After-sun selects
Recommendations from a human woman
Actually Good Things is a weekly newsletter with product recs and irreverent commentary from a non-robot person with eyeballs and tastebuds.
This week—while watching the apparent summer classic American Graffiti (1973) and whipping up a key-lime bundt cake with Chrissy Teigen’s surprisingly good boxed mix—I’m detailing my favorite post-sun products.
If you know me, you know I’m big on sun protection. With Anne Hathaway’s head-to-toe dedication as my north star, it’s SPF 50 for the face, at least SPF 30 for the body, plus a wide-brim hat and some sort of clothing coverage.
Me last weekend:
I’ve gotten comfortable not having a tan. But I do like going outside. A little bit of UV exposure is OK (and inevitable).
Here are actually good things I like to use following time in the sun.*
Cica and aloe
Cica (Centella asiatica), a K-beauty staple, has anti-inflammatory properties (sun exposure is highly inflammatory). The ingredient also supports healing.
I like this Korean cica gel for the face, neck, and décolletage. And while I typically don’t go for skincare in lidded jars (because germs and air exposure), I’m fond of Dr. G’s calming cica moisturizer.
Exoceuticals has a pricey but really nice after-sun lotion with aloe and exosomes—it’s for the body but I use it on my face, too.
This affordable aloe-based gel is also great. Those drugstore bottles work just fine, too.
And if you do get a little pink from too much sun, ibuprofen, baby! (My drug of choice.)
HOCl spray
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a molecule made naturally by the body. It helps soothe redness and inflammation. This bad boy is also antimicrobial, so it kills the bacteria behind breakouts and body odor, and it can be used to cleanse skin after sweating.
HOCl spray is a hot-weather hero. I’m partial to Tower 28 and Mario Badescu. Both are available in a mini-size, which we love.
Post-sun refreshers
Cold drinks, of course. I’m not afraid of diet soda with aspartame but enjoy the so-called “healthy” ones, too.
Popsicles, yes—the summertime lollipop.
We got the Breville Bambino Plus and have been making what the internet calls a “fridge cigarette” on weekend afternoons: Diet Coke over ice, topped with a shot of espresso and a splash of milk.🤌🏻 (I hate the name ‘cause it’s probably not taking minutes off your life, but whatevs.)
p.m. shower
There’s nothing better than showering after a long day in the sun, either in the late afternoon—then eating dinner feeling all clean with wet, combed hair (so cozy)—or before bed.
My favorite summer jammies are this 100% cotton shorts-and-long-sleeve poplin set from P.J. Salvage. (I have the rosy nights print.)
Another lidded jar I’ll make an exception for is Youth To The People’s adaptogen cream. This stuff is a true savior for stressed or sunburned skin.
I’m moisturizing my body with RMS’s new body butter. The texture is so good. It’s like actual butter (refrigerated, not softened) and somehow not at all greasy.
Having said that, my pajamas are allowed to get greasy streaks on them from all this below-the-neck skincare. I just don’t worry about it.
*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
What I’m reading lately:
The New Yorker | The Summer When Everyone Wanted a Good, Good Night
The New York Times | They’ve Heard the Warnings. Gen Z Is Tanning Anyway.
The New York Times | ‘Jeuje,’ ‘Zhoosh,’ ‘Zhuzh’: A Word of Many Spellings, and Meanings
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