Caring for your skin after a day in the sun

First things first: protect your skin while you are out

The best after-sun is good protection during the day. A few simple habits:

• apply a suitable sunscreen for your skin type, generously, about 15 minutes before going out;
• reapply every two hours, and after swimming or heavy sweating;
• seek shade when the sun is strongest, usually between 12 pm and 4 pm;
• wear a hat, sunglasses and covering clothes;
• take extra care to protect children.

An after-sun product never replaces sun protection: it comes afterwards, for your skin's comfort.

Why does skin feel tight after a day in the sun?

Sun, heat, wind, sea water and pool water all have one thing in common: they dry the skin out. By the end of the day, it can look dull, feel rough in places and give you that unpleasant tight feeling.

So the evening goal is simple: refresh, hydrate and nourish your skin so it feels soft and supple again. You don't need ten products: three well-done steps are enough.

The face, shoulders, nose, neckline, tops of the feet and scalp are usually the most exposed areas. They are the ones that need the most attention in the evening. Hair suffers too from sun, salt and chlorine: it becomes dry and dull, and deserves a thorough rinse.

The right move in the shower

It all starts in the shower when you get home:

• choose a cool or lukewarm shower, never a very hot one;
• rinse off salt, chlorine, sand and leftover sunscreen thoroughly;
• use a gentle cleanser without rubbing, and skip scrubs that evening;
• pat yourself dry gently with a soft towel.

Then apply your skincare while your skin still feels slightly cool: that is when the feeling of comfort is most enjoyable.

My 3-step after-sun routine

Here is the order I use in the evening after a day outdoors:

1. A refreshing mist on face, body and even hair, for an instant feeling of freshness and a first dose of hydration.
2. A light body lotion all over, massaged in until absorbed. It hydrates without feeling sticky, so you can get dressed quickly.
3. An aloe-rich gel in a thicker layer on the areas that need it most: shoulders, nose, upper back, neckline, tops of the feet.

Comfort tip: keep your mist in the fridge in summer for an even more refreshing feel.

Over the next few days, keep hydrating your skin morning and evening, even once the tight feeling has gone. Well-hydrated skin stays softer and more comfortable. Skip scrubs for a few days, then reintroduce them gently.

Don't forget your hair: after shampooing, a light mist on the lengths helps it feel supple again.

Hydrate from the inside too

After a day in the sun, remember to drink regularly as well: water, an iced herbal tea, homemade lemon or cucumber water. We sweat more than we think in the heat, even without exercising.

At dinner, go for water-rich foods: salads, melon, watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber. A good night's sleep will do the rest.

A simple tip: always take a bottle of water when you are out in the sun, and drink before you feel thirsty. Children and older people think less about drinking: offer them a glass regularly.

When should you ask for advice?

Cosmetics are designed for everyday skin comfort. These products are not meant for sunburn. If your skin is red and feels hot to the touch, if it reacts unusually after sun exposure, if the discomfort persists or if a child is concerned, don't wait to ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.

If you have sensitive skin, always patch test a new product on a small area, such as the inside of your elbow, first. If you are pregnant, ask a healthcare professional for advice.

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