While nothing can completely reverse or eliminate sun damage to your skin and hair, there are products that can help care for both after you’ve enjoyed a day of soaking in the sun. The key to optimal after-sun care is to know what is depleted from your body and hair and how to replace it. Your skin and hair are weakened by sun exposure and, when combined with chlorine or saltwater, both need treatments that will penetrate deep beneath the surface.

You want to look for hair care products that are rich in nutritious and emollient vitamins and enzymes which can soften your dry, brittle hair. Start by wetting your hair completely before getting into the pool or ocean. Each strand can only absorb so much moisture. By soaking your hair with fresh, clean water you’re reducing the amount of damaging liquid that can saturate each strand. Rinse your hair immediately after getting out the water. After you’ve been in the sun, wash and condition your hair with rush nut oil, or add a small amount of baking soda to your conditioner. Baking soda will help remove the residue left in your hair to leave it stronger and silkier. Mayonnaise and yogurt are also acidic enough to remove residue and keep hair soft and shiny, while mango, avocado and bananas are great for increasing shine and flexibility. Hot oil treatments are another excellent source of repair for dry, brittle hair. Hair that is repeatedly exposed to the elements of summer needs to be nourished. Essential fatty acids, like shea butter, nourish your hair deep in the shaft and leave it shiny. Keratin coats and protects your hair while boosting volume, and provitamin B5 moisturizes and revitalizes weak, limp hair. Even healthy hair can tangle resulting in breakage which further weakens the hair shaft. Apply products rich in cellulose and rapeseed oil to smooth out the tangles.

Your skin works much the same. Rinse before and after spending time in the water. Anything you can do to shorten the time salt or chemicals sit on your skin you should do it. This alone is very effective after-sun care. Cleaning and moisturizing are the keys to great summer skincare. Look for products that are specially formulated to soothe your skin and help you maintain a long-lasting tan. Both lotions and gels are effective when they contain collagen and aloe vera for rich moisturizing, replenishing, recovery and calming effects. Other important ingredients are vitamins C and E. Stock up on these both in your skincare and your food, which works underneath the skin to produce really healthy, glowing results. Exfoliating with gentle ingredients is also essential. If you’re on the beach, clean sand works great. Be sure to rinse well and moisturize after. Be sure to care for any sunburned skin with a cool, not cold, compress of clean water or milk. Continue to treat all your sun drenched skin with shea butter, cocoa butter and aloe for soft skin that is able to hold onto your tan.

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