Effective after-sun tips and first aid for sunburn

It's vacation time, and that means sunshine. Many people love the warm feeling on their skin, the smell of summer in the air, and the soft late afternoon light. But as beautiful as the sun is, it primarily means stress for our skin. UV rays, heat, salt or chlorinated water, and dry air all take their toll on the skin, forcing it to work at full speed.

Dr. Miriam Rehbein is one of Germany's leading dermatologists and entrepreneurs. Without outside capital, she built a successful practice, a cosmetic institute, and the skincare brand DOCTOR MI! medical skincare. She developed innovative treatments and set new standards with her TECMi!® technology. As a mother of three, she combines career and family and stands for independence, innovation, and skin health.

• Cool and soothe
• Replenish moisture
• Strengthen the skin barrier
• Start the new day protected

Although sunburn should be avoided at all costs, it does sometimes occur. In these cases, it's crucial to protect your skin and provide intensive care:

Gentle cooling—for example, with a cool, not ice-cold, towel—or concentrated skincare ampoules can soothe redness. Ingredients like aloe vera and panthenol have anti-inflammatory effects, while hyaluronic acid and glycerin help bind water in the skin. Fatty acids and ceramides, in turn, support the regeneration of the skin barrier. It's best to apply products when the skin is still slightly damp to optimally lock in moisture.

I rely on light, cooling products rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E. These neutralize free radicals created by strong sun exposure and slow down UV-induced skin aging . After a visit to the beach or pool, I also thoroughly cleanse my skin to remove salt and chlorine residue, and apply a rich, repairing moisturizer at night.

For even more after-sun care, lukewarm showers instead of hot water, breathable clothing, and a diet rich in berries, tomatoes, and green vegetables provide valuable antioxidants. Outside of pregnancy and breastfeeding, active ingredients like retinol can also be used after a vacation to mitigate potential UV damage in the long term.

This article is from the EXPERTS Circle – a network of select experts with in-depth knowledge and many years of experience. The content is based on individual assessments and is aligned with the current state of science and practice.