You asked and I delivered – SUN 101, your guide to preparation, protection, healthy tanning and after sun care. This is a series of articles where I write everything I know about sun products. I already talked about supplements, my favorite product that contain SPF, and favorite tanning products. The last part is going to be about everything you need to know on how to prolong your tan and how to make it last longer.
Sunburn – What To Do?
I know, I know – all of this little tips and tricks I have been writing about should protect you form getting sunburned, but sunburns may happen anyways. They happen to me and they can happen to you as well. Been there, done that. But if you are well prepared that they might occur, you will manage heal them really safe and fast. Here are little things I’ve learned through the years of living on the sunny coast of Croatia.
Hydrate Yourself!
Hydration is always key, in life generally. Same goes here. If you get sunburnt, first thing you need to have in mind is to drink lots and lots of water. Seriously – it will replenish and hydrate your whole body. When it comes to hydration, drinking lots of water is the most important, but you can also hydrate your body by doing other things and you can find all of them in one of my articles here and I absolutely love this one. Next thing, have a cool shower and avoid using anything harsh for skin – I always prefer to use shower oil since it will help with locking in skin’s moisture. Trust me, you need every single bit of it now. My favorite shower oil has always been L’Occitane Almond Showe Oil, and you can find it here.
Apple Cider Vinegar
To treat skin locally here comes your ally – the one that never lets you down, but in return doesn’t smell that amazing – apple cider vinegar. This is the best possible remedy to use, it will heal you in a day, literally. Apple cider vinegar has been known as an amazing facial toner, it treats acne, dandruff and it has antimicrobial benefits. It can calm inflammation and has antiseptic properties since it is high in pectin which can potentially improve the skin barrier and lower inflammation. But when using it, you need to be aware that it can cause additional burns, so for that reason, here are things I make sure I do.
Firstly I try to buy organic, bio or local apple cider vinegar (I always have it on hand since I drink it, use it as dressing for salads all the time), the murkier – the better. If you see some sediment on the bottom of the bottle – even better.
Secondly, I make sure to either dilute it with water before use. I will use it by dipping wet washcloth or cotton pad in vinegar and patting it gently on the affected areas. Second way to do it is to fill a spray bottle with vinegar and water and spray on sunburned skin. Taking a cool bath with diluted apple cider vinegar also works amazingly for calming down the skin. Ratio I use is 30-70 (water-vinegar). My favorite apple cider vinegar is one from DM, the one that is organic. Also, what I used few times on my burns was Biologique Recherche P50, that is my holy grail and it contains apple cider vinegar and it worked so beautifully. Read everything you need to know about it my older article, here.
Aloe Vera Gel
If you still feel burning sensation and you want to lock in the moisture even more and if you feel like you need to cool down your skin even more, aloe vera gel is something that will save you. Whether you have it as a plant back home or in store bought gel, this will definitely ease your pain. If buying in stores, make sure that it is as natural as it can be and that is doesn’t contain alcohol. My favorite one that I have been using for years is this one, and you can find it in pharmacies everywhere I believe so. Aloe vera also helps with skin inflammation, rashes, acne, insect bites, wounds. Ir is a product you always need to have in your beauty and health counter anyways.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!
Next really important step is moisturizing, moisturizing, moisturizing. I learned this trick while watching Oprah ages ago – when an elderly lady with amazingly beautiful and young looking skin said her secret is moisturizing it. Even few times a day. I remember she said before doing anything else in the morning – she moisturizes. Moisturizing obviously helps to lock in moisture and helps to prolong the tan. Below, you will find the list of the butters, creams, lotions and oils I am loyal to.
Tried & Approved
Biologique Recherche Reparation U.V.
Another amazing product from Biologique Recherche is their tan prolonger – Reparation U.V.. This treatment is the third step in the Biologique Recherche solar care system after the sunscreen and delivers a burst of hydration to the skin. It works by repairing the skin after U.V. exposure by radically slowing down the peeling process and signs of ageing triggered by sun exposure. Your tan will last longer by using this product and your skin will be nourished, repaired and glowing. Find it here!
L’Erbolario – Prima & Poi
BooLab Chubby Bunny Butter & Oil
I already mentioned this a few times, natural ingredients you want to look for in after sun care (and in your skincare generally) are shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, kukui, hazelnut and almond oil. They are soothing, anti-inflammatory, hydrating and nourishing. If I told you handmade BooLab Cosmetics are natural and organic, you would believe me right? They contain zero bulls**t ingredients and are made with passion. You will love them! Chubby Bunny line is the one that is especially good for skincare after sun exposure, for people with extra dry skin and skin prone to irritation, peeling or dermatitis. Chubby Bunny contains shea and cocoa butter and Hawaiian kukui oil gives it healing properties and that specific tiare like scent. Some say that you will smell like a marshmallow. To find more, click here.
L’ Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate
I already talked a lot about mouthwatering L’Occitane Amande collection here. This whole collection is really good to exfoliate and nourish your skin after the sun exposure or generally in life. By now, in this article only I’ve mentioned how important is almond oil for after sun care and this whole collection contains exactly that – sweet almond oil. It is rich in omega 6 and 9, it nourishes and softens the skin. This almond oil is mostly used for its soothing and softening action on sensitive and dry skin. Find the concentrate in its reusable glass jar here. Btw, this jar is perfect to storage cotton pads or to make a candle of it. Reuse – reduce – recycle.
L’Erbolario Smoothing and Illuminating After Sun Cream
An after sun classic – enriched with hydrating and caring mango oil, cocoa butter and calming aloe vera. Your skin will have a radiant look thanks to mica particles that shine like tiny stars on your skin, illuminating the amber shades of your tan and highlighting your every move with fleeting sparkles. But more importantly, natural ingredients will make sure your skin stays nourished, elastic and
replenished. And let me tell you something – this huge 200ml packaging can last you whole summer. Buy it here.
BooLab Golden Shimmer Oil
Liquid slightly salted caramel on your skin? Wait, what? Yes, this smells like most luxurious salted caramel! Is there a better summer scent that caramel-y sweetness mixed with a dash of a salty breeze? I don’t think so. This product doesn’t only moisturize and enhance your tan, it also makes you smell like a seductive summer night and thanks to golden mica powder makes your skin shine so elegantly. It is suitable for all skin types, made with precious argan oil, fractionated coconut oil (less comedogenic and stays in liquid form), sunflower seed oil, vitamin E oil, carrot oil. It is extremely hydrating, nourishing and protecting and instead of leaving that uncomfortable greasy feeling on your skin this will leave silky glow. Learn more about it and order it here. Also, you can always contact Martina directly on her BooLab Instagram.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse
Even the pronunciation of the name itself makes me incredibly excited. This is a cult, multi- purpose, hair – body – face oil that has a specific fragrance that I can’t even explain and I admit, this was the main reason I used to buy this oil all the time. Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse is a multi-award winning must-have product, formulated with nourishing Vitamin E to rehabilitate stressed skin and maintain its optimal hydration levels. Whether choosing one with shimmer or without it will leave you with healthy luminous skin and prolonged tan. Find it here!
Photo credit: Zara Hrvatin, Stella Mesic.