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10 Must-Have Products To Help Repair A Sun-Damaged Skin Barrier

These picks work for both face and body to keep you covered from head to toe.

by Deanna Pai

Aug. 25, 2022

It should come as a surprise to absolutely no one that summer can do a serious number to our skin — both face and body included. Blame it (mostly) on the sun. “UV rays can impair the skin barrier by causing significant inflammation and producing free radicals that can damage the skin,” says David Kim, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “This can lead to collagen degradation, reduced wound healing, and DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer.”

Apart from wearing sunscreen on a daily basis — and diligently reapplying, of course — one of the best things you can do to help offset the aforementioned skin damage is to protect and strengthen your barrier (a.k.a. your lipid or moisture barrier), as it serves as your skin’s first line of defense against environmental aggressors like the sun. Look for products that aid in both calming and renewing the skin, and formulas that contain antioxidants like vitamins C and E, which help to combat free radical damage from the sun. “These [ingredients] are great for hyperpigmentation, collagen production, and brightening,” says Kim.

With this in mind, we’re sharing 10 powerhouse skin-care products (for both face and body) from Ulta Beauty that will help get your post-summer skin in great shape. And, if you want to treat your epidermis to some *extra* T.L.C. this season, might we suggest booking a facial at the trusted beauty destination? You can preview their full list of skin services here at your leisure.

Buttah Skin Charcoal Detox Mask

Since skin tends to be more oily in hazy, hot, and humid weather — and breakouts can be tough to avoid during summer. Clear any clogged pores that may be lingering with the blend of activated charcoal powder, bentonite clay, and kaolin clay in this 10-minute mask. And if you're haunted by the super-drying clay masks of the past, don't sweat: This also has a blend of argan oil and shea butter to replenish and protect your skin barrier.

Rosen Tropics Toner

If beach days or breakouts left you with dark spots as a souvenir, you're in luck: This gentle exfoliating toner works to fade them with a blend of brightening kojic acid and pineapple enzyme, which gently sloughs away dead cells. Bonus: Hyaluronic acid, a humectant that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, also hydrates skin instantly.

Osea Seaglow Overnight Serum AHA Treatment

Want all the exfoliation with none of the burn? We’ve got you covered: This overnight treatment packs a powerful lineup of acids, including 9% alpha-hydroxy acid and 2% phytic acid, to smooth and brighten skin, as well as marine ingredients (think red algae and spirulina) to replenish moisture. Since it's applied before bed — and has uninterrupted time to work its magic — it's able to deliver glowing skin without compromising your barrier.

StriVectin Multi-Action Super Shrink Pore Minimizing Serum

If you've been dealing with congested skin since MDW, try this powerhouse serum, which clears out congested skin with a blend of enzymatic proteins and beta-hydroxy acid; they make quick work of dead skin cells and deep-clean pores. To keep things clear moving forward, red clover flower and lemon myrtle extracts work to tighten the pore lining and control oil production, making them virtually invisible.

good light We Come In Peace Microbiome Serum

If the sun has your skin stressed (in the form of redness or irritation), this gentle serum can help. It contains a probiotic extract to reset skin barrier function and supplement the microbiome, while carrot seed and blue tansy oils soothe inflammation. They're balanced out by bakuchiol, a retinol alternative that boosts skin cell turnover to even out tone and texture — a win-win.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream

Counteract the collagen degradation caused by sun exposure with this velvety cream, which has the skin-smoothing trifecta of collagen, peptides, and niacinamide. Niacinamide works both to nourish and brighten skin, while peptides and collagen add firmness and smooth out lines and wrinkles. Together, they make for a potent blend guaranteed to keep skin happy and hydrated all the way through next spring.

Tree Hut Pumpkin Spice Latte Shea Sugar Scrub

It's never too early for pumpkin season, and this body scrub is proof. The blend of sugar, nutmeg seed powder, and pumpkin enzymes smoothes skin and allows the shea butter to work its moisturizing magic. And, with its spiced scent, you can consider it your first PSL of autumn.

Hempz Limited Edition Peach Raspberry Bellini Herbal Body Moisturizer

If you're dreading the end of summer, keep the good vibes going with this decadent body moisturizer, which features bright, juicy notes of peach and raspberry. Not only that, but it also nourishes skin with antioxidant-rich yangu, or cape chestnut, oil — as well as a blend of vitamins A, C, and E to help skin recover from summertime sun damage.

Truly Cake Maker Tightening Butt & Leg Serum

While you might not be spending every day in a swimsuit, you can still keep skin firm and smooth year-round with this lightweight body serum. It's packed with caffeine-rich guarana, which works to tone skin, as well as plant collagen, which helps boost elasticity. You'll also get a skin-softening blend of vitamin E and ceramides, too, to sidestep dryness in the cooler months.

Crépe Erase Advanced Body Repair Treatment Ultra

If your skin is sending up a dryness S.O.S. — think roughness, flakiness, and a crepey look — consider slathering on this potent body cream. Not only does it contain 12 hydrating ingredients to moisturize skin and fortify your barrier, but it also contains a proprietary blend of plant extracts that promote elasticity. That, plus peptides, contribute to the end result of seriously firmer, smoother-looking skin.