Spark

The summer has been amazing and the sun is still at its peak here in Manitoba. Although we are all very much aware of the need to protect ourselves from those searing rays, sometimes our best efforts still amount to some degree of damage, whether a slightly rosy colour, a nasty burn or a deepening tan. We can only do so much to protect before we head outside but did you know it is just as important to care for your skin after a day in the sun? Today we are sharing our tips for after-sun skin care and some amazing products we’ve found in the centre that we know will get you through these sunny days.

The first step to take if you have overdone it in the sun is cool your skin down. Use a cold compress or take a cool shower, especially important if you have been in a pool where the chlorine or salt is quite drying. Until your skin has had the chance to heal sufficiently use very mild cleansers and soaps. Stay away from retinol and chemical exfoliants like alpha and beta hydroxy acids, they will further irritate your skin, you can go back to those once you have healed.

Step 2, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! While sweating may make your skin feel moist and greasy it is actually moisture leaving your skin. Damaged skin is dehydrated skin and will benefit from being re-hydrated. This goes for your face, lips, scalp and hair, as well as the rest of your body that has been exposed and not only if you have a burn, remember all sun exposure damages skin. Choose a moisturizer for sensitive skin and without retinol or acids for now.
Products containing sun-soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin E, oatmeal, coconut oil,and shea butter are key to repairing some of the damage and discomfort the sun has caused.

If you have burned your skin, (and you’ll know it,) in addition to the above steps using an aloe vera-based product offers anti-inflammatory and collagen-stimulating benefits and gel forms feel so refreshing and gentle on your painful skin. Face and body sprays are available that contain aloe vera and vitamin E that can help calm and heal your skin and will refresh and ease any pain you may have.

Continue steps 1 and 2 until your skin returns to normal and drink lots of water in the meantime. Lastly, do not pick at any blisters and do not peel your skin, you can gently rub any flakes using a cloth and gentle cleanser. Be patient and with time your skin will recover and that glow you so love will return.

Avoiding sun exposure is a serious matter for maintaining wrinkle and spot-free skin and for our health, skin cancer or melanoma is on the rise. Sunscreen can only do so much and caring for our skin post-sun is one factor we can control every day.

If you are looking for more skin care tips check out our blog from the past Lip Mask Reviews and give those sun-exposed lips some loving care as well.

Looking for some help with your after-sun skin care? Here is a list of some of our tried and true products to help repair and soothe your sun-kissed skin.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream - London Drugs
Aqua Marina - Lush
Sun Bum Continous Spray After Sun Aloe Vera- Cool Down - London Drugs
Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray - London Drugs
Vitamin E Skin Cooling Gel Mist - The Body Shop
Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel - London Drugs
Clinique After-Sun Rescue Balm With Aloe - Hudson Bay
Dream Cream Body Lotion - LUSH
Eucerin Aquaphor Healing Ointment -London Drugs
Glossier After Baume Moisture Barrier Recovery Cream - Sephora

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