I used to think that applying any lotion after a day at the beach would fix my sun-kissed skin, but I was wrong. After a painful sunburn that left my skin peeling and irritated for weeks, I realized the true importance of proper after-sun care.
Have you ever dealt with tight, dry skin after time in the sun, or felt frustrated for not reapplying sunscreen? You’re not alone. The good news is, proper after-sun moisturizing can help your skin recover.
I’ve learned that after-sun care is crucial whenever we’re exposed to UV rays, even for a short period. Using after-sun moisturizers moisturizes and strengthens the skin’s protective barrier, and helps your skin in its recovery. It also improves your skin’s texture, preventing further damage, and provides relief from dryness and tightness. Plus, you’re nurturing your skin by taking proactive steps to protect your skin health and appearance in the long run.
Ready to give your skin the after-sun care it deserves? Let’s explore some of the best after-sun moisturizers available on Amazon to help your skin recover after sun exposure.
But first, it’s important to understand what happens when your skin is exposed to the sun. UV radiation damages skin at a cellular level, causing immediate effects like sunburn and long-term damage like premature aging or skin cancer.
Sun-damaged skin loses moisture quickly, which is why it feels tight and dry afterward. Severe sunburn can even lead to sun poisoning, which requires medical attention. Signs like fever, chills, headache, or nausea should be taken seriously. If you experience these symptoms, seek help from a healthcare professional right away.
An Effective After-Sun Moisturizer Needs to Address Several Key Issues:
- Rehydration
- Replenishes moisture lost from sun exposure
- Restores the skin’s barrier, preventing premature aging
- Promotes healing and a glowing complexion
- Provides relief from tight, dry skin making you feel comfortable in your skin again
- Inflammation Reduction
- Soothes sunburn and irritation, speeds recovery
- Minimizes redness and improves skin appearance
- Feeling relieved and looking better when the redness and irritation is gone
- Free Radical Neutralization
- Prevents oxidative stress, protecting from premature aging
- Supports the skin’s natural repair process for a youthful, vibrant appearance
- Aging naturally without adding oxidative stress
- Skin Barrier Repair
- Helps retain moisture and protects against environmental stressors
- Reduces sensitivity and prevents irritation for smoother, healthier skin
- When your skin barrier is repair, your skin can keep it moisture for longer and so work against premature aging
5 Top After Sun Moisturizers to Hydrate Your Skin After Sun Exposure
1. Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration After Sun Lotion with Aloe
Hawaiian Tropic’s After Sun Lotion provides 24-hour moisturization in a lightweight, barely-there formula, making it perfect for soothing sun-exposed skin without feeling heavy or greasy. Containing Aleo and Shea Butter, this lotion deeply hydrates and soothes, providing much-needed relief after a day in the sun. The Tropical Coconut Papaya Scent transports you to a Hawaiian getaway, enhancing your skin care routine with a refreshing aroma.
This after-sun lotion is PETA-certified, cruelty-free and formulated without oxybenzone or octinoxate, offering a safe and environmentally friendly option for your skin.
2. USDA Organic Aloe Vera Gel – For Face, Body, Hair – 100% Pure, After Sun Care
This versatile after-sun care Aleo Vera Gel offers relief for sunburned skin. It is an excellent all-in-one solution for soothing your body and hair after sun exposure. The thin gel absorbs fast without leaving a sticky residue. This is important because your skin already feels tight and you don’t need a moisturizer that adds to the tightness.
USDA’s gel leaves your skin feeling silky and smooth. The color of this gel is usually clear, but naturally can vary between clear and amber, but doesn’t affect the product’s efficacy. It contains no parabens, dyes, or fragrances, and is made with premium ingredients that offer a clean, natural solution for your skin. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free, making it an ethical choice for skincare.
