The summer is all about impromptu beach days, chasing golden hour, and soaking up every last ray. We’re diligent with our SPF, but let’s be real— after a full day in the sun, our skin might require a little TLC to get back to neutral. This isn’t just about sunburn relief, it’s about making a ritual of post-sun recovery.
A true summer skincare connoisseur will recognise that while the sun gives us that boost of vitamin D and sought-after glow, it can also instil thirst and tiredness in our skin, leaving serious replenishment on the radar. Soothing balms, lovely serums, and hydrating masks from brands that truly understand how to calm sun-soaked skin and restore moisture are everything we could ask for. This is like a reset button for your skin, inviting you to discover new staples for your most curated summer evenings. Here’s what we’re loving so far.
The Soothe Squad
If you’ve had a little too much fun in the sun, these are your product recommendations to save your skin. For an immediate sign of relief, we always reach for the Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray. Entranced with hypochlorous acid, it instantly calms redness and irritation with the snap of a finger. A few sprays after coming back indoors is the most divine feeling. It sets us back to neutral after being out and about for large portions of my day, and comes in a travel size as well, making it portable for your summer endeavours.
If your skin just feels like it needs an extra boost of hydration, try First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream. This is a classic for a reason, with its rich formula that absorbs beautifully into the skin, and is packed with colloidal oatmeal to soothe, as well as shea butter to nourish. Slather this on to any areas that feel particularly dry or sensitive post-sun, and watch it work wonders overnight.
Thirsty Skin Quenchers
Even with SPF protection, sun exposure can leave the skin feeling tight or parched, stripped of its natural moisture. Here are some recommendations to restore that plumpness. For intense, restorative hydration, look no further than Cocokind’s Ceramide Barrier Serum. Loaded with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this lightweight product packs a serious punch.
An essential after a sun-filled day, your skin will drink this formula down. If we want more of a calming vibe, Peter Thomas Roth’s Cucumber Gel Mask is one of our ride or dies. This product swims in botanical extracts of cucumber, papaya, chamomile, aloe, pineapple, and more, allowing it to feel like a layer of cold freshness on your skin.
The Repair Crew
Beyond immediate comfort, ‘The Afterglow Edit’ is meant to support your skin’s long-term health. Targeted serums are needed for longevity and resilience after a legendary summer. For overall skin resilience, the Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask is a nightly skin feast. Infused with superberry and vitamin C, it works while you rest to hydrate, brighten, and repair, ensuring your skin is optimal for looking vibrant for the next day and onwards.
Struggling with uneven tone? Summer Friday’s CC Me Serum is gentle, yet effective, offering repair in the evenings, and post-sun brightening. This will even out your complexion, placing your luminous skin on the pedestal it deserves.
Embracing this more mindful approach to post-sun recovery, while of course romanticised, allows for more whimsy moments in your life that double as self-care. Preventing damage and amplifying natural glow shouldn’t have to be restricted to just SPF. By curating this targeted routine, you’re setting up habits that will save you elasticity and collagen later on, and enjoy the benefits of supple, hydrated skin now.
Images: Brands respectively
