4 Tips for Soothing Your Skin After Too Much Sun

We all want to protect our skin, but when the weather is burning hot outside, even being in the sun for only a short period of time can really take its toll. It’s best to avoid being outside when the sun's rays are the strongest, between 10 am and 3 pm, but when know that's not always possible as we all love a good summer outdoor day.  Here are some tips for soothing your skin when you end up getting too much sun:

1. Cool down as fast as possible. First things first, get out of the sun. Even sitting in a shady area can make a difference. When you're able, take a short cool shower to begin to cool your body temperature down. But avoid harsh soaps which can irritate your already inflamed skin.

2. Moisturize with petroleum-free products. It’s best to keep your skin well moisturized, but avoid products that contain petroleum. These products actually trap in the heat and can actually make sun burned skin worse. Aloe vera can help to soothe mild burns and irritated skin as well.

3. Replenish with fluids. The body loses water from breathing, digestion and especially sweating. Our bodies need water to help them function properly, therefore keeping hydrated is especially important during the summer heat. Being out in the sun can be dehydrating so make sure you replenish your body with fluids.

4. Learn your lesson. Even after a sunburn has healed the skin damage is already done. So learn from it. Make sure you wear a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen whenever you’re out in the sun. It should be at least 30 SPF or higher and you should reapply every few hours. Cover up when possibly with light weight clothing, and try to avoid being outside when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

Originally written by Sara N, contributing writer (2015)