The Importance of clean and organic after-sun skincare: Hydrating, Toning, and Moisturizing.
As we all enjoy the many outdoor activities of summer, we are often reminded of the power of the sun with the dreaded skin burn. Prolonged sun exposure can leave your skin feeling parched, irritated, and in need of some serious TLC. This is where after-sun skincare becomes crucial, and choosing organic and clean products can make all the difference. Let’s explore why organic and clean after-sun skincare is so important, and understand the differences between hydrating with hydrosol or toner, and moisturizing with moisturizers—and why they are vital for after-sun care.
Why Organic and Clean After-Sun Skincare Matters
1. Free from Harmful Chemicals:
Conventional skincare products often contain synthetic chemicals, fragrances, and preservatives that can exacerbate sun-damaged skin. Ingredients like parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances can irritate already sensitive skin and impede its natural healing process.
Organic and clean skincare products avoid these harmful chemicals, using natural ingredients that soothe and repair the skin without causing additional harm.
2. Rich in Nutrients:
Organic skincare products are typically richer in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants derived from natural sources. These nutrients are essential for repairing and rejuvenating sun-damaged skin.
Ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and cocoa butter are commonly found in organic after-sun products for their soothing and healing properties.
3. Supports Skin’s Natural Functions:
Organic and clean skincare products work harmoniously with your skin’s natural processes, promoting healing and regeneration without disrupting the skin's microbiome or natural oil balance.
After Sun Skincare: Toning, Hydrating & Moisturizing
Hydration, toning, and moisturizing are three distinct but complementary steps in after-sun skincare:
Hydrating: Using hydrosol ensures that your skin receives an immediate boost of moisture, which is critical for soothing and cooling down sunburned or overheated skin.
Toning: Toning helps to remove any impurities left after cleansing, balances the skin’s pH, and prepares it for better absorption of moisturizers. It adds an additional layer of hydration and calms the skin.
Moisturizing: Following up with a moisturizer locks in the hydration from the hydrosol and toner, provides additional nutrients, and forms a protective barrier to prevent further moisture loss and aid in the healing process.
Hydrating with Hydrosols:
What are Hydrosols?: Hydrosols, also known as floral waters, are the byproduct of essential oil distillation. They contain the essence of the plant in every drop, providing gentle yet effective hydration.
Benefits: Hydrosols are incredibly soothing and hydrating. They offer a refreshing mist that can instantly cool and calm sunburned skin. Common hydrosols used in after-sun care include rose water, lavender, and frankincense.
Application: Simply mist hydrosol over your face and body to hydrate and refresh your skin. Hydrosol can be used multiple times a day to provide continuous hydration.
Toning with Toners:
What are Toners?: Toners are liquid skincare products designed to cleanse the skin, shrink the appearance of pores, and restore the skin's pH balance. In after-sun care, they play a crucial role in soothing and calming irritated skin.
Benefits: Toners help to remove any residual impurities and provide an additional layer of hydration. Ingredients like witch hazel, aloe vera, and willow bark extract are excellent for calming and soothing sunburned skin.
Application: Apply toner using a cotton pad or spray directly onto the skin after cleansing and before moisturizing. This step ensures that your skin is clean, refreshed, and ready to absorb the benefits of your moisturizer.
Moisturizing with Moisturizers:
What are Moisturizers?: Moisturizers are formulated to lock in hydration and create a protective barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss. They often contain emollients, humectants, and occlusives.
Benefits: After sun exposure, your skin needs moisture to repair and regenerate. Moisturizers help to soothe and heal by replenishing lost moisture and providing nutrients that support skin repair. Ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, and aloe vera are commonly used for their nourishing and healing properties.
Application: Apply a generous amount of moisturizer to your skin after using a hydrosol. This helps to seal in the hydration provided by the hydrosol and further nourishes the skin.
By integrating these steps into your after-sun skincare routine, you ensure that your skin is not only replenished with vital moisture but also protected and nourished to recover effectively from sun exposure.
References
Environmental Working Group (EWG) - Skin Deep Database
Healthline - Benefits of Hydrosols
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) - Moisturizers
Healthline - Toners in Skincare