It is important to protect your skin from the sun all year round, but especially during the summer months. Whether you are aiming for a healthy tan or spending a day at the beach, it is best to apply sunscreen diligently. However, sometimes, despite our best efforts, sunburns can still occur. During the summer, you are more likely to be exposed to UV rays, which can cause irreversible skin damage. If you find yourself with a sunburn, you might wonder where to start and what to do. This guide will cover what after-sun care entails and how to effectively implement it.
Understanding After-Sun Care
After-sun care refers to the process of taking care of your skin following a day spent outdoors, whether at the beach or simply relaxing under the sun. When insufficient sunscreen with adequate SPF is used, after-sun care products play a crucial role in rehydrating the skin after sun exposure, while also helping to reduce redness and inflammation.
Key Ingredients for After-Sun Products
Ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and chamomile, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, are highly effective in replenishing moisture lost due to sun exposure.
The Best After-Sun Skin Care Practices
After-sun care products can help reduce inflammation and pigmentation, and combat UV-induced free radical damage. Most after-sun care products, including sun lotions, serums, sun soothers, body lotions, and aloe vera gels, are lightweight and formulated to calm sensitized skin. Products containing aloe vera gel, with their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, can be particularly beneficial in soothing and cooling hot, stinging sunburns. Examples include products like Sun Bum cool gel or Burt’s Bees calming day lotion.
Creating Your Ideal After-Sun Care Routine
Your ideal after-sun care plan should be personalized to your unique needs. Key steps include understanding your skin, hydrating and cleansing, replenishing and recovering, and not forgetting to care for sensitive areas like lips, eyes, and ears.
- Begin with a Cold Shower: This helps cleanse the skin of salt water and chlorine, which can intensify the sun's rays and dehydrate your skin, while also providing a healthy dose of moisture.
- Apply an After-Sun Moisturizer: An after-sun moisturizer is essential for restoring hydration. Products like Sun Bum Hydrating Cooling After Sun Lotion, Green Aloe Vera Gel from Up & Up, or Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Body Lotion are rich in antioxidants that soothe sunburns, reduce inflammation, and help lock in moisture.
- Don't Forget Lips, Eyes, and Ears: When building your after-sun care plan, remember to apply soothing products to your lips, around your eyes, and on your ears, as these areas are particularly vulnerable.
Popular After-Sun Gel Options
Several after-sun gels are available to provide relief and hydration. Here are some popular choices:
- Banana Boat Soothing After Sun Aloe Gel: Available in 16 fl oz and 8 oz sizes, this product is a best-seller, often praised for its effectiveness in sunburn relief and overall skin protection. It holds a 4.1 out of 5 stars rating based on over 1800 reviews.
- Equate After Sun Soothing Gel with Aloe: Offered in a 20 oz size, this option is highly rated, with a 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1500 reviews. Another variant, Equate After Sun Sunburn Relief Gel with Aloe, also in a 20 oz size, boasts a 4.8 out of 5 stars rating from 50 reviews.
- Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Moisturizing Gel: This unscented 12 oz gel is a popular choice, with a 4.7 out of 5 stars rating from over 4000 reviews.
- SunBurnt After-Sun Gel: A 6 oz product that has received a 4.9 out of 5 stars rating from 35 reviews.
- Banana Boat Cooling After Sun Gel With Aloe Vera And Vitamin E: This 8 oz gel is noted for its cooling properties.
- Aloderma 99% Organic Aloe Vera Gel: A 1.5 oz travel-sized option, made within 12 hours of harvest, known for its lack of sticky residue and eco-friendly packaging. It has a 4.3 out of 5 stars rating from 183 reviews.
- Banana Boat Burn Relief Soothing Aloe after Sun Gel: An 8 oz product that has achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars rating.