We Tested Over 40 After-Sun Lotions &mdash; These Are the 14 We Keep Using

Pros

Contains moisturizing ceramides and hyaluronic acid
Cooling hydrogel soothes sunburned skin
4 sheet masks per package

Cons

Must be used for a minimum of 3 to 4 hours for maximum effectiveness

Key Specs

Key ingredients:Ceramides, panthenol, hyaluronic acid
Hypoallergenic:Yes
Packaging type:Individual sheet masks

Biodance Hydro Cera-Nol Real Deep Mask contains a host of skin-soothing and moisture-restoring ingredients, like ceramides, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid. It also has cooling hydrogel, which actually lowers skin temperature, further helping soothe painful burns and reduce redness.

The main downside of this mask is that it must be left on for at least three to four hours, preferably overnight, to see full benefits; most sheet masks need to be worn for just 10 to 20 minutes. If you're not someone who tosses and turns a lot as you sleep, you may be able to sleep in it. But light sleepers or people who move around a lot during shut-eye may want to choose a product that don't need to be kept on as long.

We Also Liked

If you'd prefer a soothing mask that you don't need to wear overnight, we love Pixi Beauty Aftersun Sheet Mask . Each package contains three soothing sheet masks infused with aloe vera, cucumber, and chamomile to hydrate, cool, and soothe burned skin. Since you only need to leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, this is a much better option for people in a hurry or those who can't wear a mask overnight.

Most Hydrating

Coola Organic Radical Recovery After Sun Body Lotion

Buy at Revolve

Pros

Rich, hydrating cream formula
Contains antioxidant-rich sunflower oil and aloe vera
Lavender oil and rosemary oil moisturize sun-damaged skin

Cons

Pricey

Key Specs

Key ingredients:Aloe vera, sunflower oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil
Hypoallergenic:No
Packaging type: Squeeze tube

Coola's Organic Radical Recovery After Sun Body Lotion's blend of a rich cream texture and hydrating ingredients makes it a supremely hydrating after-sun lotion.

The formula contains antioxidant-rich sunflower oil and aloe vera to help cool and soothe burned skin. Lavender and rosemary oils have the dual benefit of supporting cellular repair by reducing inflammation while also providing a natural fragrance that many reviewers enjoyed.

At over $30 for a 5-ounce (oz) squeeze tube, this is a pricey option, and some reviewers felt it was too expensive. That said, many reviewers say it's worth the price because of its effectiveness and velvety-soft texture.

We Also Liked

TERNS Mayday Intense After Sun Gel Cream is a travel-sized, hydrating option. It's made with a marine bioactive complex, niacinamide, squalane, shea butter, and aloe. However, while it received excellent reviews for its effectiveness and for the fact that a little goes a long way, it's quite expensive for the amount you get.

Best Body Butter

Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Body Butter

Buy at iHerb

Pros

Extremely moisturizing
Pleasant coconut scent
No greasy residue

Cons

Bulky container
May irritate sensitive skin

Key Specs

Key ingredients:Shea butter, mango seed butter, cocoa seed butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, panthenol, aloe
Hypoallergenic:No
Packaging type:Tub

Hawaiian Tropic is well known for its vast array of sun-related products. Its After Sun Body Butter is a rich, moisturizing after-sun lotion made with nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, and avocado oil.

Users consistently speak to its effectiveness, noting that it's extremely moisturizing and has a rich, non-greasy texture (which can be hard to find with body butters). Many reviewers also praise the tropical, coconut scent.

If you have sensitive skin, this may not be the right product for you; several people said that it caused skin irritation. The container is also quite bulky, so it may not be the best option for travel. That said, it's still an effective, affordable option.

We Also Liked

Surfchique Surf Bum Butter is another nourishing after-sun butter with a light, tropical scent. It contains moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe. However, while many reviewers praise its thick and luxurious texture, it is quite pricey, which is why it wasn't our top pick.

