Burn Notice

Photo: Courtesy GG

When you've spent months getting your beach body back, there's nothing more frustrating than having to cover it up after frying it your first day under the sun. But more than just being unsightly, sunburns can cause irreversible skin damage and should be taken seriously. Dangene, facialist and owner of the Institute of Skinovation in Manhattan (Dangene.com), has treated A-list celebrities from L.A. to New York. Here, her tips for bronzing without burning.

Prep Your Skin
"The way your skin will react to the sun depends greatly on how well you conditioned it before the first exposure," Dangene says. "Start with a clear zinc treatment from your local drugstore. Add it to your regular moisturizer or find a lotion that is 20% zinc. Lather your body with it two weeks before your trip. Also, adding vitamins A, C, D, and E to your diet will help keep skin cells at their highest level. Finally, drink a lot of ginger juice, which stimulates elastin and collagen production to help skin rejuvenation."

Protect Yourself
"Wear a hat to shield your nose and cheeks, and try to keep the sun to your back. Avoid exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wear sunglasses, but bear in mind that the reflection of the sun on the lenses can lead to small burns on your upper cheeks, so protect those zones. Always apply sunblock, and apply it regularly."

Treat and Keep Your Tan
"If you get sunburnt, you should put on pure aloe vera gel. Place it in the fridge, and while it chills, run a bath with oatmeal, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide to take the toxins out of your body. Leave the mixture on your skin for five minutes before rinsing. Afterward, lather up with the cool gel to heal your skin. During a trip, exfoliate often to eliminate dead cells and enhance your tan. To maintain it, moisturize, and consider investing in unscented self-tanner."

FIVE AFTER-SUN ESSENTIALS

Aubrey Organics Pure Aloe Vera Gel
Keep this in the fridge as a first-aid remedy for sunburns.
$7.95, Aubrey-Organics.com

Davines SU Renewing Protective After Sun Shampoo
Your hair is constantly under UV attack, so protect it with this shampoo, rich in almond proteins and avocado oil.
$22, Davines.com

Dermalogica After Sun Repair Balm
Use this lightweight cooling treatment to reduce irritation and speed up sunburn recovery.
$32, Dermalogica.com

Baxter of California Hydra Salve Lip Balm
With organic aloe, grapeseed oil, and a fresh mojito flavor, this is like a cocktail of vitamins for your lips.
$8, FSCBarber.com

REN Guerande Salt Exfoliating Body Balm
Smooth skin makes for an even tan. After the beach, use this to scrub off dead cells and keep your glow.
$37, RenSkincare.com