Got Too Much Sun This Summer? Here’s How to Heal Your Skin

After a long summer of sunshine, beach days, and backyard barbecues, your skin may be sending subtle (or not-so-subtle) SOS signals. Even with the best intentions daily SPF, wide-brimmed hats, and the occasional shaded lounge chair cumulative sun exposure can leave your skin dry, irritated, and in need of serious TLC.

The good news? According to dermatologists, while you can’t reverse sun damage entirely, there’s a lot you can do to replenish, soothe, and strengthen your skin after a summer in the sun. Here’s how to help your skin recover, and what to do if you’re dealing with a sunburn.

First, understand what sun exposure actually does to your skin

“UV exposure damages the DNA of skin cells and breaks down key proteins like collagen and elastin,” says Dr. Hadley King, board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Over time, this damage contributes to wrinkles, dryness, dark spots, and in more severe cases, skin cancer.

On top of that, long days in the heat can leave your entire body and your skin dehydrated. “UV rays combined with heat increase water loss from the skin,” adds Dr. Trishna Khanna, a Florida-based dermatologist. “That’s why your skin may feel tighter, flakier, or more sensitive after sun exposure.”

Step 1: Rehydrate inside and out

Start by increasing your water intake aim for at least eight glasses a day or more if you’ve been sweating. Internally, hydration helps your skin cells function properly. Externally, dermatologists recommend using moisturizers rich in:

• Hyaluronic acid or glycerin (to attract water)

• Squalane, ceramides, or plant oils (to lock in moisture)

• Niacinamide (to calm inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier)

Dr. King suggests applying moisturizer immediately after showering to trap in hydration. Products like La Roche-Posay Lipikar Daily Repair Moisturizing Lotion with shea butter and niacinamide are ideal for dry, sun-exposed skin.

Step 2: Add antioxidant protection

While you can’t undo UV damage, antioxidants like vitamin C can neutralize free radicals created by sun exposure and support skin repair. A few ways to incorporate antioxidants:

• Apply a vitamin C serum in the morning before sunscreen

• Eat antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and tomatoes

• Look for moisturizers and serums that combine antioxidants with hydrators

Vitamin C is particularly effective at preventing pigmentation and collagen breakdown—two major side effects of too much sun.

Step 3: Continue wearing SPF daily

Sun damage isn’t just a summer thing. Even as temperatures cool, UV rays can still harm your skin especially UVA rays, which penetrate deeper and are present year-round.

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning, even on cloudy days. If you’re prone to dryness, opt for a hydrating formula with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or squalane.

How to treat a sunburn

If your skin is red, hot, painful, or starting to peel, it’s likely sunburned. Here’s how to manage it:

• Take an oral anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen to reduce swelling

• Cool the skin with a lukewarm shower not ice-cold and a gentle body wash (like Dove Deeply Nourishing Body Wash)

• Gently pat the skin dry and apply aloe vera or a fragrance-free, non-greasy moisturizer

• Layer on 1% hydrocortisone cream for especially painful areas

If the burn is blistering, resist the urge to pop or pick this can lead to infection and scarring. Instead, soak a clean cloth in cold, low-fat milk and apply it to the affected area. The lactic acid and proteins in milk can help soothe and moisturize the skin.

What about peeling?

Peeling is a natural part of the healing process. Keep the skin well moisturized, avoid picking or exfoliating, and let the dead skin shed on its own. Products with ceramides and calming ingredients will support skin regeneration.

If your sunburn worsens or doesn't improve within a few days or if you experience fever, chills, or dizziness contact a dermatologist.

Your post-summer skincare routine, simplified

• Hydrate with water and barrier-supporting moisturizers

• Incorporate antioxidants to combat oxidative stress

• Use sunscreen daily, rain or shine

• Soothe and heal if you’re dealing with sunburn

• Be gentle now’s not the time for harsh scrubs or retinoids

Final thoughts

Spending time outdoors is one of the joys of summer, but your skin needs extra care to recover. With a few simple tweaks hydrating inside and out, applying SPF religiously, and showing your skin some gentle TLC you can repair sun-stressed skin and keep your glow going well into fall.

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