Avene tolerance control soothing skin recovery cream

Best for the Face

Avène Tolérance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream

Pros

Calms irritated skin on the face
Formulated without common irritants and allergens
Helps restore the protective skin barrier

Cons

Doesn't contain SPF
May feel too heavy for daytime wear

Key Specs

Key ingredients:D-Sensinose postbiotic, Avène thermal spring water
Hypoallergenic:Yes
Packaging type:Pump tube

This lightweight skin cream contains postbiotics that soothe and calm irritated skin. Because it is hypoallergenic and Avène makes it without preservatives, parabens, and fragrances, it's also gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Sunburn damages the skin's protective barrier, the topmost layer of the skin that defends against skin damage and infection. During lab testing , however, Avène has been found to restore this protective barrier in the 48 hours after application.

I tested this cream and have continued to use it beyond the two-week testing period. When a short trip to the pool turned into a long, lazy day, I accidentally got a sunburn and turned to this cream right away. I found it soothing on my burnt skin and very hydrating; I never experienced peeling on my face from my sunburn while using this cream.

While I personally prefer a slightly thicker moisturizer for daytime use, I noticed that Avène's Soothing Skin Recovery Cream isn't as lightweight as other daytime moisturizers, and some may find it too heavy under their makeup. This cream should be followed up with a sunscreen or face cream containing SPF, as it does not provide sun protection.

We Also Liked

Burt's Bees Calming Day Face Lotion is another popular option for after-sun face care. While it's not specifically designed for treating sunburns, it contains aloe and rice milk to soothe inflamed skin. Plus, it's hypoallergenic, making it safe for sensitive skin. However, some reviewers said it was hard to dispense from the bottle, which is why it wasn't our top pick.

Best for Children

Babo Botanicals After Sun Soothing Hydrating Aloe Gel

Buy at Babo Botanicals

Pros

Natural ingredients suitable for all ages
Cooling effect on sunburned skin
Lightweight aloe gel
Hypoallergenic

Cons

Scented gel may bother some
Sticky during application

Key Specs

Key ingredients:Aloe vera, witch hazel, eucalyptus, watercress
Hypoallergenic:Yes
Packaging type:Squeeze tube

This aloe vera gel is alcohol-free and made from plant-based ingredients, including aloe vera and witch hazel. Applied after sun exposure, it is a lightweight gel that has an immediate cooling effect upon application.

We loved that this product is hypoallergenic, vegan, and cruelty-free. However, writer Marisa Olsen did note that this is a scented product, which may not be appropriate for very sensitive skin types.

"We found the product to help with cooling and moisturizing, but the product would often feel sticky," said Olsen. "I was skeptical of the hydrating effect, but after the next day, skin felt normalized, less red - especially on my son's burnt neck - and partially hydrated without any emollient or creamy texture."

We Also Liked

Babyganics After Sun Gel Cream is another good kid-friendly after-sun lotion. Many reviewers appreciate its melon-and-citrus scent. And its non-greasy formula may feel nicer on the little ones who are sensitive to sticky textures. It's made without parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrances. Plus, it's not tested on animals, so it's a product you can feel good about using.

Best on a Budget

Eucerin Advanced Hydration After Sun Lotion

Buy at iHerb

Pros

Affordably priced
Antioxidants support skin during recovery
Lightweight and quick absorbing
Feels soothing during application

Cons

Thin lotion feels less moisturizing than rich cream

Key Specs

Key ingredients:Licochalcone A, glycyrrhetinic acid, vitamin E, shea butter
Hypoallergenic:Yes
Packaging type:Squeeze bottle

Eucerin's Advanced Hydration After Sun Lotion is the best after-sun lotion to buy on a budget because its affordable price tag doesn't seem to limit its effectiveness at soothing and hydrating sun-stressed skin.

During testing, I loved that this lightweight product quickly absorbed into my skin and didn't leave it feeling sticky or greasy. It has a nice, soothing effect after application and definitely helped keep my peeling under control after an accidental sunburn at the pool with my kids.

Eucerin adds antioxidants, including glycyrrhetinic acid and vitamin E, which can help protect the skin from premature aging caused by oxidative stress. Eucerin's Advanced Hydration After Sun is a good fit for all skin types: it's super-hydrating, but also noncomedogenic, so it won't clog pores. It is also hypoallergenic, free from added fragrances, phthalates, parabens, and dyes, so it won't irritate sensitive skin.

