Take a trip with Tropic to discover how to get the best from the sunshine and the best from your skin, long after the sun has set.

The truth is, the most sustainable way to keep ourselves protected from the sun is to cover up and stay in the shade. But it’s been a long year, and none of us want to make it any longer by depriving ourselves of the sunshine. So, how can we protect ourselves from the sun using sustainable ingredients, and boast healthy, glowing skin at the same time? (Spoiler: the trick is to not only protect ourselves in the sun, but after the sun, too.)

SPF has been the skincare buzzword on everybody’s feeds this year, and we’ve been reaching for our Great Barrier Sun Lotion more than ever before. If you missed the memo, wearing SPF daily is a must – rain or shine – to keep our skin protected from the sun’s penetrating invisible UV rays. In addition to protecting you from sunburn and lowering risk of melanoma, topping up on the factor 50 daily minimises hyperpigmentation, evens skin tone and drastically reduces premature signs of ageing. Now we’re in the swing of summer, with bouts of beautiful sunshine and ensuing warmth (we’re choosing to ignore the rain clouds), we’re at a higher risk of sunburn and sustaining long-lasting skin cell damage. So, the formula is simple – the more your skin has been exposed, the more TLC it’s owed.

We’ve devised a quick guide to caring for our skin after the sun has set, so you can wear your winning sun-kissed glow with pride.

Cool

A cool shower isn’t just a refreshing ritual after a day spent in the sun, but is super beneficial to our skin, too. Skin over exposed to the sun will radiate heat long after it’s moved to the shade, as the blood vessels dilate and blood flow to the area increases. Actively cooling down your skin is necessary for both your comfort and your skin’s health, so try boosting a quick cold shower with a creamy shower gel to restore hydration, and take a cold compress to mild sunburn.

Soothe

Aftersun products are a must for your staycation bag, as anti-inflammatory ingredients are key to cooling your skin after the sun has set. Our nourishing Sun Soothe Cooling Aftersun Lotion contains aloe vera – compounded with natural oils – to feed back much-needed moisture into the skin in order to retain elasticity and prevent that dreaded dryness and flaking. While your skin is still moist from the shower, apply to all areas of skin exposed to the sun to offer some TLC, and instantly feel the cooling sensation refresh your body. Focus on those pesky areas more liable to burn (shoulders, back, tops of feet – we’re looking at you). Skip the stripping acids and harsh ingredients – these will further dry out your skin.

For added nourishment, include oils in your aftersun routine. Our Elixir Age-defying Omega Oil contains a line-up of nutritious, omega-rich ingredients found in moringa and rosehip, to bounce back skin’s elasticity and give you an instant radiant sheen. Massage 3-6 drops all over the body after your Sun Soothe ritual to lock in all of the goodness and elevate your skin’s lit-from-within glow.

Boost

If you feel your skin is looking a little dull after a day of considerate SPF reapplication, you don’t need to ditch the factor 50. Try adding our Sun Drops Gradual Tanning Facial Serum into your skincare routine for a sun-kissed, South-of-France glow in a bottle. Start slow when customising your glow – we recommend anywhere between 1-6 drops mixed in with your moisturiser, depending on how much of a bronzed sheen you desire. Our Sun Drops give you an overnight plump and healthy tone, so you can top up your SPF in peace, with no worries about mismatched skin tone.

We know sun care is a hot topic, with so many do’s and don'ts standing between you and a well-earned summer tan. But with our increased wealth of sun protection understanding comes more natural and sustainable ways of protecting your skin from the sun than ever. So, what are you waiting for?