27
May
2016

Burnin’ up: My top products to cure a sunburn

categories: Beauty/Fashion

title So even though my vacation to Cancun was a month ago, I have recap post to share. This one is still extremely relevant though since summer is coming up and the number-one thing we all do in summer (okay, maybe not all of us), is spend a lot of time in the sun.

No matter how much sunscreen I applied, or how high the SPF factor was, I still got a sunburn.  The worst part was that the only place I burned was on my face. My nose got hit the hardest, with my forehead also looking red. Not to mention that my once-smooth skin was dry, bumpy, and felt so sun damaged (and no amount of makeup could fully cover it). Luckily I had some products on hand that not only helped me get my skin back to how it was, but helped me bounce back fast.

Burnt nose

A hydrating mask

Although I have a bevy of masks in my collection, I reached for the Laneige Water Bank Gel Mask (C$31 for five sheets). This is one of those paper masks that you cover all over your face (which also scares my dogs) and contains a cooling non-oily gel cream that immerses skin in moisture for up to 24 hours. The mask features six hydrating ionized minerals to replenish and lock in moisture. Although it did make my skin feel nicer after taking it off, my favourite part was the cooling factor that made my burnt, dry face feel amazing when I was wearing it.

Mask and toners

A good toner

I always use a toner after washing my face, but I decided to steer clear from the alcohol-based ones I usually reach for. Instead, I used a couple that nourished my skin and provided added benefits to it. The first one in my rotation was The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Essence Lotion (C$20), which is a lightweight non-greasy gellified formula, which provides up to 48 hours of moisturisation.

Another Body Shop product I used a couple times was the Tea Tree 3-in-1 Wash Scrub Mask (C$20), which helped scrub and treat my skin. Both the Essence Lotion and this product are brand new at The Body Shop and both definitely did help me do wonders for my damaged skin.

The second toner I used was the Biotherm Life Plankton Essence (C$67 at London Drugs), which applies like a cosmetic water and then transforms into a light serum.

A cleansing brush

Once my nose started peeling I knew I had to bust out my handy Clarisonic.

I’ve actually been using the Foreo Luna 2 lately (and been loving it!), but with all the dead skin on my nose, I just had to scrub it all off and nothing gets that better than a Clarisonic. After about a minute treatment with my Mia 2, my nose was cleared of all the dead skin and ready for moisture.

Sunbum

After-sun lotion

My chest was feeling the burn as well (but not as bad as my face was), so before bed I would apply a hydrating after-sun lotion to replenish my skin’s cells. I used Sun Bum Cool Down Lotion, which is enriched with aloe and vitamin e, providing an intense hydration to restore skin’s natural moisture balance. Best of all, it was quick to absorb so I didn’t feel all slimy after applying it. I also want to note that this product also helps preserve the life of your tan, so it’s a must for the summer months after a day in the sun.

Hydrating moisturizers

Okay, this one is a no-brainer. I recently received the L’Oreal Paris Hydra-Total 5 collection, which includes a cleanser, toner and moisturizer. I skipped the toner since it has alcohol in it, but the cleanser and moisturizer were a lifesaver.

I have the blue one for combination skin, so the cleanser cleanses, removes impurities and tightens pores for fresh feeling skin. The moisturizer is enriched with apricot oil and shea butter to provide intense hydration and revitalize the look of skin.

Skincare

I applied this moisturizer during the day, and at night I used the Nip + Fab Viper Venom Night Cream, which is specially formulated with encapsulated time release retinol + SYN®-AKE, to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as retexture skin all while you sleep. Hyaluronic acid provides long-term hydration and an intensive plumping effect, so when you awake from your slumber your skin looks super fresh. I also use the Nip + Fab Viper Venom rollerball eye cream for the day and then the Kate Sommerville Goat Milk De-Puffing Eye Balm at night with the Foreo Iris eye massager.

In less than a week’s time, my face went from peeling and feeling gritty to soft and supple thanks to these products. I put a lot of time and effort into my nighttime and daytime routines in general so I knew I had to kick it up a notch when I had sun damage. Plus, having a peeling nose and red forehead is just so not cute.

What are your sunburn tips and tricks?

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