Every day, both our facial and body skin are exposed to sunlight. Whenever we are in the sun, our skin is often exposed to penetrating radiation rays, which can cause more damage and various skin problems such as sunburn, dark spots, dehydration, and even premature aging. To maintain healthy body skin and avoid these issues, we need to properly care for our skin after sun exposure using the following three methods.
1. Soothe the skin with cool water
After direct sun exposure, the skin is often dry and irritated. Therefore, a simple and effective way to care for the skin after sun exposure is to soothe it with cool water. You can use a cotton pad or a soft cloth soaked in cool water and gently pat the sunburned areas.
Note that you should avoid using extremely cold water as it can damage the skin due to sudden temperature changes from hot to cold.
2. Apply moisturizing gel
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the skin to lose moisture and become severely dry. Therefore, after sun exposure, your skin needs to be replenished with water to balance the moisture levels by applying moisturizing gel or cream to the sunburned areas, including both the face and body.
To effectively hydrate the skin, you should choose moisturizing products that contain aloe vera extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, or Ceramides. These skincare ingredients not only provide good hydration but also form a protective barrier to prevent water loss through the skin (TEWL).
3. Stay hydrated with enough water intake
In addition to applying moisturizing products, you also need to replenish water from within. Therefore, make sure to drink an adequate amount of water, around 1.5 - 2 liters per day, to maintain the skin's moisture and achieve a radiant and vibrant complexion, avoiding dull and lifeless skin. Besides drinking water, you can also supplement hydration by consuming fruits with high water content such as watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes, and oranges.
Caring for the skin after sun exposure is an essential step to maintain healthy skin and prevent skin issues caused by the harmful effects of sunlight. By soothing the skin with cool water, applying moisturizing gel, and staying hydrated with enough water intake, you can keep your skin soft, smooth, fresh, and full of vitality after each sun exposure. Don't forget, in addition to these three skincare steps, you should also apply sunscreen daily and protect your skin carefully whenever going outside.