We Also Liked

Banana Boat Moisturizing After Sun Lotion is another budget-friendly option. It's made with aloe vera and vitamin E to soothe and moisturize burned skin. While many reviewers enjoyed its non-greasy, moisturizing formula, others said it felt thin and watery. Still, many reviewers appreciated that it absorbed quickly and felt light on their skin, so this may come down to personal preference.

Korres greek yoghurt cooling after sun gel

Best for Face and Body

Korres Greek Yogurt Cooling After-Sun Gel Face & Body

Buy at Korres

Pros

Cream-gel texture works for face and body
Offers a cooling sensation
Moisturizes with Greek yogurt
Contains anti-inflammatory angustifolium

Cons

Not vegan-friendly
Strong smell

Key Specs

Key ingredients:Greek yogurt, panthenol, fennel extract, angustifolium extract
Hypoallergenic:No
Packaging type:Squeeze bottle

Korres Greek Yogurt Cooling After-Sun Gel has a cream-gel texture designed to work on both your face and body (so, it's not too greasy). Greek yogurt contains proteins and lactic acid, which can increase the water content of your skin's top layers to relieve tight, dry skin. It also contains angustifolium extract, the use of which reduces inflammation and may speed up wound healing by promoting skin cell regeneration.

Reviewers of the Korres gel have said that you can instantly feel the cooling sensation on your skin after putting it on, which helps calm burned skin. However, because it contains Greek yogurt, this after-sun gel is not vegan-friendly. Also, some reviewers felt the scent was overpowering, while others enjoyed it. Fortunately, it's also available in a small 20-milliliter (mL) size. So if you're sensitive to strong smells, you can try it out before investing in the full-size version.

We Also Liked

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is also an incredibly soothing moisturizer for after-sun care. Writer Sarah Glinski, RD , used this product during the winter to help with dry skin and eczema caused by cold, dry weather. She found that it hydrated her skin and reduced redness extremely well. It contains colloidal oatmeal and ceramides (which help strengthen your skin barrier) and shea butter to moisturize and soften. While Glinski liked the thick texture, some people may find it too thick for their faces, especially if they already have oily skin.

Best for Dry Skin

Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream

Pros

Contains moisturizing ceramides
Rich lotion without a greasy texture
Helps restore the skin's protective barrier

Cons

Slow-absorbing
Tub container instead of a bottle with a pump

Key Specs

Key ingredients:Ceramides-3, natural moisturizing factors (NMFs)
Hypoallergenic:Yes
Packaging type:Tub

This moisturizing cream contains ceramides-3 and natural moisturizing factors (NMFs), both of which play an important role in hydrating and protecting the skin. Ceramides mimic the skin's natural moisturizing properties, enhancing skin hydration and strengthening the skin's protective barrier with repeated use.

NMFs are a component of lotions that retain water, resulting in more moisturized and supple skin.

Mannion described this cream as "extremely moisturizing," and said daily use prevented dryness, even after she spent significant time outside in the sun as well as in chlorinated and saltwater pools. It was thicker than she was used to, taking a few minutes to fully absorb.

"It wasn't greasy at all," Mannion said. "Plus, once I rubbed it in completely, it left my skin feeling plump and hydrated without feeling weighed down."

Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream is a hypoallergenic, scent-free lotion that is great for more sensitive skin types. It is also affordably priced at under $20 for a 16-oz jar. One thing worth noting is that this size of the cream comes in a tub, rather than a bottle with a pump, which may not be the preferred application method for some.

We Also Liked

If you'd prefer a nourishing after-sun lotion in a small container that's easy to pack in your suitcase or pool bag, think about trying Terrasil After Sun Care Cream . It comes in a small, 3-oz squeeze bottle. It's unscented and contains nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, vitamin E, aloe vera, and coconut oil.

