Even with the best intentions, sometimes you get more sun than you planned for. A day at the beach, an outdoor event, an SPF you meant to reapply and did not. Here is what to do afterwards, in order.
What happens to skin after sun exposure
UV triggers an inflammatory response in skin, with or without a visible burn. Starting the repair early is better than starting it late — that much is uncontroversial, and it is the reason this page exists.
Step 1: cool and calm
As soon as you are out of the sun, cool the skin with a cool compress or cool (not ice-cold) water. Skip the hot shower, which will make it feel worse. Pat dry; do not rub.
Step 2: put moisture back
Sun-exposed skin is dehydrated skin. Apply a Nutricentials® Pump concentrate to damp skin, then seal it with the Nutricentials® Thirst Fix Hydrating Gel Cream, which is an oil-free gel-cream and lighter on a hot, irritated face than a heavy moisturiser.
Step 3: a serum for all skin types
The Nutricentials® Celltrex Always Right Recovery Fluid is a lightweight serum for all skin types. Apply it generously to the areas that caught the sun.
Step 4: an overnight mask
The Nu Skin® Waterfull Mask is the heavy-duty hydration step. Use it overnight after a day in the sun.
Step 5: the night after
Nutricentials® Pillow Glow is a sleeping mask gel-cream, and the night after sun exposure is exactly the occasion it is for.
What to avoid
- Hot showers and baths
- Exfoliants, retinol and acids, until the skin has settled
- Alcohol-based toners and astringents
- Tight clothing over burned areas
- More sun, until the skin has recovered
When it is not a skincare problem
Blistering, a burn over a large area, fever, chills, dizziness or nausea after sun exposure are medical, not cosmetic. See a doctor. No moisturiser is the answer to any of those.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does skin take to recover from too much sun?
It depends entirely on how much sun and on your skin, which is why we are not going to print a number of days. Mild redness settles on its own; anything more than mild is worth a doctor's opinion rather than a guess from a shop.
Should I exfoliate peeling skin after sunburn?
No. Let it shed on its own. Pulling it off removes the layer underneath before it is ready.
Can I wear makeup after sun exposure?
Wait until the redness has gone down. Heavy makeup on compromised skin tends to make things worse.
Where to Buy
Every order is 100% authentic and ships fast within the US. There is no membership, no distributor account, and no monthly order required — just shop Nu Skin without a distributor and check out like any other online store.