So you got a sunburn? OK, not ideal, but don't freak out. Nothing soothes sun-scorched skin [1] like after-sun [2] care products. Between their soothing [3], cooling effects (thanks to ingredients like aloe and cucumber extract) and hydrating effects (à la moisturising oils), there isn't any reason you shouldn't slather your entire body in the stuff after a long day at the beach.
After-sun care comes in the form of lightweight gels, spray-on lotions [4], and even fizzing mousses. Check out our favourite ones ahead.
Sephora Collection After-Sun Mask
Sephora Collection After-Sun Mask [5] ($5) is one way to relieve sunburned cheeks. Its biocellulose texture and watermelon extract refresh and soothe skin that has been out in the sun for too long.
Moroccan Oil After Sun Milk
The Moroccan Oil After Sun Milk [6] ($28) is a spray-on lotion that contains coconut oil, aloe, argan oil, and vitamin E to restore moisture to skin.
Supergoop Forever Young Body Butter SPF 40
The Supergoop Forever Young Body Butter [7] ($34) is loaded with natural oils to hydrate and nourish your skin, while sea buckthorn gives it a heavenly scent. Plus, it provides added protection from further sun damage with SPF 40.
Ouai After Sun Body Soother
Ouai After Sun Body Soother [8] ($25) uses cucumber extract and aloe to restore moisture to thirsty skin after a long day at the beach. It fizzes and cools as soon as it hits your body.
Banana Boat Soothing Aloe After Sun Gel
For just $10, you can get a Summer's worth of skin relief. The Banana Boat Soothing Aloe After Sun Gel [9] ($10) immediately cools down skin that has gotten just a little too much sun.
Sun Bum
Like most after-sun soothers, Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Gel [10] ($10) is packed with aloe, but it also has tea tree oil to fight inflammation in overexposed skin.
Korres After Sun Greek Yoghurt Cooling Gel For Face and Body
Slathering on the Korres After Sun Greek Yoghurt Cooling Gel For Face and Body [11] ($26) brings down redness and reintroduces moisture into skin.
Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Lotion
Nothing says Summer more than the scent of a Hawaiian Tropic sun product. The Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Moisturiser [12] ($7) is an after-sun lotion with a lime scent and uses cocoa butter and shea butter to douse your skin with much-needed moisture.
Bare Republic
Too much fun in the sun can lead to skin damage in the form of burns and free radical damage. Bare Republic Milk + Honey Daily Recovery Sun Serum [13] ($12) combats both with turmeric and calendula for moisture and skin barrier repair.
Coola ER+ Radical Recovery After-Sun Lotion
Coola ER+ Radical Recovery After-Sun Lotion [14] ($32) has a long list of moisturising oils (including lavender, sunflower, orange, and mandarin peel) to give skin the surge of moisture it needs after a hot Summer day.
Kiehl's Cactus Flower and Tibetan Ginseng Hydrating Mist
The Kiehl's Cactus Flower and Tibetan Ginseng Hydrating Mist [15] ($27) is a refreshing mist that can be applied under or over makeup for an instant cooldown. The cactus flower in this product is naturally found in the desert and promises to retain and build back moisture in the skin. A potent blend of essential oils also helps to soften and hydrate, keeping skin's texture at its best.