Dr Paul Banwell 1 summarises its main use: "Aftersun moisturises the skin after sunburn. However, it doesn't just have to be used to treat sunburn, as it is really just a moisturiser." And if you’re wondering ‘how often should I apply aftersun?’ Dr Shotter says it’s best to apply it all over the body at night, to give it time to be absorbed, for it can be most effective. Even the most vigilant suncream users can fall prey to sunburn, which is why a good after sun lotion is essential for travelling. But the best after sun lotion doesn’t just soothe the skin, it also helps to repair and replenish the skin barrier for the ultimate nourishment and rejuvenation. “It cannot, however, reverse the skin damage that has happened as a result of excessive sun exposure,” warns Dr Malvina Cunningham, consultant dermatologist at Skin + Me, “No treatment can, and this is why it is so important to protect your skin from sunburns in the first place through sun avoidance, wearing protective clothing and liberal suncream.” Does after sun actually work? 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 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.”Melanie Grant is a skin expert and advanced esthetician with clinics in Los Angeles, Sydney, and Melbourne. Holika Holika's 99% Aloe Soothing Gel Actually Cooled and Healed My Skin An Antioxidant-Rich Formula Exposure to UV radiation dries things out,” she says, “our skin is a carefully maintained environment that’s designed to support healthy cellular function. Cooling and rehydrating it with moisturising skincare products is essential.” The best aftersun might also include cucumber extract. If you've ever used slices of this vegetable on your eyelids, you'll know that it's able to soothe skin and reduce swelling. When applied to sunburn, this can also reduce your pain 4. FAQ: does aftersun help you tan? While moisturiser can help protect sunburnt skin from further water loss, dryness and irritation, according to Dr Alexis Granite, consultant dermatologist at CeraVe, after sun products are more effective as they contain calming ingredients. “After sun formulations also tend to be lighter with a high water content to avoid trapping heat from sunburn and worsening discomfort,” she says. What’s better: after sun or aloe vera?

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 We’ve likely all experienced that post-sun tight dryness and a specially formulated aftersun product can help provide genuine relief to stressed skin. “Aftersuns are designed to be incredibly moisturising, and should your skin be overexposed and slightly pink, their cooling effects may help comfort the skin, as well as soothe,” says Clare. If like many others you find yourself buying aftersun only after you've burnt, you should shower and apply liberally at least every morning and evening - or as often as you like - until your symptoms disappear. FAQ: can you use aftersun as a daily moisturiser? Aloe vera is a great natural product that can soothe sun-damaged skin,” says Dr Cunningham. And in fact, most after sun products contain aloe vera in them. “It’s not so much about one being better than the other,” adds Dr Mahto, “but finding a product which can maximise the benefits of both.” What is the best after sun to use?Not all sunburns are the same. In fact, some can be severe and require medical attention. Consult your doctor if you have blisters or if your sunburn is accompanied by severe pain, headache, a high temperature or chills, confusion, nausea, or vomiting. These may be signs that you have heatstroke or sun poisoning, both of which can be very dangerous. When should you apply aftersun? After sun products are skincare products that have been formulated to soothe sunburnt skin, relieve pain and reduce inflammation. They come in a variety of different formulas, from gels and creams to sprays and lotions. They often contain additional ingredients to moisturise and rehydrate the skin. “Carefully formulated after sun products can reduce redness, peeling, dryness and sensitivity after the skin has been exposed to ultraviolet radiation,” says consultant dermatologist, Dr Anjali Mahto. “Whilst they can’t reverse DNA damage (which is essentially what sunburn is), they can provide symptomatic relief and improve the look and feel of the skin.” Is after sun better than moisturiser? 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.

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.Compared to other moisturisers, aftersun does contain additional soothing ingredients that will calm the skin after burning and help reduce redness. Aftersun products often contain aloe vera plant extracts, which help replenish moisture lost from exposure to the sun's UV rays," Dr Banwell adds. If you’ve spent a lovely long day on the beach, you’ll probably be able to tell straight away if your skin is feeling the drying after-effects. Aesthetic doctor, Dr Sophie Shotter explains in more detail what’s behind the changes you might be experiencing. Although aftersun is often associated with sunburn, because of its hydrating ingredients and soothing properties you don’t need to reserve it solely for when your skin has been enthusiastically kissed by the sun. No multi-step routine needed here. Just gently rub it on, as you would any body cream or lotion, to reap the benefits.

To keep your skin super hydrated, you may wish to apply hyaluronic acid before using aftersun. This helps your skin to draw in even more moisture. If you're confused about aftersun, you're not alone. Most people have the same questions: Does aftersun limit skin damage? Is it just another moisturiser? Can it make sunburn pain go away?

Hydrate and care for your skin with after sun lotion from Garnier. Skin can feel tight after a day in the sun, craving moisture to soothe and nourish it. Our lotions are enriched with naturally derived Aloe Vera, a plant rich in vitamins and minerals. Simply choose from a spray bottle or a cream and apply for a cooling, healing effect on your skin. You'll feel refreshed in no time.

Yes, most aftersun products are very similar to standard moisturisers. In fact, Dr Banwell points out that aftersun is often more lightweight to ensure heat can escape from your skin. It also tends to include fewer perfumes that can potentially irritate wounded skin. FAQ: does aftersun go out of date?