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3. Advanced Clinicals Aloe Vera Lotion Sun Burn Recovery Cream
Aleo Vera is a key ingredient of Advanced Clinicals’s Lotion as it provides intense moisture, reduces inflammation, and supports the skin in the naturally renewing process. This is just what you need in a post-sun moisturizer. Additional benefits are Vitamin C which helps brighten your skin tone and protect against sun damage, adding anti-aging properties to the cream. Vitamin E and Green Tea Extract also play their part in nourishing your skin, while hyaluronic acid offers deep hydration for lasting moisture.
The lotion is quickly absorbed and doesn’t irritate your skin. It promotes smoother, more youthful skin. You can use it on your face and body to restore your skin and to relief sunburn.
This after sun Lotion is clinically tested for safety making it a safe choice for sensitive skin. It is manufactured in an FDA-inspected lab to ensure your skin gets the care it deserves.
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4. Burt’s Bees Aloe & – Coconut Oil After Sun Soother
Burt’s Bees is a trusted brand and it’s After Sun Soother is no different.
With two main ingredients: Aleo Vera and Coconut Oil this after-sun lotion is lightweight perfect for oily or combination skin who wants hydration without added shine and to use in hot, humid conditions. The non-greasy feature is perfect as it absorbs quickly into skin, leaving no residue behind. It can be used on your body and face.
Aleo Vera is packed with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that help to soothe and hydrate the skin. It also reduce the healing time of first and second-degree burns, making it perfect for sunburn relief. The gel-like substance of the Aleo Vera leaves contains Polysaccharides which promote skin healing and reduce inflammation. Aleo Vera also contain antioxidants like Vitamin C and E, which can help neutralize free radicals caused by UV exposure.
The other ingredient is Coconut Oil which is rich in fatty acids that help restore the skin’s barrier function. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and swelling associated with sun exposure. Lauric acid, the main fatty acid in Coconut Oil has antimicorbial properties which simply means it helps your skin protect itself against bacteria, viruses, etc. that cause infections and other skin problems. It also helps your skin heal faster. This can be particularly useful for sun-damaged skin, as it helps prevent infection in areas where the skin barrier has been compromised.
Pro Tip:Store this lotion in the refrigerator for an extra cooling effect when applied to sun-heated skin. The cold temperature will help constrict blood vessels, reducing redness and inflammation while providing immediate relief to hot, irritated skin.
5. Coola ER+ Radical Recovery After-Sun Lotion
For those looking for a more luxurious after-sun experience, Coola’s ER+ Radical Recovery lotion is worth the exploring. This eco-friendly brand has created a product that soothes sun-exposed skin and helps repair and protect against future damage. It is packed with antioxidants from agave, aleo vera, and sunflower oil working together to neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation. Users have said this after-sun lotion provides long-lasting moisture for sunburned skin, reducing the need to reapply often. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid help attract water to the skin, making it feel even more hydrated.
Agave Extract is rich in saponins, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Sunflower oil is high in Vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant and helps to improve the skin’s barrier function, reducing moisture loss.
They also added advanced ingredients like Rosemary Extract and Lavender Oil. Rosemary contains carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid potent antioxidants, both of which have been shown to protect skin cells from UV damage and improve skin elasticity. Lavender Oil provides a calming scent and has anti-inflammatory properties and also can help soothe discomfort or reduce pain. The smell of the lavender also have stress-reducing effects, which can be useful while dealing with the discomfort of sunburn.
Pro Tip: For an extra boost of hydration, apply this lotion to damp skin right after showering. This will help lock in moisture and enhance the product’s effectiveness.
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Can After-Sun Products help prevent peeling?
While they can’t completely prevent peeling if the skin is already damaged, after-sun products can help minimize peeling by keeping the skin hydrated and supporting it’s natural healing process.
When and How Should You Apply After-Sun Moisturizers?
Apply after-sun lotion as soon as possible after sun exposure, ideally within 30 minutes.
Steps Before Applying After-Sun Moisturizers for Maximum Efficiency
Step 1: Cool Down First
Before applying any after-sun product, it’s crucial to bring down your skin’s temperature. Take a cool shower or apply a cold compress to your skin for 10-15 minutes.
This step helps in several ways:
- It constricts blood vessels, reducing inflammation and redness.