Best for After-Sun Hair Care

Sun Bum Revitalizing Protect & Repair Oil

Buy at Ecosmetics

Pros

Hydrating oil repairs sun-stressed hair
Lightweight and easy to apply
Offers sun protection

Cons

Scented oil may irritate very sensitive skin
May cause some hair types to appear oily

Key Specs

Key ingredients:Sunflower seed oil, jojoba seed oil, Abyssinian seed oil
Hypoallergenic:Yes
Packaging type:Pump bottle

The sun's UV rays can be hard on our hair, causing damage to the cuticle layer that results in dry, brittle, and frizzy hair. Sun damage may also result in premature grays.

Sun Bum Revitalizing Protect & Repair Oil acts as a heat protectant, shielding the hair from damage caused by the sun's UV rays. It is also a reparative oil, with natural ingredients like sunflower, jojoba, and Abyssinian seed oils that hydrate and strengthen the hair while controlling frizz.

Writer Raki Swanson used Sun Bum's Revitalizing Protect & Repair Oil for two weeks and noted that her hair was more hydrated during that time. She also felt that the oil prevented damage when she spent time in the sun.

"I liked that it wasn't a heavy oil; it was lightweight and not very thick," she said. "My hair was always soft after using it, especially when in water. I didn't get anything in my eyes when my hair was wet, and I did reapply after a few hours as recommended."

She also found that this hair oil absorbed easily. Like all Sun Bum products, this product is scented and smells like coconut and bananas.

We Also Liked

While it's not specifically designed as after-sun hair care, Moroccanoil Mending Infusion Styling Hair Serum is made with nourishing ingredients such as argan oil, macadamia oil, and baobab extract. It also contains larch tree extract, which envelops hair strands to seal split, frizzy ends. However, it's pricey, so not the best choice if you're on a budget.

Sun Burnt after sun daily recovery cooling gel

Best Gel

Sunburnt Ultra Hydrating Aloe Vera Gel

Pros

Not sticky
Absorbs quickly
Contains soothing aloe and calendula
Made without sulfates, parabens, phthalates, glycols, dyes, and fragrances

Cons

Not long-lasting

Key Specs

Key ingredients:Aloe, calendula, hyaluronic acid
Hypoallergenic:Yes
Packaging type:Squeeze tube

Many gel-based after-sun products are sticky and have strong smells, but not this one. It receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with people saying it soaks into skin immediately, quickly relieves pain and discomfort from sunburns, and minimizes peeling. In addition to aloe, it contains calendula and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and support skin-barrier repair.

We appreciate that the formula doesn't include sulfates, parabens, phthalates, glycols, dyes, and fragrances. That makes it a good option for people with sensitive skin. Some reviewers said it only provided relief for about one hour. But as anyone who's gotten their fair share of sunburns knows, these products typically need to be applied regularly for consistent relief after a sunburn.

We Also Liked

As a pale-skinned person who grew up in Australia and frequently got sunburned despite using sun protection, Glinski has since used Banana Boat Soothing After Sun Gel for decades. It's one of the most affordable after-sun gels on the market. She loves that it instantly cools and soothes her skin, and it's not greasy or sticky at all. However, it does contain artificial dyes, which some people may prefer to avoid.

Best Mist

Coppertone After Sun Soothing & Cooling Mist

Buy at CVS

Pros

Contains aloe, hyaluronic acid, and dimethicone
Hypoallergenic
Cooling sensation

Cons

Slightly tacky texture
Mixed reviews on scent

Key Specs

Key ingredients:Shea butter, dimethicone, aloe, hyaluronic acid
Hypoallergenic:Yes
Packaging type:Spray bottle

For those who prefer a cooling mist for after-sun care, we love Coppertone After Sun Soothing & Cooling Mist. At under $10 a bottle, it's an affordable option that contains soothing aloe and moisturizing hyaluronic acid.

The formula also includes dimethicone, which has moisturizing properties and can promote skin-barrier repair without clogging pores. That makes it a particularly good option for people with oily skin. Its cooling sensation is another point in its favor, and since it's hypoallergenic, it's suitable for sensitive skin.

