After-Sun SOS: How to Calm, Soothe, and Restore Summer-Stressed Skin

Long days in the sun are one of summer’s greatest joys—but your skin might not always agree. From redness and peeling to tightness and dullness, post-sun stress can take many forms. We tapped our in-store experts to share their tried-and-true recovery routines and product picks to help you bounce back—fast.

What Does Sun-Stressed Skin Look Like?

According to our team, the most common symptoms customers come in with after too much sun include:

• Redness or inflammation
• Peeling or flaking
• Tightness and dryness
• Sensitivity or stinging
• Uneven tone and dullness

Step 1: Cool Down

The first step after sun exposure? Calm the heat. Tamara from our Toronto location recommends reaching for a chilled hydrosol or spray to quickly reduce inflammation.

“CV Skinlabs Rescue + Relief Spray is my go-to,” she says. “It’s calming, hydrating, and gentle enough for the most sensitive skin.”

Nicole from New York recommends taking a cold shower and then keeping things minimal: “I use Blue Cocoon for the face and mist with Babo Botanicals After Sun Soothing Mist on the body.”

Step 2: Soothe and Rehydrate

Once the heat has subsided, focus on rebalancing your skin’s moisture barrier. Julia recommends applying a rich balm or mask that soothes without overwhelming sun-stressed skin.

“May Lindstrom Blue Cocoon is my number one. It’s deeply moisturizing yet incredibly lightweight—and sinks in beautifully on damp skin.”

For extra hydration and skin renewal, Tamara layers on Agent Nateur Holi Water—a cooling, botanical-rich essence she keeps in the fridge for an added chill.

Step 3: Rebuild the Barrier

Katerina emphasizes the importance of restoring your skin barrier after any sun damage. Her go-to post-sun ritual includes a gentle cleanse, followed by Herbivore Green Magic to reduce redness and deeply hydrate.

She also loves pairing aloe vera with Nécessaire Body Lotion for lightweight yet effective body hydration.

Ingredients That Make a Difference

Every expert we spoke to shared a core group of ingredients they rely on for post-sun care:

• Aloe Vera: Instant cooling and hydration
• Calendula: Reduces redness and supports healing
• Chamomile: Anti-inflammatory and calming
• Oat Extract: Soothes and strengthens the barrier
• Rosewater: Gently hydrates and tones
• Blue Tansy: Great for redness, sensitivity, and calming the skin

Simple Post-Sun Recovery Routines

Julia’s Ritual: Cleanse with Living Libations Sandalwood Best Skin Ever, mist with May Lindstrom Jasmine Garden, and moisturize with Blue Cocoon.

Tamara’s 3-Step: Chill Holi Water in the fridge, apply Green Magic, and follow with Solara Sun Guardian SPF the next day.

Katerina’s Routine: Aloe before your shower, wash with Pai Body Cleanser, then layer a ceramide cream with body oil such as Fitglow Cloud Ceramide Body Cream and de Mamiel Salvation Body Oil.

Tips That Customers Love

• Store your mist, aloe, or gua sha in the fridge for instant cooling
• Use eye patches chilled with cucumber or rosewater for extra de-puffing
• Apply products to damp skin to boost absorption without heaviness

Real Results

“Blue Cocoon took my skin from severely red to soothed overnight.” — Nicole

“Green Magic is a repurchase favorite for redness, eczema, and rosacea.” — Katerina

“CV Skinlabs is incredible for both initial burn and the recovery phase.” — Tamara

Your After-Sun Glow Starts Here

Don't wait for your skin to show signs of stress. Stock your after-sun kit with expert-loved products and give your skin what it really needs to recover: calm, hydration, and barrier repair.