The Ultimate After Sun Skin Care Routine: Soothe, Hydrate and Glow

Long summer days at the beach or by the pool feel rejuvenating, but all that sun exposure can leave your skin feeling tight, thirsty and a little fragile. Even if you don’t end up with a visible sunburn, UV rays can break away at your skin barrier, leading to long-term sun damage and, over time, an increased risk of skin cancer.

A simple, consistent after-sun skin care routine helps your skin bounce back, restoring skin hydration, calming irritation and keeping your glow going for longer. Think of it as daily maintenance for your sun-exposed skin, not just a once-off treatment when things go wrong.

Below is an easy routine using three Bangn Body favourites designed for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Step 1: Cool everything down and gently cleanse

Start with a cool shower

After a day in the sun, step into a cool shower rather than a hot one. A cool shower helps bring down skin temperature, reduces irritation and gives your skin a little relief from the heat. Hot water can strip even more moisture from already stressed, sun-exposed skin, so keeping it cool is crucial.

Face: Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Follow with Bangn Body’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser, a 2-in-1 hydrating gel cleanser and gentle makeup remover. It is fragrance-free and designed to gently cleanse away SPF, sweat, salt, chlorine and makeup without upsetting your skin barrier.

Why does it work after the sun:

• The silky gel texture cushions the skin, so you can gently cleanse without scrubbing or pulling at already vulnerable areas.
  
  

• Humectants like glycerin help draw moisture back into the skin rather than leaving it feeling tight.
  
  

• Antioxidant-rich extracts help support overall skin health by neutralising some of the free radicals created by UV exposure.
  
  

Most generic cleansers for after-sun care can feel foamy and drying, which may make sun-damaged skin even more uncomfortable. A hydrating gel cleanser like this one purifies while maintaining and supporting the skin barrier, making it a better match for daily sun care.

Body: Keep it gentle

For your body, let the cool water do most of the work and use a gentle wash. Our natural and vegan everyday wash is formulated to effectively purify, exfoliate and hydrate the face and body without stripping moisture from the skin.

Apply to wet skin and allow the creamy gel-like consistency to lather. Gently massage in circular motions and rinse thoroughly with warm water. Follow with your body care routine.

Hydrating Facial Cleanser - $52

Step 2: Rehydrate and nourish with Firming Lotion

Once your skin is clean and slightly damp, it is time to feed it. That’s when your after-sun routine really matters, letting you treat your skin to some much-needed TLC.

Reach for Bangn Body’s Firming Lotion (the Yellow Tube of Goodness). This lightweight face and body cream is packed with skin-loving ingredients that help replenish lost moisture and comfort sun-exposed skin. 

Key ingredients and why they matter after sun exposure:

• Aloe vera: Naturally soothing and cooling, aloe vera is a classic after-sun ingredient for a reason. It can help calm redness and ease discomfort in hot, sun-touched areas.
  
  

• Shea butter and coconut oil: Rich emollients that wrap the skin in long-lasting hydration, helping to restore softness and smooth the look of dry or damaged skin. They create a nourishing cushion instead of the sticky film some after-sun creams leave behind.
  
  

• Sunflower, jojoba and avocado oils: Packed with essential fatty acids and vitamins, these oils help support the skin barrier and keep your skin hydrated for hours. A strong barrier function is essential after UV exposure, when the skin is more prone to irritation.
  
  

• Pineapple fruit extract: A gentle fruit extract that can aid in smoothing texture and brightening the look of dull, sun-affected areas.
  
  

• Green coffee bean extract: Naturally rich in antioxidants, this ingredient helps fight free radical damage from the sun and contributes to firmer, more elastic-looking skin.
  
  

Compared with many basic after-sun creams that rely mostly on aloe vera and synthetic fragrance, this cream gives you a more complete after-sun skin care step. It not only soothes but also works on elasticity, tone and long-term skin health.

Apply a generous layer over your body, and do not forget often missed spots like your neck, shoulders, ears and the backs of your knees. For your face, use a smaller amount and press it in gently instead of rubbing.

