Bonjour, beauties! As summer bliss paints our lives with rays of sunshine, it’s easy to forget the toll those radiant beams can take on our skin. After a day basking in the French Riviera, or even just a sunny park, your skin might be crying out for some TLC. Fear not, for the French have mastered the art of après-soleil skincare, and I’m here to spill all their secrets.
Embrace the philosophy of summer joie de vivre while being kind to your skin. Welcome to our step-by-step guide to the best French after-sun skincare routine that will rejuvenate your sun-kissed skin, leaving it radiant, refreshed and ready for another day under the sun’s playful gaze. Let’s dive in and explore these soothing summer skincare secrets together.
After-sun skincare is essential to soothe skin and repair damage from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Below are some of the best after-sun skincare steps you can follow:
Cool Down
If your skin feels hot or looks red after sun exposure, gently cool it down with a cold compress or take a cool shower. This can help to calm inflammation and reduce redness.
Cleanse Gently
Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. This is important because your skin can become dry and dehydrated from sun exposure.
Apply Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is renowned for its soothing and cooling properties. It helps to moisturize the skin and can alleviate the discomfort of sunburn. Applying aloe vera gel to your skin after sun exposure can provide instant relief.
Hydrate Your Skin
Use a deep hydrating moisturizer or a special after-sun product. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin which can help to restore moisture to your skin.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse, or Nuxe’s Multi-Purpose Dry Oil, is a popular product that many people enjoy using for its nourishing, repairing, and softening properties. The oil is a blend of several plant oils including Sweet Almond Oil, Camellia Oil, Borage Oil, Hazelnut Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, and Argan Oil, all of which provide nourishing fatty acids and antioxidants that can benefit skin.
While it’s not specifically marketed as an after-sun product, many users do find it soothing and hydrating after sun exposure due to its nourishing and moisturizing properties. It can help replenish the skin’s natural oils that may have been stripped away by the sun.
However, Nuxe’s dry oil doesn’t contain aloe vera, which is renowned for its cooling and healing properties in the aftermath of sun exposure.
Use a Repairing Serum
If you’ve been in the sun, your skin could be damaged. Using a repairing serum, especially one with antioxidants like Vitamin C, can help to repair and protect your skin.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Avoid Exfoliation
If you have a sunburn or your skin is irritated from sun exposure, avoid exfoliating until your skin has healed as it could cause further irritation or damage.
Use a Night Cream
Use a heavy-duty night cream that can work overnight to repair and hydrate your skin.
Remember, while after-sun skincare is important, prevention is key. Always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wear protective clothing, and limit your sun exposure during peak hours (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
Regular after-sun care can also help to prevent premature skin aging and reduce the risk of skin cancer. If you experience severe sunburn with blistering, or other severe symptoms like fever or chills, seek medical attention immediately!
