When caring for the skin after sun exposure, I recommend soothing, nutrient-rich ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber, or hyaluronic acid,” says aesthetician Melanie Grant. “My advice is to apply a cool compress, drink plenty of fluids, and apply a lightweight fluid or lotion rich in humectants, plant oils, and antioxidants.” Coola offers a lot of mineral-based and clean formulas, and this aftersun product from them is just as transparent, with an ingredient list that features a blend of certified organic ingredients, essential oils, and other plant-based extracts,” says Dr. Yadav. “Beyond aloe, it contains agave — these ingredients are both succulents and are excellent at drawing moisture into the skin.” Melanie Grant is a skin expert and advanced esthetician with clinics in Los Angeles, Sydney, and Melbourne. The only downside we’ve noticed with this product is that it tends to sit on the skin a little bit, rather than really blend in super well. That being said, it works well as a barrier for your skin after sun exposure. After being outdoors with exposure to the sun, even without a sunburn, the skin barrier can have a disruption as well as inflammation from the heat, UV radiation, infrared and visible light," says Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology in New York City. Because of this, it's important to choose an after-sun lotion that helps restore and repair the skin barrier, and also replenishes the lost moisture, adds Dr. Kanchanapoomi.

If you’ve got a little money to spend, consider splurging on the Sisley Paris After Sun Care. This gorgeous formula will soothe skin after sun exposure and hydrate your body really well, too. Disclaimer: While this is an article about the best after-sun products, it would be bad beauty behavior of us to not first preach the importance of daily sun protection. UV damage is no joke, and it’s essential to wear broad-spectrum coverage every single day, rain, hail, or shine. She also recommends products with DNA repair enzymes, which help to repair damage caused by UV rays. These may not be found in many after-sun products, but they’re ingredients to keep in mind for when your skin has calmed down.Holika Holika's 99% Aloe Soothing Gel Actually Cooled and Healed My Skin An Antioxidant-Rich Formula Dr. Hadley King is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She’s also a clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. What to Look for in an After-Sun Product Benefits Specific to Your Needs But we get that things happen, so if you have accidentally gotten a little too much sun—or maybe it’s just hot out, and you want some sweet relief—we’re here with some of the very best after-sun products to have you feeling cool, calm and nourished. When you think of after-sun care for your body, we can bet that you probably picture the classic green aloe vera gel. The Vacation After Sun Gel is an elevated option that’s still affordable and looks chic in your beach bag, too.

Dr. King recommends applying after-sun lotions and gels with your fingers, as you would with a traditional body lotion. “But be sure to wash your hands afterward if the lotion contains hydrocortisone, as well as if it contains self-tanner so your fingers won’t stain,” she says. We touched on some of the key sunburn-soothing ingredients above, but Dr. King suggests looking for a product that’s also rich in antioxidants, as these will help neutralize free radicals from UV rays. Think: vitamins C and E. Augustinus Bader The Body Oil helps protect skin with squalane and vitamin E.