This lightweight mist helped soothe many users' skin after a sunburn, but some reviewers said it had a slightly tacky texture. Some people loved its light aloe-vera scent, while others felt it smelled a bit like a cleaning solution.

We Also Liked

While it's not specifically marketed as an after-sun product, Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Spray is another affordable, well-reviewed spray that can help heal a sunburn. It contains soothing aloe and dimethicone, and many reviewers say it offers quick, long-lasting relief.

Best for Sensitive Skin

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Buy at Ulta

Pros

Fragrance-free and allergy tested
Bears the National Eczema Association Seal
Contains moisturizing ceramides and NMFs
Noncomedogenic cream won't clog pores

Cons

Slow-absorbing lotion

Key Specs

Key ingredients:Ceramides, hyaluronic acid
Hypoallergenic:Yes
Packaging Type:Tub

CeraVe created its moisturizing cream specifically for the most sensitive skin types, earning it the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance . This cream is noncomedogenic, fragrance-free, and doesn't contain parabens. It has been allergy-tested and developed with the help of dermatologists.

After a sunburn, what the skin needs most is soothing and hydration, and CeraVe's Moisturizing Cream does just that. During testing, I was obsessed with the rich and creamy texture of this lotion, which I applied daily after I got more sun than I planned over the holiday weekend.

CeraVe includes three different ceramides in this cream, which help to restore the skin's protective barrier after damage. CeraVe also uses hyaluronic acid to retain water, resulting in plump, moisturized skin.

We Also Liked

You may not think that a foam-based after-sun lotion would be moisturizing. But Heal Aftersun Lotion with Aloe Vera is a soothing, lightweight option for people who find that cream-based lotions irritate their skin. Reviewers said that the foam applies smoothly and cleanly, leaving no oily or sticky residue. Since it comes in a 3.3 fluid-ounce (fl oz) bottle, it's small enough to fit in your carry-on luggage, too.

Best Lip Balm

Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick with Aloe Vera

Buy at Walmart

Buy at Ulta Beauty

Pros

Lightweight, moisturizing lip balm
Contains aloe vera and shea butter for a soothing effect
Made without preservatives, dyes, and fragrances

Cons

Doesn't contain SPF sun protection
Mixed reviews on longevity

Key Specs

Key ingredients:Shea butter, aloe vera, jojoba oil, panthenol
Hypoallergenic:Not explicitly labeled, but free from fragrances, preservatives, and dyes, and made with 99 percent naturally derived ingredients
Packaging type:Twist-up balm stick

This simple but effective lip balm moisturizes your lips, soothes after sun exposure, and is gentle on sensitive skin - all things that you want in an after-sun treatment. It's made without preservatives, dyes, and fragrances, which makes it a good option for people with sensitive skin. Natural ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil hydrate and moisturize, while aloe vera provides a cooling sensation to help soothe sunburned lips.

That said, this lip balm doesn't contain SPF, so you'll want to choose a different product for days that you spend out in the sun. Also, it receives mixed reviews about how long it lasts, with some people saying they had to reapply it frequently.

We Also Liked

If you prefer lip butter to lip balm, Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm is an option that hydrates, moisturizes, and adds shine. With shea and murumuru seed butters and vegan waxes, this lip butter helps heal and condition burnt lips. It comes in several colors, and many reviewers appreciate the subtle, non-sticky tint. However, it's pricey for a lip balm, so it may not be the best option for budget-conscious shoppers.

Best for Oily Skin

Solarcaine After Sun Face Relief Gel

Biodance Hydro Cera-Nol Real Deep Mask

Buy at CVS

Pros

Lightweight, noncomedogenic lotion
Cooling effect provides sunburn relief
Great for sensitive skin
Small, travel-friendly

Cons

Pump may easily break or clog

Key Specs

Key ingredients: Centella asiatica , ectoin, panthenol, bisabolol
Hypoallergenic:Yes
Packaging type:Pump tube

Solarcaine After Sun Face Relief Gel is a non-comedogenic after-sun lotion that isn't greasy and won't clog your pores. This gel provides a cooling and soothing effect, promising to reduce redness and peeling, making it perfect for irritated skin after sun exposure. Solarcaine After Sun Face Relief Gel won't aggravate sensitive skin because it is hypoallergenic and free from fragrances, parabens, and petrolatum.

