Skincare aficionados love to talk about their stashes of beloved cleansers, serums, and creams, but there’s something that often gets left out of the conversation: after-sun skincare. Most people own at least one good SPF product, but a smart skincare routine goes beyond protecting your face before and while you’re in the sun. What you do after sun exposure is just as important. So where to begin? Epi.Logic founder, Dr. Chaneve Jeanniton, is here to address all your questions about post sun skincare and safe sun habits everyone should know.
Do I really need to wear SPF year-round?
Absolutely! Wearing sunscreen every day is one of the best things you can do for your skin – even on overcast days. That’s because 80 percent of the sun’s harmful rays are still capable of penetrating through the clouds. “The sun is the greatest source of damage to our skin, and that includes people with dark complexions. Premature signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles, as well as hyperpigmentation are directly linked to UV exposure,” says Dr. Jeanniton. And although skin cancer isn’t as common for those with deep skin tones, anybody should take some preventive measures. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day will help protect your skin (and your youthful glow).
How can I tell if I have sun damage?
If you have melanated skin, you probably won’t burn or peel, but new dark spots might pop up, and existing signs of sun damage could get worse. “Skin of color is more prone to inflammatory problems, and UV exposure can be a source of that. So, for melanin-rich skin tones, inadequate protection or long days in the sun can exacerbate issues like hyperpigmentation and make it harder to treat,” explains Dr. Jeanniton. Your best bet? Focus on prevention versus damage control. Don’t slack off on SPF and reapply it every two hours for the most effective results.
How can I help my skin recover after I’ve been in the sun?
Post sun, your skin needs three key things: moisture to counter the drying effects of UV rays, support for your skin barrier (the outer layer that acts as a shield), and antioxidant protection (to help fight free radicals and UV damage). One more thing to keep in mind: right before and right after sun exposure, avoid active ingredients like exfoliating acids and retinoids. They slough off the outermost layer of the skin and could cause photosensitivity, increasing your chances of sun damage.
Which epi.logic products should I get to create my after-sun skincare routine?
To soothe, hydrate and repair your complexion, add Even Balance to your after sun skincare stash. This refreshing toner features CoQ10, a natural enzyme that reduces signs of sun damage and revs up collagen production for a better skin texture and tone. It’s also made with superoxide dismutase, a potent antioxidant that fends off free radicals. Another skin-calming, post sun must-have is Master Plan. It’s a restorative hyaluronic serum made with Cell Service™ growth factor and peptide complex. “Master Plan nudges skin along its own innate repair processes without inducing any irritation,” says Dr. Jeanniton. Round out your after-sun skincare routine with The Total Package, a balm-cream hybrid that drenches skin with moisture and feels amazing when you apply it. The formula features niacinamide, which gently helps fade dark spots and bakuchiol, a plant based version of vitamin A that firms and prevents fine lines and wrinkles.
If hyperpigmentation pops up after all, check out Dr. Jeanniton’s full advice on how to help treat it here.