- It helps reduce the burning sensation associated with sunburn.
- It prepares your skin to better absorb the after-sun product.
If you don’t have time for a full shower, even splashing your face with cool water or applying a cold, damp towel to affected areas can help.
Step 2: Pat, Don’t Rub
When drying off, be gentle with your skin. Pat it dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing, which can further irritate sun-exposed skin.
Rubbing can cause friction, which can exacerbate inflammation and potentially cause more damage to already compromised skin. Patting gently with a soft, clean towel removes excess water without causing extra irritation.
Step 3: Apply Generously
Apply a generous amount all over your body, paying extra attention to areas that receive the most sun exposure.
Areas like the shoulders, nose, and tops of the feet often get more sun than other parts of the body, so they may need extra care. Don’t forget often-overlooked areas like the back of the neck, ears, and lips.
Step 4: Reapply as Needed (optional)
Unlike sunscreen, which typically needs to be reapplied every few hours, after-sun products can be used as often as your skin needs. If your skin feels tight or dry, don’t hesitate to apply more.
Some people find that reapplying every 2-3 hours in the first day after sun exposure helps maintain comfort and promotes healing. Listen to your skin and reapply whenever it feels dry or uncomfortable.
Sun exposure can lead to dehydration, which can exacerbate the effects of sunburn. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day, more if you’ve been sweating or drinking alcohol.
Consider adding electrolyte-rich drinks to your routine as well. Coconut water, for example, is a natural source of electrolytes that can help replenish what you’ve lost through sweating.
The slightly damp skin provides an extra source of water for the ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to draw water into your skin, maximizing hydration.
Now that you know the best after-sun products to hydrate and restore your skin, it’s time to take action.
Order your favorite product now and give your skin the care it deserves after every sun exposure!
* Hawaiian Tropic’s After Sun Lotion
* USDA Organic Aloe Vera Gel
* Advanced Clinicals Aloe Vera Lotion
* Burt’s Bees After Sun Soother
* Coola’s ER+ Radical Recovery lotion
Which Ingredients Should I look for in an After-Sun Product?
Ingredients is the most important part when it comes to choosing an after-sun product.
When choosing an after-sun moisturizer, it’s important to opt for gentle, hydrating, and soothing ingredients that can help your skin recover without further irritation or damage. Stick to natural, nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter, agave and antioxidants that will help to soothe, hydrate, and repair sun-damaged skin.
Let’s take a closer at each natural ingredient to understand its benefits:
Aleo Vera’s Benefits in After-Sun Moisturizers:
- Contains Antioxidants: Aloe vera is packed with antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, which help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress on the skin caused by sun damage.
- Soothes and Calms Skin: Aloe vera is well-known for its cooling and soothing properties. After sun exposure, it helps to calm redness, irritation, and inflammation caused by UV rays. It reduces the discomfort of sunburn and helps to prevent peeling.
- Hydrates and Replenishes Moisture: Aloe vera is rich in water content, which helps to deeply hydrate the skin, replenishing moisture lost due to sun exposure. This keeps the skin feeling soft and smooth.
- Promotes Skin Healing: Aloe vera contains compounds like polysaccharides that can stimulate skin repair. It helps to speed up the healing process of damaged skin by promoting cell regeneration.
- Reduces Inflammation: Aloe has anti-inflammatory properties that help minimize swelling and irritation, making it a great choice for calming inflamed skin after sun exposure.
Shea Butter’s Benefits for Your Skin Post Sun Exposure:
- Deep Moisturization: Shea butter is an excellent emollient, meaning it helps to lock moisture into the skin. It provides long-lasting hydration and helps to restore the skin’s natural barrier, which is often compromised by sun exposure.
- Nourishes and Heals: Rich in vitamins A and E, shea butter nourishes the skin and helps to promote healing. It’s particularly beneficial for dry, cracked, or sun-damaged skin, as it supports the skin’s natural healing processes.