Jumbo Firming Lotion - $96

Step 3: Lock in moisture and strengthen with Firming Oil

To make sure all that hydration stays put, finish with Bangn Body’s Firming Oil on any areas that feel especially dry, tight or over-exposed.

This face and body oil is a lightweight blend of plant-based actives, designed to boost radiance, improve elasticity and support the skin barrier while helping reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scarring. 

Why is it so soothing for sun-exposed skin:

• A powerhouse mix of plant oils delivers essential fatty acids that help maintain the skin’s natural barrier, which is often compromised after strong sun exposure.
  
  

• It contains antioxidants and vitamins A, D, E and K that help protect your skin and support repair, giving your body a little extra help against sun damage over time.
  
  

• The texture is fast-absorbing and non-greasy, so it will not sit on top of the skin or clog pores, even if you have combination or oily skin type.
  
  

In contrast, some generic body oils rely heavily on mineral oils or heavy silicones. Those can feel occlusive and may trap heat in sunburned skin, while providing very little nutritional value. Our Firming Oil gives you deep nourishment and a silky finish that feels comfortable, not suffocating.

Gently press a few drops over your Firming Lotion, focusing on sun-exposed skin like shoulders, arms, chest and legs. You can also tap a tiny amount over your face at night for extra hydration.

Firming Oil - $68

Step 4: Repeat, restore and be sun smart

After sun care is not just for the day you get a little too much sun. Repeating this routine morning and night for the next few days helps your skin recover, rebuild and glow. Ongoing hydration and barrier support can make a real difference to how long your colour lasts and how quickly any signs of irritation fade.

While these products help soothe and nourish sun-damaged skin, they cannot cure a sunburn or reverse all sun damage. If you have severe sunburned skin with blisters, intense pain or flu-like symptoms, or you notice unusual moles or changes in your skin, always seek advice from a healthcare professional. This is especially important if you have a family history of skin cancer.

Before your next sunny day: protect your skin

The best after-sun routine goes hand in hand with smart sun care.

Here are a few friendly reminders for your next beach day or afternoon outdoors:

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF on all exposed areas, including neck, ears, hands and feet.
  
  

• Apply enough sunscreen and reapply every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating. Always remember to reapply sunscreen after towel drying.
  
  

• Seek shade during the strongest sun hours where possible. A hat and sunglasses are simple but powerful protection.
  
  

• Do not forget a lip balm with SPF. The on your lips are thin and can show signs of sun damage quickly.
  
  

• Drink plenty of water to support full body hydration from the inside out.
  
  

Good sun protection helps lower the risk of skin cancer and reduces the amount of sun damage your after-sun routine needs to address.

Q&A: After sun care essentials

How soon should I start my after-sun routine?

As soon as you can. Once you are home, take a cool shower, cleanse and start layering hydrating products. The quicker you soothe and moisturise, the better your skin can recover from sun exposure.

Can I use these products on my face as well as my body?

Yes. Bangn Body’s Firming Lotion, Firming Oil and Hydrating Facial Cleanser are created as multipurpose, gentle formulas suitable for most skin types, including sensitive. Always patch test if your skin is very reactive or already irritated. 

How long should I keep up my after-sun skin care routine?

Use this routine twice daily for at least a few days after significant sun exposure, or longer if your skin still feels dry or tight. Maintaining good skin hydration and barrier support is not only an after-sun step, it is also part of caring for your skin all year.

What if I have redness or irritation?

Stick to gentle formulas and avoid harsh exfoliants, actives or strong fragrances. The soothing ingredients in Firming Lotion, like aloe vera and shea butter, plus the nourishing oils in Firming Oil, can help calm visible redness and reduce the feeling of irritation on non-blistered skin. If irritation worsens or you feel unwell, see a doctor.

Does this replace sunscreen?

No. This routine is designed to care for sun-exposed skin and support repair, but it does not provide SPF. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day and build this routine around your sun protection, not instead of it.