After a day spent outdoors under the sun, it's important to take care of your skin to prevent further damage and maintain its health. Sun exposure can cause a variety of issues, from sunburns to premature aging, and taking the right steps after being in the sun can make a difference.
The sun's rays contain ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause damage to the skin. The two types of UV rays that affect the skin are UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and cause aging, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburns. Both types of UV rays can cause skin cancer. And while sunscreen can prevent sunburn, it cannot prevent skin damage.
Here are some tips for taking care of your skin after sun exposure:
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Cool down your skin: After being in the sun, take a cool shower or bath to help decrease skin temperature and soothe your skin. Don’t use hot water, it can dry out your skin further and exacerbate any sun damage.
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Use a gentle cleanser: Use a gentle cleanser to remove any sweat, dirt, or sunscreen from your skin after being in the sun. Meadow Mist Cleanser contains hydrating ingredients like rose and cucumber extracts.
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Use an antioxidant rich face moisturizer: Sun exposure can leave your skin dry and dehydrated, so it's important to apply a moisturizer to help replenish the skin's moisture barrier. Springtide Gold contains green tea and calendula which can decrease sun damage to the skin.
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Drink water: Staying hydrated is important for maintaining healthy skin, especially after being in the sun. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help replenish your body's fluids.
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Use antioxidants: Antioxidants like vitamin C and E can help protect your skin from further damage and help reverse any damage that has already occurred. Look for a product that contains these ingredients and apply it to your skin after cleansing.
Antioxidant Skin Benefits
Antioxidants are molecules that can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging and disease. Exposure to UV radiation from the sun can increase the production of free radicals in the skin, leading to oxidative stress and damage.
When applied topically or consumed in the diet, antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from damage. This makes them an important ingredient to look for in skincare products, especially after sun exposure.
In addition to these tips, there are some ingredients and products that can be especially helpful for reversing sun damage:
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Carotenoids: Carotenoids are a type of vitamin A that is found in herbs such as calendula. Carotenoids can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture and tone. You can find carotenoids in our Springtide face creams.
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Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the skin from further damage and help repair damage that has already occurred. Springtide Face Creams and Parsley C serum contain a stable, ester form of vitamin C
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Niacinamide: Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, can help improve the skin's barrier function, reduces inflammation and helps moisturize the skin. It can also help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage. We use it in our Elder B Essence.
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Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating ingredient that can help plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help soothe sunburned skin. You can find hyaluronic acid in our Razz Tightening Serum and our Elder B Essence.
Some of the most effective antioxidants for skin health include vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea extract. These antioxidants can help to:
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Protect the skin from further damage: Antioxidants can help to neutralize free radicals and prevent them from causing further damage to the skin.
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Repair existing damage: Antioxidants can help to repair existing damage to the skin by promoting the production of collagen, a protein that gives skin its structure and elasticity.
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Reduce inflammation: Exposure to the sun can cause inflammation in the skin, leading to redness and irritation. Antioxidants can help to reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.
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Brighten the complexion: Antioxidants like vitamin C can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, giving the skin a brighter, more even complexion.
Overall, incorporating antioxidants into your skincare routine after sun exposure can help to protect and repair your skin, keeping it healthy and youthful-looking. You can also increase your ingestion of antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and nuts a boost of skin-loving nutrients.