- Reduces Inflammation and Redness: The anti-inflammatory properties of shea butter help reduce swelling, irritation, and redness caused by sunburn, making it an ideal ingredient in after-sun care.
- Improves Skin Elasticity: Shea butter is known for its ability to improve the skin’s elasticity and firmness. This can help counteract the drying effects of the sun and prevent premature signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
- Protects Against Environmental Stressors: The fatty acids in shea butter form a protective barrier on the skin, shielding it from further environmental stress, including pollution and additional sun exposure.
Vitamin C’s Benefits in After-Sun Moisturizers:
- Brightens and Evens Skin Tone: Vitamin C is well-known for its ability to brighten skin and improve its overall tone. After sun exposure, it helps reduce the appearance of sun spots, discoloration, and hyperpigmentation, promoting a more even complexion.
- Neutralizes Free Radicals: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals produced by UV exposure. This protects the skin from further oxidative damage and helps prevent premature aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
- Stimulates Collagen Production: Vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, which is essential for maintaining the skin’s firmness and elasticity. This helps to strengthen the skin’s structure and reduce the appearance of sun-induced damage over time.
- Speeds Up Skin Healing: Vitamin C promotes skin regeneration and repair. It can accelerate the healing process of sun-damaged skin, reducing inflammation and redness while encouraging healthy skin cell turnover.
- Enhances Skin Protection: While Vitamin C doesn’t replace sunscreen, it helps bolster the skin’s defenses against future UV damage by strengthening the skin’s natural barrier.
Hyaluronic Acid’s Benefits for Your Skin after Sun Exposure:
- Deep Hydration: Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the environment into the skin. It holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, providing deep hydration and replenishing moisture lost during sun exposure.
- Improves Skin Elasticity and Plumpness: By hydrating the skin, hyaluronic acid helps to maintain its plumpness and firmness. It can improve the skin’s elasticity, making it appear smoother and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by dehydration from sun exposure.
- Supports Skin Barrier Function: Hyaluronic acid helps to repair and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, which may be compromised by sun exposure. A healthy barrier helps lock in moisture and protects the skin from external aggressors like pollution and further UV damage.
- Soothes and Calms Irritation: Hyaluronic acid has soothing properties that help to calm irritated and inflamed skin. After sun exposure, it provides immediate relief by reducing the discomfort and tightness caused by sunburn or sun-damaged skin.
- Promotes Healing: Hyaluronic acid accelerates the skin’s natural healing process by supporting cell regeneration. This is especially beneficial for repairing sunburned skin, helping it recover faster and reducing the risk of peeling.
Coconut Oil’s Benefits in After-Sun Moisturizers:
- Deep Moisturization: Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, particularly lauric acid, which helps lock moisture into the skin. This deep hydration is essential for replenishing the moisture lost during sun exposure, preventing dryness and keeping the skin soft and smooth.
- Nourishes and Repairs the Skin: The high content of vitamins E and K in coconut oil supports skin healing. It nourishes and repairs damaged skin by promoting the regeneration of skin cells, which is important for restoring sun-damaged skin and helping it recover more quickly.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Coconut oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the redness, swelling, and irritation that often accompany sunburn. It soothes inflamed skin, providing immediate relief and comfort after sun exposure.
- Promotes Skin Barrier Protection: Coconut oil forms a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and shielding the skin from further environmental stressors. This is particularly helpful after sun exposure when the skin’s natural barrier can be weakened or compromised.
- Antioxidant Protection: Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV rays. These antioxidants work to neutralize the oxidative stress caused by sun exposure, helping to prevent premature aging and reducing the risk of skin damage over time.
- Prevents Infection: The antimicrobial properties of coconut oil, thanks to its lauric acid content, help prevent infections, especially in areas of the skin that may have been damaged by sunburn. It can be beneficial for preventing irritation and infection in broken skin or sunburned patches.
- Softens and Smooths the Skin: The fatty acids in coconut oil help to smooth rough, dry patches caused by sun exposure. It leaves the skin feeling silky and soft, improving texture and overall appearance.
