Let’s be honest—sometimes summer fun gets the best of us. Maybe you forgot to reapply SPF during a beach day, took one too many dips in the pool, or just enjoyed a little too much time under the sun. It happens! But while a little overexposure might leave your skin looking red, tight, or irritated, the good news is that the damage doesn’t have to be permanent. With the right recovery plan—including soothing in-spa treatments and gentle at-home care—you can help your skin bounce back and reclaim that healthy summer glow.
In this blog, we will walk you through everything you need to know to treat sun-stressed skin the right way, avoid common post-sun mistakes, and get back to feeling your best—quickly and safely.
First Aid for Sun-Stressed Skin: What NOT to Do
Before reaching for your favorite skincare products, pause. When your skin is irritated or recovering from sun exposure, your usual go-tos might do more harm than good. This is not the time for aggressive exfoliants, retinoids, or alcohol-based toners. These products, while normally beneficial, can be too harsh for compromised skin and can actually slow the healing process. Instead, give your skin a break from any intense products for about 5 to 7 days, or until it no longer feels tight, hot, or sensitive.
It’s also important to avoid waxing, laser, or any heat-based treatments during this period—especially if your skin is visibly red or peeling. Trying to exfoliate flaking skin or push through irritation can lead to further inflammation, hyperpigmentation, or even long-term damage. Be patient, be gentle, and let your skin do the healing before diving back into your full routine.
How to Calm and Repair: In-Spa Treatments That Help
If your skin needs a little extra help recovering, professional treatments can make a huge difference. One of our favorite post-sun options is a hydration infusion treatment like the HydraFacial, which uses hyaluronic acid boosters to replenish moisture, unclog pores, and calm the skin barrier. Add on a Dermaplane to get rid of dead skin cells on your face to allow for a more smooth and glowy look.
For an upgraded experience, try the Cryo Facial, which incorporates TheraFacePRO technology for the ultimate refresh. It begins with ultrasonic cleansing to gently clear away sweat, sunscreen, and impurities, followed by microcurrent to lift and tone the skin. A cooling HYDROJELLY mask seals in moisture, calms inflammation, and helps you walk out feeling revived and renewed. This 60-minute treatment is not only incredibly relaxing—it’s ideal for reducing puffiness and soothing heat-related fatigue.
If your skin has developed sunspots or uneven tone from long-term sun exposure (not just a single day of overdoing it), IPL—Intense Pulsed Light therapy—is a great option. Once any active sunburn has healed, IPL can help reverse visible damage by targeting pigmentation and restoring an even, radiant complexion. It’s especially effective on areas like the face, neck, chest, and hands, and also improves skin texture over time. Think of it as a reset button for your skin after a long, sun-filled season.
Other post-sun options include Pelleve. Pelleve is a gentle, collagen-stimulating treatment that lifts and firms the skin—ideal for post-vacation touch-ups without any downtime!
Recovery at Home
In the days following sun exposure, your at-home routine plays a key role in recovery. Opt for fragrance-free, non-foaming cleansers that won’t strip or irritate the skin. Moisturizers with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or aloe will help repair your skin barrier while keeping everything calm and hydrated.
Don’t forget SPF—even indoors!! Healing skin is especially vulnerable to further damage, so be diligent with reapplication if you’re near windows or stepping outside. Your sunscreen doesn’t just protect against more sunburn; it prevents long-term issues like dark spots and premature aging from setting in while your skin is healing.
Also, think beyond the bathroom counter. Hydration from within is just as important. Boost your water intake, add electrolytes if you’ve been sweating a lot, and nourish your skin from the inside out. Using cool tools like ice globes or chilled rollers can reduce inflammation, and a hydrating sheet mask or sleeping mask overnight will work wonders to replenish what your skin has lost.
When to Resume Your Regular Skincare Routine
If your sun exposure was mild—maybe just a little redness that faded in a day or two—you can usually return to your regular skincare routine after about a week. But if your skin was more significantly affected (blistering, peeling, or ongoing sensitivity), it’s important to wait at least two to three weeks before reintroducing treatments like peels, microneedling, or radiofrequency.
Sunburn happens—but so does summer skin recovery. The key is knowing when to pause, when to treat, and when to protect. Whether you’re coming off a sun-filled weekend or noticing the signs of cumulative damage, we’re here to help. Our team can tailor a recovery plan that gets your skin back on track—and keeps your glow going strong.
Not sure what your skin needs most right now? Book a post-sun recovery facial or schedule a skincare consultation with us today.