"It's very lightweight and silky," said writer Katie Mannion , says. "It's not thick or creamy like a lotion, but it's not clear or sticky like many after-sun gels."

Solarcaine After Sun Face Relief Gel comes in a small tube with a pump, so it's easy to travel with for on-the-go use. It also absorbs quickly, soaking into the skin within 30 seconds after application.

We Also Liked

Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration After Sun Lotion also offers a lightweight, non-greasy option for people with oily skin. Reviewers appreciate its moisturizing properties and non-sticky formula. However, while many people enjoyed its tropical scent, some found it overpowering. So keep that in mind if you're sensitive to strong scents.

Comparison Table

Best for

Featured Ingredients

Hypoallergenic

Packaging Type

Mask

Ceramides, panthenol, hyaluronic acid

Yes

Individual sheet masks

Coola Organic Radical Recovery After Sun Body Lotion

Hydrating

Aloe vera, sunflower oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil

Squeeze tube

Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Body Butter

Body butter

Shea butter, mango seed butter, cocoa seed butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, panthenol, aloe

Tub

Avène Tolérance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream

Face

D-Sensinose postbiotic, Avène thermal spring water

Yes

Pump tube

Babo Botanicals After Sun Soothing Hydrating Aloe Gel

Children

Aloe vera, watercress, witch hazel, and eucalyptus

Yes

Squeeze tube

Eucerin Advanced Hydration After Sun Lotion

On a budget

Licochalcone A, glycyrrhetinic acid, vitamin E, and shea butter

Yes

Squeeze bottle

Korres Greek Yogurt Cooling After-Sun Gel Face & Body

Face and body

Greek yogurt, panthenol, fennel extract, angustifolium extract

Squeeze bottle

Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream

Dry skin

Ceramides-3 and natural moisturizing factors

Yes

Tub

Sun Bum Revitalizing Protect & Repair Oil

Hair care

Sunflower seed oil, jojoba seed oil and abyssinian seed oil

Yes

Pump bottle

Sunburnt Ultra Hydrating Aloe Vera Gel

Gel

Aloe, calendula, hyaluronic acid

Yes

Squeeze tube

Coppertone After Sun Soothing & Cooling Mist

Mist

Shea butter, dimethicone, aloe, hyaluronic acid

Yes

Spray bottle

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Sensitive skin

Hyaluronic acid, ceramides

Yes

Tub

Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick with Aloe Vera

Lip balm

Shea butter, aloe vera, jojoba oil, panthenol

Twist-up balm stick

Solarcaine After Sun Face Relief Gel

Oily skin

Centella asiatica, ectoin, panthenol, and bisabolol

Yes

Pump tube

See Our Editorial Policy Meet Our Health Expert Network

How We Tested After-Sun Lotions

Person testing after sun lotion, before and after — Everyday Health

Before compiling our list of the best after-sun lotions, we spent time researching what the skin needs after sun exposure and sunburn. Then, we created a list of the 22 highest-rated after-sun lotions for hands-on testing. Our testers spent two weeks using them daily. After the testing period ended, each tester completed a standardized questionnaire on how the lotion felt during application, whether it provided soothing or cooling effects after sun exposure, and how hydrated their skin felt after use. They also shared anything they didn't like about the lotions, so we could give you an honest review of the products we recommend.

Once testing was complete, we spoke with two dermatologists about what the skin needs after sun exposure:

Lauren Eckert Ploch, MD , a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Augusta, Georgia, and Aiken, South Carolina, areas.
Veena Vanchinathan, MD , a board-certified dermatologist and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, who practices in the Bay Area

What to Look for When Buying After-Sun Lotion

After a sunburn, calming inflammation and hydrating the skin helps to support the skin while it recovers from the damage, according to Dr. Vanchinathan. During this time, look for a moisturizer that is fragrance-free, with ingredients such as aloe, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and colloidal oatmeal, which can calm your skin.