Vitamin E’s Benefits in After-Sun Care:
- Powerful Antioxidant Protection: Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals produced by UV exposure. By reducing oxidative stress, it helps to prevent further skin damage, minimize premature aging, and protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
- Moisturizes and Hydrates: Vitamin E has natural emollient properties, which help to lock in moisture and hydrate the skin. This is crucial for replenishing the moisture lost during sun exposure, preventing dryness and helping to keep the skin soft and supple.
- Promotes Skin Healing: Vitamin E is known for its ability to accelerate the skin’s natural healing process. It helps repair damaged skin, making it beneficial for soothing sunburn and encouraging faster recovery. It also reduces the appearance of scars or marks that may result from sunburned skin.
- Reduces Inflammation: Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties that help to calm and soothe irritated skin. This is particularly useful after sun exposure when skin can become inflamed, red, and tender. Vitamin E helps to reduce redness and discomfort, providing relief to sun-damaged skin.
- Supports Skin Regeneration: By boosting collagen production, Vitamin E supports skin renewal and regeneration, which is important for restoring the skin’s health after being exposed to the sun. This also helps to improve skin elasticity and firmness over time.
- Prevents Premature Aging: By reducing free radical damage and supporting collagen synthesis, Vitamin E helps protect the skin from fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of premature aging. It keeps the skin looking youthful and healthy, even after sun exposure.
Agave’s Benefits in After-Sun Moisturizers:
- Hydrates and Moisturizes: Agave contains natural sugars that work as humectants, which help draw moisture into the skin and retain it. This makes agave an excellent ingredient for replenishing hydration after sun exposure, preventing the dryness and tightness that often accompany sunburn.
- Soothes and Calms Skin: Agave has anti-inflammatory and calming properties that help to relieve redness, irritation, and discomfort caused by sunburn. Its soothing effects help reduce the burning sensation and provide immediate relief to sensitive or inflamed skin.
- Supports Skin Healing: Rich in vitamins and minerals, agave supports the skin’s natural healing process. It promotes cell regeneration and helps to repair the damage caused by sun exposure, helping your skin recover faster and more effectively.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Agave contains a variety of antioxidants that help protect the skin from free radical damage. These antioxidants neutralize the oxidative stress caused by UV rays and environmental pollutants, preventing further damage and supporting long-term skin health.
- Improves Skin Texture and Appearance: Agave can help smooth and soften the skin, improving its texture and overall appearance. After sun exposure, when skin may feel rough or dry, agave helps restore its natural suppleness, leaving it feeling smooth and refreshed.
- Balances Skin: Agave has natural balancing properties that can help control oil production in the skin, making it useful for individuals with combination or oily skin types. It helps regulate moisture levels, ensuring that skin remains hydrated without becoming greasy or over-moisturized.
Which Ingredients Should I Avoid in an After-Sun Product?
- Alcohols (Isopropyl Alcohol, Ethanol): Dehydrates and irritates sunburned skin.
- Petroleum-Based Ingredients (Petrolatum, Mineral Oil): Clogs pores, slows healing, and blocks skin’s natural processes.
- Synthetic Fragrances and Dyes: Cause irritation, allergic reactions, and skin sensitivity.
- Parabens and Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives: Risk of irritation, allergic reactions, and potential long-term health concerns.
- Lanolin: Potential allergen and comedogenic (pore clogging).
- Retinoids (Retinol, Retinyl Palmitate): Increase sensitivity to the sun and cause peeling.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Dry out and irritate the skin.
- Hydroquinone: Increases sun sensitivity and causes irritation.
- Toluene and Formaldehyde: Harmful to skin and overall health.
Key Takeaways
- After-sun care is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing long-term damage.
- Look for products with ingredients like aloe vera, antioxidants, and skin-barrier supporting elements.
- Cooling the skin before applying after-sun products can enhance their effectiveness.
- Hydration, both topical and internal, is key to helping your skin recover from sun exposure.
- Adapt your after-sun routine to your skin type and environment for best results.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links, including those from Amazon, at no extra cost to you.