can be tough on your skin!
I’ve always been pretty religious with my skincare (especially after spending a lot of time in the sun!), and I’ve invested even more into my routine since we moved back to sunny San Diego last year! Being someone who suffers from sensitive skin and breakouts (even on my shoulders!), it’s a little difficult to find pre-and-post-sun care products that don’t sacrifice clear skin for protection, and I’ve finally stumbled upon the right combo of products after a lot of trial and error!
Here’s my super easy + gentle after-sun skincare routine for both face + body (I’ll break it down below!)…
Step 1 | Cleanse + Exfoliate
A gentle cleanse and exfoliation is so important for both body & face! Don’t overdo the scrubbing, though! After being in the sun, skin is usually pretty sensitive, so a soft Muslin cloth is really all you need to remove dead skin without irritation. I love this one! If you want a little more scrub, go for a jojoba beads exfoliant because it won’t cause micro-tears in skin. This one is my go-to, plus it’s nice and creamy! Shop below…
Step 2 | Serum
Wild Carrot oil serum is my favorite for all seasons, but especially for summer! Studies suggest it has antibacterial, anti fungal, antioxidant, and anti aging properties which are all perfect for repairing skin stressed by the sun. I love this one by Odacité, but there’s lots of other options out their too! Be sure to apply it when your skin is slightly damp for maximum absorption. For body applications, try mixing a few drops of serum with your lotion in Step 4 to stretch the precious drops! Shop below…
Step 3 | Pure Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe is never a bad idea in my book; it’s so soothing, moisturizing, and cooling! Beware of aloe gels that contain lots of extra icky ingredients and colorings; you’ll want something that’s as close to pure as you can get to get the max benefit. My mom and I use this one, and I’ve use it on both my face and body! Pro tip- try freezing the gel in ice cube trays or keep the bottle in the fridge for an easy sunburn soother!Shop below…
Step 4 | Heavy Moisturizer
Thick moisturizer should be the last product you layer on. (Hint- skincare products should be applied from thinnest to thickest!) My favorite after sun moisturizer for both fave and body is hands-down Egyptian Magic! Its simple, honey-based formula has worked literal magic on my skin, and it doesn’t clog my pores! Plus, my skin tends to dry out a lot due to the sun and saltwater, so this cream is something I apply allover (even in my hair!) at least once a day. Shop below…
Step 5 | Mist
I personally love facial mists more than anything else because they just feel refreshing and luxe! While a lot of them have skincare benefits and high-quality ingredients, even just a spritz of mineral water can top off your skincare routine after a sun soaked day! I keep mine in the fridge on a hot day for an extra chill. Shop my faves below…
Bonus- Gentle Sun Protection
Finding a good sunscreen means your skin won’t be too stressed in the first place! Here are my favorites for body + face that are gentle but effective!
Even though summer is drawing to a close, this skincare routine can work wonders for the cooler months, too! I’ve used this routine to keep my skin soothed and healthy in the cold, dry mountains of Colorado as well as the always-sunny beaches of SoCal, so this is one you’ll wanna save for yourself!
Comment below with some of your skincare faves, I’d love to hear ‘em!
Xx Tabi
