The sun, the surf and the sand are the things that make summer so enjoyable. But like so many other things in life (hem, spicy foods and bottomless mimosas), when exposed to the sun, too much good can… turn very bad. One moment you’re absorbing a health-boosting dose of vitamin D without knowing you’ve forgotten your SPF sunscreen, and the next, you’re looking completely fried.
Unfortunately, by this point, the damage has already been done. Research shows that exposure to UV radiation from the sun becomes harmful after just 5 to 10 minutes. So while you can’t soothe your skin, you can help ensure your skin recovers faster than it should, all thanks to soothing creams and ointments. after sunbathing.
First, read on to learn what makes a solid sunscreen in our book—and remember to apply (and reapply!) your SPF for future protection.
What to look for in a product after the sun
1. Aloe vera
One of the popular (and effective) cooling agents sought after in sunscreen products is aloe vera. This succulent natural extract soothes burns while replenishing moisture back into the skin. Gretchen Frieling, MD, previously told Well + Good: “The aloe leaf, especially in the innermost layer, contains a lot of water, so it helps hydrate and moisturize the skin. Not only that, but it also contains ‘anti-inflammatory properties that promote circulation and inhibit bacterial growth,’ she says.
2. Corticosteroids
Topical corticosteroids, like hydrocortisone cream, help fight inflammation and irritation that often occurs after a sunburn. Often used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, corticosteroids can help relieve the itchy, inflamed skin that tends to accompany severe sunburn.
3. Moisturizing ingredients
Prolonged sun exposure dehydrates the body. Just like you crave an ice cold drink on a hot summer day, your skin craves water after being out in the sun. Along with drinking plenty of water, post-sun products that contain gentle moisturizers like coconut oil, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid can help your skin bounce back.
3. No Irritants
Some skin care additives can further irritate sensitive, sunburned skin. When choosing sunscreen products, remember to avoid irritants such as dyes, fragrances, alcohol, and parabens; These ingredients can be drying and potentially aggravate any pain you’re experiencing.
Shop for award-winning after-sun care products
Coola, Radical Recovery Eco-Cert Organic After Sun Lotion — $28
Best after sun face cream
Quench a lobster-red burn with Coola’s Radical Recovery After Sun Lotion. The combination of aloe and agave soothes redness and irritation. Consistency, formula blends easily into skin. The relief this product offers makes it totally worth it.
What testers say
“After a long day in the sun, I want to cool off. And this lotion feels divine on warm skin. — Kara Jillian Brown, beauty writer
Active
lavender, rosemary
Eucrein, Advanced Moisturizing After-Sun Cream for Face and Body — $10
The best after sun lotion
A day in the sun can leave skin dry, red, and itchy, but don’t worry, Eucerin Premium Moisturizing Lotion is here to save you. It’s packed with moisturizers like shea butter and vitamin E to soothe skin after sun exposure and prevent skin stress. Pretty well? Paraben, Dyes and Pthalate Free Lotion Non-greasy and non-sticky, this lotion is just what you need after a day in the sun.
What testers say
“I love glycerin, one of the main ingredients of this body lotion, because it makes the product smooth like butter. My skin puts this on after a hot day. It becomes silky smooth and dries very quickly.” — Brown
Active
Vitamin E, Glycerin, Shea Butter
Defect
- The scent may be too strong for some people
FarmRX, Super Green Cooling Gel — $30
Best cooling gel
This gel moisturizer from FarmRX contains a variety of super greens you might find on your dinner table (think: broccoli and Brussels sprouts). These ingredients work in tandem to repair damaged skin, boost hydration levels, and minimize redness. It is best used after sun exposure as an overnight mask and will help soothe your skin while you sleep.
What testers say
“I love, love the cool feeling this leaves on my skin. The lightweight gel feels great (especially on post-sun skin), and is the hydrating drink my skin needs after a long day outdoors” — Zoë Weiner, senior beauty editor
Active
Green tea
Pavise, Gentle Amino Power Wash — $64
The best luxury cleanser to remove sunscreen
Few cleansers can remove impurities and impurities from the skin without drying it out, but Pavise comes out on top. An amino acid and glycolic cleanser that gently cleanses and exfoliates leftover sunscreen without drying out skin. It is also fragrance-free and sulfate-free, making it suitable for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin. To use, use one or two pumps, create lather and massage onto face with warm water. While cleansers lean more on the more expensive side, all you need is a pump or two to remove even the most stubborn SPF, so it’s sure to last a long time.
What testers say
“While I was testing what looked like a multi-billion dollar sunscreen for this project, I used this cleanser over and over to make sure I was stripping away every bit of the mold. his face. I have dry skin, and while this cleanser doesn’t leave me feeling hydrated, it certainly doesn’t leave my skin dry. It’s a godsend for the complete removal of SPF.” — Brown
Active
Amino Acids, Glycolic Acids
Tower 28, SOS Intensive Rescue Serum — $tk
Best sunscreen serum
This mild formula is powered by hypochlorous acid, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties to soothe red and sensitive skin. Result? Reduces redness and skin looks healthier.
What testers say
“This serum uses hypochlorous acid to reduce redness, soothe irritation, and support the skin’s renewal process. Basically, it does everything your skin craves for after a long day at the beach. It melts into my skin and dries really quickly.” — Brown
Active
Hypochlorous Acid, Ionized Water, Sodium Magnesium, Sodium Chloride
Sonage, Soft Mist — $24
The best fog after the sun
For days when your skin feels tight and dry, add a refreshing mist of Sonage’s Hydrating Mist. When your skin is out of balance, this mist will bring it back into balance. An infusion of aloe and ginseng revives lackluster skin while providing a burst of hydration. Spray after sun exposure and welcome dewy, radiant skin.
What testers say
“The first time I sprayed this on my face, I literally said, ‘Wow, it smells like a spa.’ And it does! It’s also super refreshing and perfect for those days when my skin is severely sunburned.” — dieter
Active
White wood-ear mushroom
Defect
- Some may not like the scent
Pixi Mask, After-Sun Sheet – $10
The best after-sun mask
Cucumber, chamomile and aloe vera make up the recipe for this face mask, and this pack of three will help you recover from many hot afternoons. The mixture works to restore hydration levels and quell inflammatory markers. Moreover, it works as a go-to solution when your skin feels dull and red. Throw these bad things in the fridge for the ultimate cooling experience.
What testers say
“Paper masks are still one of my favorite forms of skin care, and these masks are in my fridge, so they’re nice and cool whenever I need them. I love that they’re created with an incredibly gentle trio—aloe vera, cucumber, and chamomile—to leave my skin feeling fresh in just 10 minutes.” —Brown
Active
Cucumber, chamomile, aloe vera
