Plainly put: There’s no excuse to not wear sunscreen. Dermatologists could go on for days about the importance of wearing SPF every day, rain or shine, and even if you’re indoors. Luckily, there are sunscreens to fit everyone’s needs, preferences, and skin tones. Want a sunscreen that doesn’t irritate super-sensitive skin? A tinted sunscreen for subtle coverage? Rest assured: Even the pickiest people can absolutely find a formula with a minimum of SPF 30 (as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology) that’s perfectly suited for them.
Not only should you be applying sunscreen before you head outside, but you also have to remember to reapply every two hours or so. Otherwise, your skin will get too much exposure to damaging ultraviolet rays — especially the dangerous UVB rays from the sun — and develop a sunburn, Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told Allure. “Sunburns may seem temporary but can cause long-lasting damage to the skin by significantly increasing the risk of skin cancers, wrinkles, and sun spots,” she says.
Besides sunscreen, Loretta Ciraldo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami and founder of Dr. Loretta Skincare, recommends limiting exposure during hours of peak UV intensity and wearing breathable, protective clothing.
If it’s too late for preventative measures and you find yourself with a glaring sunburn, drink plenty of water and repair your skin barrier with a calming moisturizer (many are designated as after-sun products, by the way), take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pill to decrease swelling, and absolutely do not pop or touch any blisters.
To help you out further, we’ve rounded up 13 dermatologist-approved post-sun skin-care products to soothe your sunburns and rev up the healing process.
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