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. 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 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? 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. 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?

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. 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.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. 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?

Melanie Grant is a skin expert and advanced esthetician with clinics in Los Angeles, Sydney, and Melbourne.

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Holika Holika's 99% Aloe Soothing Gel Actually Cooled and Healed My Skin An Antioxidant-Rich Formula

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? Plus, their texture can provide a useful summer upgrade to your regular moisturiser. Clare explains, “Aftersun tends to be something that’s light and easier to apply to sore skin, whereas moisturisers typically require more massaging in.” 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. Rehydrate your skin after time spent in the sun with these refreshing aftersun creams, lotions & butters

Is after sun better than moisturiser?

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.

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? 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."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.” 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. 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? Aloe vera is a plant with special healing powers - its anti-inflammatory properties 2 can help to soothe and cool down hot, stinging sunburn. It's also rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E 3. This can help to heal the symptoms of sunburn, although it can't reverse UV damage. No multi-step routine needed here. Just gently rub it on, as you would any body cream or lotion, to reap the benefits.