Your Pre- and Post-Sun Skin Care Routines

By now, you know how important it is to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every single day. After all, sunburns are a major skin care concern for almost everyone. But that doesn’t mean slicking your skin with SPF is the only sun protection measure—or skin care step—you should take before heading out for a trip to the beach or pool. Prior to taking a dip in the ocean or setting up camp in the sand, it’s important to use a few skin care essentials. And don’t forget, caring for your skin after spending time in the sun is just as critical. Below, we’re breaking down your pre- and post-sun skin care routines for the summer months and beyond, so you can have fun while keeping your complexion in tip-top shape.

PRE-SUN SKIN CARE ROUTINE

Don’t leave home without prepping your skin for the sun’s harsh UV rays.

Step 1: Cleanse your skin

Cleansing should play an important role in your skin care regimen. So, before moving onto sunscreen application, make sure to wash away any impurities that have built up on the surface of your skin. Try a clay cleanser, like the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Cleanser, L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Cleanser, or L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refine Cleanser. 

Step 2: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen

This should come as no surprise, but whether or not you’re going to be spending time outside, you should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day—as directed by the Food and Drug Administration—and reapply at least every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. Try the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Lotion SPF 30. And don’t forget about your lips! Reach for a lip balm formulated with broad-spectrum sunscreen and toss the tube in your bag so that you can reapply throughout the day.

Step 3: Take additional sun protection measures

Applying—and reapplying—sunscreen isn’t the be-all and end-all of sun protection. On top of wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen, you should also limit your amount of time in the sun, seek shade, and cover up any exposed areas. 

Bonus step: Use self-tanner

Want to fake the look of bronzed skin? Reach for a self-tanner before you go out. Try the quick and convenient L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze™ Self-Tanning Towelettes for Body. Just remember to exfoliate beforehand to ensure a smooth, even application. 

POST-SUN SKIN CARE ROUTINE

A long day spent in the surf and the sand may have tired you out, but it’s not time to relax just yet. First, take care of your skin. 

Step 1: Cleanse your skin

Time to cleanse again! This time, reach for a gentle, no-rinse cleansing option such as micellar water. Try the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin, L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water for Normal to Oily Skin, or L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types. Saturate a cotton pad with your micellar water of choice, and then wipe the pad across your face. 

Step 2: Apply facial Moisturizer

If your skin feels like it could use a little extra hydration after a long day spent in the sun, reach for a water-based facial moisturizer. Choose one from the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care line, which contains three water-based moisturizers formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water to help provide long-lasting hydration. The L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Oily Skin helps reduce the appearance of excess shine, the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Dry Skin envelops skin with moisture and helps improve the look of skin’s radiance, and the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Extra Dry Skin helps provide comfort. 

Step 3: Relieve a sunburn

Even the best laid plans don’t always go as expected. That means even if you try to be diligent when it comes to sun protection, you could still end up with a sunburn. If that happens, one of the easiest ways to get relief is by taking frequent cold baths and showers, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Then, try applying a moisturizer formulated with aloe vera which can help provide soothing relief for sunburns, according to the AAD. 

Step 4: Try a tinted BB cream

If your skin looks a touch too red for your liking after a day spent in the sun, smooth on a BB cream with a green tint to help combat the appearance of a rosy complexion. The L’Oréal Paris Magic BB Anti-Redness (for All Skin Tones) transforms to a universal shade to help neutralize the look of redness, correct skin color for an even-looking complexion, hydrate for long-lasting moisture, and perfect the appearance of your complexion. (For more tips on how to hide the look of redness, read our article on What Causes Skin Redness and How to Hide It.)

Next up, 6 Skin Care Hacks to Help You Stay Sun Safe This Summer.