We all love a sunny day, but sometimes your skin doesn't. Even with the best intentions and SPF application, your skin can feel the effects of a little too much fun in the sun. If your skin is feeling dry, sensitive or just in need of some extra care, you’re in the right place. Let's look at the best professional ingredient formulations and skincare for sun damage to help your skin bounce back after sun exposure.

WHY DOES YOUR SKIN NEED SUPPORT AFTER THE SUN?

A little bit of sun feels great, but all those UV rays and heat can take a toll. This exposure can accelerate collagen degradation and even lead to DNA damage, which shows up as inflammation and redness.

These effects can also weaken your skin's natural barrier. When your barrier is compromised, your skin becomes more sensitive and loses moisture easily, leading to dryness and irritation. Giving your skin the right skincare for sun damage is key to keeping it happy and healthy.

SOOTHING AND HYDRATING PROFESSIONAL FORMULATIONS

When your skin feels sensitive and dry after being in the sun, soothing and hydrating ingredients are your best friends. They help calm the skin and replenish lost moisture.

However, don't just focus on the ingredients themselves, but on the quality of the product. Pharmaceutical-grade skincare products use high-purity ingredients and advanced formulations. This means they can deliver better results than many over-the-counter options that might contain the same ingredients but in less effective forms.

We recommend looking for products that are pharmaceutical-grade, which means they have been tested and proven safe and effective for the skin. In addition, keep an eye out for these amazing ingredients for your skincare for sun damage!

ALOE VERA

Aloe vera is a well-known superstar for soothing skin. It’s gentle, hydrating and provides a protective layer that helps comfort irritated skin. It’s also a great pick for all skin types, especially after sun exposure.

For immediate comfort, try our Comfort Cream with Aloe Vera. This pharmaceutical-grade product is specifically formulated to calm upset skin and is even gentle enough for those with oncology-related skin concerns.

CERAMIDES AND HYALURONIC ACID

Think of ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid as your skin's ultimate hydration team. Hyaluronic Acid is a powerhouse humectant that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, effectively drawing and drenching your skin in vital moisture. But what good is all that moisture if it just escapes? That's where ceramides come in. These essential lipids create a strong skin barrier, working tirelessly to lock that moisture in so your skin stays plump, hydrated and resilient.

Our Ultra Hydro Gel contains a 10% concentration of Hyaluronic Acid to replenish dehydrated skin. For a ceramide boost, Protective Skin Serum with Ceramides is an ultra-light formula that strengthens the skin's barrier and floods it with humectants and antioxidants. You can also spritz on our Skin Recovery Mist throughout the day for a quick refresh of Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B.

RESTORATIVE INGREDIENTS FOR AFTER-SUN SUPPORT

Once your skin is feeling calm and hydrated, it's time to focus on restoration. These ingredients work to support the skin's natural processes, promoting a more even and youthful appearance.

• Vitamin C: This powerful antioxidant is essential for post-sun support. It helps promote collagen production, reduces inflammation and can improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin. Your skin will love our Vitamin C Cream, an anti-aging moisturizer rich in vitamins and minerals that combat oxidative stress.
• Peptides: Peptides are the building blocks of proteins like collagen. They are amino acid chains that help strengthen the skin's structure, promoting firmness and elasticity. Our Peptide Serum is an amazing option that delivers potent amino acid complexes to target lines and wrinkles.
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): This do-it-all ingredient is fantastic for post-sun care. It helps improve the skin's barrier function, soothes irritation, boosts collagen production and can even out skin tone. For a dose of niacinamide, try Atraxi Peptide cream.

YOUR SKINCARE FOR SUN DAMAGE ROUTINE

Here’s a simple example of skincare for sun damage to help your skin recover and stay radiant.

MORNING ROUTINE

Focus your AM routine on gentle cleansing and protection.

1. Cleanse: Start with a gentle cleanser like the Mega Cream Cleanser to avoid stripping the skin.
2. Treat: Apply a targeted and protective serum, such as Peptide Serum, to support your skin's barrier.
3. Balance: Follow up with a hydrating daily moisturizer.
4. Protect: Never skip sunscreen! Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.

EVENING ROUTINE

Make your PM routine all about helping your skin rehydrate and recover while you sleep.

• Cleanse: Wash away the day with your gentle cleanser.
• Treat: This is the perfect time for restorative ingredients. Apply your Peptide Serum or Vitamin C Cream.
• Balance: Lock in moisture with a nourishing moisturizer.

YOUR PATH TO RADIANT SKIN

Using the right skincare for sun damage can make all the difference. By incorporating soothing, hydrating and restorative ingredients into your routine, you can support your skin's recovery and maintain a healthy, glowing complexion.

If you'd like professional help creating a personalized post-sun routine, contact your local GlyMed Pro! These professional aestheticians have a versatile range of skills and product recommendations to help you address your specific skin concerns.