In addition to the golden tan, ultraviolet radiation gives her a whole bunch of troubles: dryness, loss of elasticity, premature aging, age spots ... And in the worst case - even burns! Sunscreens and day creams with SPF filters help to partially cope with these problems. However, protection alone is not enough - it is important to devote time to deep recovery.
Recovery is the main goal of after-sun products. Contrary to popular belief, it isn't just for those who spend too much time on the beach. In summer, we suffer from the aggressive effects of sunlight even in the city: they literally "dry out" the skin and destroy its natural protective barrier. As a result - hello, dehydration and flaking! In addition, UV radiation promotes the formation of free radicals, reduces the elasticity of collagen fibers and reduces the amount of hyaluronic acid stores.
In addition to the revitalizing effect, after sun products also perform other important tasks:
Moisturize
Soothe
Soften
Cool
Promotes tanning
A good after-sun product should perform as many tasks as possible (we have already mentioned them above). What does efficiency depend on? Of course, from the composition! And the concentration of nutrients.
Panthenol - restores even heavily damaged skin, has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Hyaluronic acid - has a deep moisturizing effect, restores the protective layer of the skin, helps to retain moisture inside the cells.
Bisabolol - restores, has an anti-inflammatory effect, moisturizes and fights flaking.
Allantoin - promotes exfoliation of dead cells, stimulates regeneration, has a healing effect.
Lutein - moisturizes, improves firmness and elasticity of the skin, and also prevents the accumulation of free radicals.
Natural oils (shea, karite, almond, etc.) - intensively nourish and restore.
Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that prevent free radicals.
Aloe extract - soothes, softens
Thermal water - saturates with moisture.
The beauty industry offers a huge number of products with the coveted “after sun” mark. What to choose? Focus primarily on the texture of the product and the type of skin. The same rules apply here as when choosing daily care cosmetics: for oily skin - light water-based products, for dry skin - more fatty creams with a high content of natural oils, and for sensitive skin - milk, gel or balm with the most hypoallergenic composition and a soothing effect. Aging skin especially needs protection from free radicals and restoration: the texture is not so important, the main thing is the antioxidants in the composition.
In addition, it is important to consider the reliability of the brand, the composition of the product and the problem that you need to solve. Burnt? Look for panthenol, bisabolol and allantoin in the list of ingredients. Want to get rid of dryness? Hyaluronic acid and natural oils will help you!
After-sun products are best stored in the refrigerator: this way you will not only extend their life and maintain maximum usefulness, but also achieve a pleasant cooling effect upon application. Hot skin will definitely like it!
Take a cool shower 30-40 minutes after returning home. It will wash away sunscreen, salt, bleach and sweat residues from your skin.
Do not scrub your skin with a washcloth or towel to avoid damaging it further.
Apply or spray after-sun in a thin layer on dry skin. More does not mean better, because oxygen metabolism also plays an important role in the healing process.
Use the product several times a day until the skin feels sufficiently hydrated. This is especially important for severe sunburn or peeling.