After a day of summer sun, generously apply aftersun to your skin... It seems to be the remedy to keep your skin in top shape during the summer. But is that also true? I would like to tell you about it in this blog.
The supermarket shelves are once again full of aftersuns that promise to soothe, hydrate and keep your skin tanned for longer. A smart move by those marketing brains, because aftersuns are selling like hot cakes. Yet it hurts me when I see how women fall into the marketing trap again and again. Because yes, applying sunscreen to your skin is smart and extra important if you do get sunburn. But no, you don't need a separate product for it. Even more, such an after-sun often contains irritating ingredients such as perfume, menthol and alcohol. It is precisely those 'cooling' substances that put extra pressure on your skin, and that is really not what your damaged skin needs.
How to take care of your skin after sunbathing
Did you know that sun-tanned skin is actually a sign that your natural defense mechanism against sunlight has been activated? To protect itself against UV light, your body produces melanin, which gives your skin a browner tint. When your skin burns, your ingrained protection system has failed. There is then an inflammatory process in your body, which can produce harmful free radicals. It is important to soothe your skin as quickly as possible. A nourishing cream can help with this. This not only protects your skin against dehydration, but also strengthens the barrier function of your skin.
How do you choose the right care?
- Choose a product without irritants : Menthol, alcohol... I already said it, they don't do your sensitive skin much good. At SELF we believe in nourishing products with pure, honest ingredients that do not trigger sensitivity. This way you give your skin the chance to recover naturally.
- Go for active ingredients : The fact that it is best to avoid menthol and co does not mean that there are no healthy, natural alternatives. For example, our SELF Fine Delicate Body Butter contains allantoin, hyaluronic and lauric acid: natural powerhouses that fight infections and reduce redness and itching. It also contains ferulic acid that helps repair sun-damaged skin. A bonus: ferulic acid also increases the effectiveness of other vitamins, reduces large pores and stimulates collagen production. We know that all these ingredients restore the moisture balance in the skin, strengthen the barrier function, calm inflammation and prevent the formation of free radicals.
Still burned? 3 golden rules for sunburn
- Cooling: Cool your skin before you start applying. Take a lukewarm shower or bath, in which you may sprinkle 50 g of finely ground oatmeal flakes. Oatmeal soothes burned skin and also helps restore moisture balance.
- Apply : After cooling, apply a thin layer of our nourishing, moisturizing and restorative body butter every few hours.
- Stay out of the sun: It goes without saying that if you have sun-damaged skin, it is best not to lie in direct sunlight again. And no, not even with a thick layer of sunscreen! Find the shade and give your skin time to recover properly.
Still burned? 3 golden rules for sunburn
- Cooling: Cool your skin before you start applying. Take a lukewarm shower or bath, in which you may sprinkle 50 g of finely ground oatmeal flakes. Oatmeal soothes burned skin and also helps restore moisture balance.
- Apply : After cooling, apply a thin layer of our nourishing, moisturizing and restorative body butter every few hours.
- Stay out of the sun: It goes without saying that if you have sun-damaged skin, it is best not to lie in direct sunlight again. And no, not even with a thick layer of sunscreen! Find the shade and give your skin time to recover properly.
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Hopefully these tips will help you detour to an unforgettable holiday: in your own country, in tropical places or in the Spanish sun, enjoy time together and make the most beautiful memories! Did you have any questions about your skin or our products before your departure? You can always reach me by email (team@naturalself.eu) or send me a Whatsapp (+32 470 21 99 87).
love,
Team SELF
