The season of lazy days in the sun is here and it’s a given that you’ll be spending some time under the sun. But even if you’ve spent the day applying the SPF, your skin will still be craving a little TLC come evening. Here’s how to soothe your skin and body if you’re feeling a little more sun-kicked than sun-kissed.  

1. To steam or not to steam? 

The sun feels so good on your skin, but you need to step up your game when it comes to taking care of your face and body. After a long day in the sun, start off with a relaxing shower, but think carefully about the temperature setting. Too cold or too hot will put your body’s temperature regulators into overdrive, but the right, mild temperature will gently open your pores and cool you off.  

2. Cleanse it out – with care 

Sunscreen, sunshine, sweat and salt, it’ll leave your skin feeling grimy and greasy. After your day at the beach, treat yourself to a cleanse to remove dirt, oil, leftover sun lotion and other impurities from your skin. Try to avoid using a body scrub with coarse grains, as this will irritate your already sensitive skin, and opt for a delicate sugar scrub or shower oil instead. For the thin skin on your face, choose a mild and soap-free cleanser like The Ritual of Namaste Velvety Smooth cleansing foam.

3. Lock in hydration 

One of the biggest things your skin craves when it’s burnt is moisture. Hydrate your tender face with one of these extreme moisture-boosting treatments, sheet masks or natural boosters. The first are soaked in a solution that’s packed with skin-loving ingredients like hydrogel, soothing bamboo or algae, and much more. The second, our hyaluronic acid natural booster, is filled with a highly concentrated fluid that gives your complexion a smoother appearance. Choose your favourite and put it on after a day in the sun to revitalise and help recover the skin. 

4. Cool off with moisturiser  

Think of your moisturiser as a glass of chilled water. It’ll replenish and rehydrate your skin cells, while cooling you off at the same time. Anything other than that is a bonus, meaning: nourishment, reducing redness, preventing your sun-drenched skin from peeling and prolonging your carefully curated tan. For best results, pick up a natural moisturiser and seal in moisture by smoothing it into damp skin. Soothing and hydrating the skin after a burn is best done with a lotion specifically designed for after-sun care, as these contain the skin-saving ingredient aloe vera. For a two-pronged treatment, use our new The Ritual of Karma Cooling After Sun shower gel first. Enriched with antioxidant-rich white tea and aloe vera, this gel becomes cooler the longer you leave it on your skin. Think your body needs even more? Mist yourself with our The Ritual of Karma water body spray to replenish the skin with more vital nutrients. 

5. Sun-kissed soft lips 

Chapped lips are nobody’s favourite, so remember to apply SPF lip conditioner when you’re out in the sun. Even so, if your lips are craving some post-sun TLC, start by buffing them lightly. Rub your damp toothbrush lightly over your lips to remove dead cells or use our sugar polish, then follow it up with a moisturising shea butter lip balm or rescue balm for perfectly revived and kissable lips. 

6. …Did we mention moisturising? 

Well, it’s worth repeating. Only this time we're talking about moisturising from the inside out. While drinking plenty of water is important on any given day, when we’re badly burned it becomes even more crucial. Bored by the thought of downing tap water? Add some fruit or mint leaves for extra flavouring, or drink some of your favourite tea served with ice. 

7. Give yourself some extra love 

Take extra care of yourself in the days following a sunburn. Keep yourself hydrated and leave potential sun blisters alone: they’ve formed to help your skin heal and popping them can lead to infection. Finally, make sure to cover up completely when you’re outside with clothing made of tightly-woven natural fabrics. If you’re not sure, hold your clothes up to a bright light. If you can’t see through it, make it a part of your post-sunburn wardrobe. 

We’ve given you a lot of information to process, but believe us, it’s worth it. If you want to make the most out of sunny summer days, use this advice and soak up those rays safely.