I'm a self-confessed beach bum. Every summer, I spend hours upon hours laying on the sand and swimming in the water. I apply (and reapply) sunscreen and I seek shade when I can, but I always seem to end up with dehydrated skin—the kind that feels tight and warm to the touch. It's not a sunburn, per se; it's just the effect of being outside for an extended period of time. After the beach, I always apply moisturizer and maybe even a body oil, but I've always been curious about after-sun products. I'm not talking about the big blue bottles of aloe vera gel at the drugstore. I'm talking about sophisticated skincare formulas that are packed full of good-for-skin ingredients like vitamins and antioxidants. They sound good in theory. I mean, who wouldn't want to hydrate, soothe, and cool their skin after spending a long day in the sun? However, I was skeptical. What makes them different from other skin products? Are they actually worth the money? To answer these questions (and more), I reached out to the skincare gurus...AKA dermatologists. Keep scrolling to get their expert opinions!
According to dermatologist Blair Murphy Rose, MD, FAAD, what sets after-sun products apart from other skincare products is that they're intended for post-sun use and they're focused on giving the skin anti-inflammatory, soothing, and/or hydrating ingredients. In other words, yes, they can certainly be effective. Dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD agrees. "After-sun products often help to soothe the skin and calm inflammation and discomfort that may be associated with a sunburn. In some cases, the after-sun products have some additional ingredients to provide a cooling or soothing benefit on the skin and help to reduce some inflammation. While many traditional body lotions or gel moisturizers can still be helpful, the after-sun products often have additional ingredients to help calm and repair the skin."
Dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD cautions that after-sun products can't ever reverse sun damage, so proper sun protection is still critical. "It is important to point out that after-sun lotions do not reverse the negative effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the skin," he says. "The sun’s rays promote the formation of free oxygen radicals, which can damage cellular structures like DNA, lipids, and proteins. They also precipitate the formation of mutations in DNA that can lead to the formation of skin cancer. After-sun lotions do not correct any of these changes."
In other words, wear your sunscreen, folks. Then, use after-sun products when you get home. Camp says after-sun products calm and moisturize the skin after a day of extended or intense sun exposure. "After-sun lotions help address the skin changes that can occur after a long day at the beach or pool, namely dryness and sunburn [...] They help restore moisture to the skin and assuage the sensitivity and heat associated with a sunburn." Because of this, he says anyone can use and benefit from after-sun products. After all, they essentially provide hydration and soothing and cooling effects on the skin.
The easy answer is anyone who's experienced prolonged or intense sun exposure, although if you developed a sunburn, stick to lightweight and hydrating formulas. "All occlusive products like oils and ointments should be avoided in the first few days after a sunburn because they can trap heat and worsen the burn," Murphy Rose says. She recommends using "Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, topical aloe vera gel, hydrocortisone cream, and cool compresses" in the early stages of sunburn. Garshick agrees, saying, "Immediately after a sunburn it is best to avoid thick occlusive ointments as these can trap heat and best to opt for lightweight formulations of creams, lotions or gels that have soothing benefits to help calm the skin as commonly found in after sun products. Sprays can sometimes make it easier to get too hard to reach areas, but ultimately it comes down to personal preference. Once the skin becomes dry or starts to peel, it can be helpful to consider a thicker ointment such as Vaseline Healing Jelly ($9) as this works to support the skin barrier."
All of the derms agree that the best after-sun products include hydrating and antioxidant-rich ingredients which can help give skin a boost after it's been exposed to the sun. "Products that contain aloe vera will be beneficial for those with sunburns," Garshick says. "Other ingredients to consider include Centella Asiatica and niacinamide to calm the skin." Camp agrees, adding that antioxidants such as vitamin C and E are critical since they have the ability to neutralize free oxygen radicals, which are unstable oxygen molecules that are formed in response to UV exposure. He also recommends ceramides to help restore the skin barrier and retain moisture and aloe (of course!) to drench the skin in much-needed hydration. Keep scrolling to see the best derm-recommended after-sun products!
All three derms recommend this after-sun product from Coola. "This soothing and hydrating lotion combines organic agave and aloe vera with antioxidants. It offers a natural lavender scent and incorporates rosemary extract helping to refresh the skin. It won’t leave the skin feeling greasy," Garshick says.
"This after-sun product contains antioxidant vitamin E, calming aloe, and hydrating cocoa butter and carries a light beachy scent," Camp says.
"While not marketed as an after-sun lotion, this calming moisturizer helps soothe irritated skin through its combination of nourishing ingredients and thermal spring water," Camp says.
The Avène product that Garshick recommends has a creamy gel formula. She says it has a cooling effect that can help soothe the skin. "Additionally it works to restore the skin barrier and minimize moisture loss, using the lipid complex biocymentine."
Another French pharmacy product that Camp loves, this one includes "minerals and antioxidants," and "keeps skin hydrated, cool, and moisturized." Garshick is also a fan, saying "It is especially great for those with sensitive skin as it is free of preservatives and parabens."
"Made of cold-pressed, USA-grown organic aloe vera, the makers of this product recommend testing it on the body prior to application to the face because it is made from real aloe vera juice," Camp says.
"This facial mist toner uses a blend of antioxidants and pre and probiotics to offer a boost of hydration, making it a great option for after-sun," Garshick says. "It also contains Centella Asiatica, which is calming and soothing on the skin."
Murphy Rose also recommends this French pharmacy staple, which contains aloe, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin E. "This rich cream helps to repair and protect the skin barrier of dry and irritated skin," she says.
One of my favorites, this after-sun gel is so cooling and soothing on hot skin. It's alcohol and dye-free and it's never sticky. Consider it the modern take on old-school aloe vera gels.
This stuff saved me from a gnarly back sunburn once, and I've kept a bottle on hand ever since. The lightweight, hyaluronic acid-rich formula drenches my skin in cooling hydration and the spray nozzle makes it easy to get hard-to-reach areas.