It is important to avoid ingredients that may irritate the skin while it is healing from sun damage, according to Vanchinathan. She suggests staying away from retinoids, chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acid, or acne treatment medications like salicylic acid until your skin has bounced back.

Similarly, Dr. Ploch points out that immediately after a sunburn, the most important thing is to keep the skin clean and cool.

"Avoid heavy ointments or thick emollients in the immediate post-sunburn period that will lock in the heat of the sunburn," she says. "Once the discomfort wanes and the skin becomes dry or peeling, ointments and emollients can help facilitate healing."

Does After-Sun Lotion Really Work?

After-sun lotions won't reverse the damage done by sunburn, but they can help your skin recover. One way after-sun lotions help with healing after sun exposure is by repairing the skin's protective barrier.

"Our skin is like a brick wall, where the skin cells are the bricks and the lipids in our skin are the mortar between the bricks," explains Ploch. "When we talk about restoring a barrier, we're talking about restoring lipids. The most abundant lipids in the skin are ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids."

Because of this, Ploch recommends finding a moisturizer with some or all these lipids. Additionally, hyaluronic acid helps draw moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated and plump.

Can You Reverse Sun Damage?

"Our skin can repair itself over time," says Ploch. "UV radiation causes DNA damage in our cells, but we can repair this with things like sun avoidance, a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and retinoids."

If you've experienced sunburn, Vanchinathan also recommends doing consistent skin care, as well as getting professional treatments such as chemical peels (never in the acute sunburn stage, though). Both Ploch and Vanchinathan stress the importance of using sunscreen after sunburn to prevent further damage to the skin.

FAQ

What's the best after-sun lotion for a sunburn?

A moisturizing lotion without irritants is the best after-sun lotion for a sunburn. Look for an option containing ceramides and natural moisturizing factors, which can help restore the skin's protective barrier after a sunburn.

Does aloe vera help with sunburns?

Aloe vera has a natural cooling effect when applied to the skin, which can help provide relief from discomfort caused by sunburn. There is some evidence that this plant-based ingredient may speed up the healing of burns as well.

Why Trust Everyday Health

We independently investigate and recommend products and services we believe will enrich the lives of our readers and meet their specific needs. You can trust our reviews because we do the legwork for you. Read more about why you can trust us .

Meet Our Team

Mary Sauer

Author

Mary Sauer is a freelance health and parenting writer whose work often covers mental health (especially maternal mental health), grief, and caregiving. Her work has been published ...

Sarah Glinski, RD

Author

Sarah is a registered dietitian and accomplished health and nutrition writer known for her expertise in crafting engaging content. She received dual bachelor's degrees in nutrition...

Susan Bard, MD

Medical Reviewer

Susan Bard, MD, is a clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine and an adjunct clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Mount Sin...

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD

Medical Reviewer

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at The Dermatology House in Park City, Utah. Her areas of expertise include acne, rosacea, integrative treatments...

Daniel Oakley

Fact-Checker

Daniel Oakley is a journalist, editor, and fact-checker. He has written, edited, taught, and produced media for Dow Jones, S&P Global, IHS Markit, Third Coast Studios Magazine, and...

Katie Tuttle

Editor

Katie Tuttle is an editor and writer specializing in food, nutrition, and product testing. Her work has appeared in EatingWell, Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats, and Real Simple. She h...

Ally Hirschlag

Update Editor

Ally Hirschlag is an award-winning journalist with over 10 years of experience editing and writing health, fitness, beauty, lifestyle, and science content. Her work has appeared in...

Katie Mannion

Tester

Katie Mannion is a St. Louis-based writer and occupational therapy assistant with clinical experience across multiple healthcare and education settings.

As a writer, Katie covers an...

Marisa Olsen

Tester

Marisa Olsen is a seasoned food, health, and lifestyle writer as well as a product reviewer and tester. Her work has appeared in several print and digital publications, including E...

Raki Swanson

Tester

Raki Swanson is a Minnesota-based freelance health writer and married mother to two adult children. She has experience covering mental health, fitness, food, and lifestyle topics, ...