Enjoying the sun increases your chances of getting red, peeling, and sunburned, so this summer, stock up on a calming after-sun lotion.
UV rays on hot, sunny days can still be more powerful even when sun safety measures are taken, such as wearing (and reapplying) sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, staying in the shade when possible (especially during peak hours), and wearing sun-protective clothing, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. DiAnne Davis. And in certain cases, an after-sun lotion can be just what your skin needs to cool down.
Four dermatologists were asked for their top picks for after-sun lotions, gels, and other products, as well as the ideal post-sun skin care routine.
What is the difference between after-sun lotion and sunscreen?
After-sun creams don’t offer UV protection, unlike sunscreen, which has filters to block UV radiation. As per Dr. Amy Freeman, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New Jersey, they are especially meant to be utilised after sun exposure. “Its goals are to improve hydration, heal the skin barrier, and reduce sun-induced inflammation.”
How does after-sun lotion work?
According to Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami and the creator of Dr. Loretta skin care, “after-sun products are typically based on soothing ingredients to lessen discomfort and hydrating ingredients to minimise skin peeling.” Common forms for these are sprays, gels, and lotions. Davis claims that compared to products with a heavier consistency, these lighter-weight products “will feel better on the skin and allow for it to breathe.”
Search for after-sun creams with hydrating hyaluronic acid or glycerin, soothing shea butter, and calming aloe vera or soy, according to specialists. As antioxidants that help reverse UV damage, vitamins C and E were also suggested by Davis and Freeman.
After-sun skin care routine
First of all, it will be beneficial to actually chill the skin. As soon as you can after being in the sun, Ciraldo suggests taking a cold bath or shower. She claims that in addition to soothing, this can reduce redness, inflammation, and discomfort. According to Davis, a cold compress also works wonders.
To rehydrate the skin, dermatologists then suggest using hydrating after-sun creams containing calming components. “Use the after-sun product on damp skin, and repeat the application every three to four hours until the skin appears more hydrated and feels more comfortable,” advises Ciraldo. She suggests staying in your cool shower “until your fingertips swell, since this reflects a slight swelling of the skin surface” in order to optimise the amount of after-sun lotion that absorbs.
After prolonged sun exposure, Freeman advises staying away from heavy, ointment-based skin care products since they “can trap heat on the body, preventing it from cooling.”
Dr. David Kim, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, advises against using retinol and chemical exfoliants such as beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) if you have also had excessive sun exposure. Kim prefers after-sun creams with centella asiatica, colloidal oat, allantoin, panthenol, camellia sinensis (green tea extract), and bisabolol (chamomile) instead of those with possibly irritating active ingredients.
Check out these 17 after-sun creams and lotions that can relax and soothe your skin after a day of sun exposure.
Best after-sun lotions
Burt’s Bees Aloe and Coconut Oil After-Sun Soother
This after-sun lotion comprises glycerin and olive oil along with aloe and coconut oil, according to Ciraldo and Davis. According to Davis, it is moisturising and seeps into the skin rapidly.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Freeman and Kim advise sticking to a basic moisturiser to keep things easy. Kim claims that the emollient ceramides in the mix will aid in skin barrier healing.
Eucerin Advanced Hydration After-Sun Lotion
Because it “contains shea butter and glycerin to hydrate and vitamin E to prevent further damage,” Freeman says she is a fan of this after-sun lotion.
Banana Boat Soothing Aloe After-Sun Gel
This popular drugstore product works wonders for soothing sunburned skin. It contains a lot of moisturising glycerin in addition to aloe vera. For an added cooling impact, Freeman suggests keeping it refrigerated.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
About this hydrating lotion for the face and body, Kim states, “a combination of colloidal oat, allantoin, and ceramide helps repair and calm the skin.”
Burt’s Bees SPF 30 Calming Day Lotion
“This is yet another fantastic product that offers protection and contains calming aloe vera for visible dryness or redness,” explains Davis. Over time, it also aids in enhancing the skin’s moisture barrier.
Abi Amé Summer Skin
Emollients are necessary to replenish moisture in dry, parched skin, yet they might feel heavy in the heat. This makes this serum-like moisturiser an ideal replacement for your regimen after sun exposure. Rich in niacinamide, vitamin B5, and oat extract, it allows your skin to absorb all the beneficial ingredients without feeling oily or sticky.
Get a travel size for your summertime travels as the large size is presently sold out.
Coola Radical Recovery Moisturizing Lotion
Aloe vera, lavender oil, rosemary extract, and other organic ingredients work together to soothe sunburns in this well regarded after-sun lotion. It feels lovely and light, with a nice, nutritious consistency.
Yon-Ka Lait Après-Soleil
Calendula, cucumber, and chamomile are among the calming ingredients that provide sun-parched skin rapid relief from this quickly absorbing lotion.
Dune The Lifeguard
Applying this gel-cream after-sun lotion straight after a cool shower is highly recommended by Ciraldo. In addition to adding moisture back to the skin, aloe, bisabolol, sea buckthorn, and a combination of natural oils give it a naturally minty aroma that contributes to its cooling effect.
Other after-sun treatments
Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream
This calming face lotion works wonders for red skin disorders like rosacea and soothes sunburns as well. According to Kim, “this product contains glycerin, bisabolol, and camellia sinensis (green tea extract) to calm and hydrate the skin.”
Vacation After-Sun Gel
Thanks to its nostalgic branding and sunny scents, Vacation has become the go-to brand for sun protection. With a mix designed to hydrate parched skin, the After-Sun Gel blends in perfectly. Allantoin, hyaluronic acid, green tea, niacinamide, vitamin E, cucumber, aloe, and other fantastic moisturising and conditioning ingredients are visible.
Osea Hyaluronic Acid Body Serum
This incredibly light body serum absorbs quickly and adds weightless hydration thanks to the perfect penetration of five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid. For soft, plump skin, it also contains algae, niacinamide, and aloe.
Kinfield Sunday Spray Cooling Aloe Mist
This cool mist is something you should always have in your beach bag. The eucalyptus, cucumber, prickly pear, and aloe vera mist instantly cools skin that has been exposed to the sun.
Yadah Cactus Soothing Gel
This gel reduces redness and irritation, mitigating the effects of sun exposure all day. It contains glycerin and panthenol to rebuild the skin barrier, and 95% extract from the Jeju palm cactus, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Maëlys So-Jelly After-Sun Restorative Body Mask
Rich in fruit extracts, niacinamide, a proprietary glucose complex that stops water loss, and a hint of cooling menthol, this gel-based body mask is a cooling and soothing post-sun therapy.
Eufora Aloetherapy Moisture Mist for Hair and Body
Remember to take care of your scalp! A day in the sun means that, unless you keep it covered with a stylish sun hat, the top of your head is definitely in need of some TLC as well. This oat and aloe-infused spray feels almost weightless on your hair and calms you from head to toe.
