Summer season is upon us! We are taking the (literal) pain out of getting a sunburn with our beauty director’s tried-and-tested after sun recommendations…
While we all know the importance of thorough sunscreen application, we’ve also probably all been there – too much sun, not enough SPF, and suddenly your skin is radiating heat like a toaster, looking like a freshly picked tomato and starting to peel like crazy.
Whether you missed a spot, lost track of time, or simply underestimated a cloudy or windy sky, sunburn happens. And, yes – while the signature red rash is more common in light skin tones, all skin colours can feel the sore, overly warm side effects of too much UV exposure.
Luckily, the right after-sun solution can cool, calm, and hydrate scorched skin – turning that sting into a sigh of relief. From soothing gels to luxe balms and aloe-packed mists, we’ve rounded up the best after-suns to beat the burn and rescue your glow. Best of all, they are suitable for the whole family too.
The best aloe vera gels
Aloe vera is one of the most soothing and cooling ingredients we have at our disposal in skincare, so it is a real hero for calming sunburnt skin. These formulas get to work quickly, so you don’t have to hit pause on your holiday fun.
Meet the brand that you'll find peeking out of the beach bags of many of beauty's biggest insiders this year and for good reason. Le Rub makes sunscreens you actually want to reapply and the same goes for its after sun, which is packed with moisture-rich botanicals including aloe vera, cucumber juice and grape seed oil. Proof that sun burn isn't chic, but treating it can be.
A real holiday essential, this lightweight and refreshing gel cream is great for areas where the sun has made your skin feel tight as well as red, and the generously sized bottle means you can apply it liberally. It's also nice to know it's eco-conscious too. The natural aloe vera that powers the formula is sourced from Mexico as part of Garnier’s solidarity sourcing project.
The packaging may be a little retro but there's a reason this classic aloe vera gel is slipped into the suitcases of many influencers and celebrities when they travel. Under £4, so you can slather it on generously without breaking the bank, the simple formula gets to work quickly to reduce redness and peeling in a flash. It means you don't spend the rest of your travels feeling uncomfortable.
If you tend to burn along the lines of your swimsuit (one of the most commonly missed spots when using sunscreen), make sure to have Dr Organic's aloe vera gel with you on your next trip. It is as cooling as it is hydrating, with a lightweight feel on the skin that means it helps diffuse the discomfort and rubbing of bra straps in the days following too much sun.
Proof that after sun doesn't just have to be painful chore, Pixi's face mask allows you to pamper your skin after a day in the sun. Simply lay back with the cooling sheet mask on your face for 10 minutes and let the infusion of aloe vera, cucumber, chamomile and ceramides re-hydrate and balance your skin, ready for your evening makeup to slip on smoothly and pain-free.
The best tan-extending after suns
We get it: it can be super tempting to spend just ‘five more minutes’ in the sun in an attempt to get a little more colour. But that’s a recipe for increasing your risk of sunburn and sun damage, including skin cancer. Instead, use a tan-boosting after-sun to care for your skin and give it a little tan.
Probably the most iconic tan extender on the market, this is the product in many beauty directors' holiday beauty bags – and for good reason. Silky smooth to apply, it is packed with hydrating oils to soothe dryness and also contains a complex that boosts melanin (pigment) production in your skin, so you get a natural glow-up to your limbs without having to eke out more minutes in the sun.
This after-sun is one of the most hydrating that we have ever tried, without leaving a sticky feel on your skin, and it is great for sensitive skin, just like the brand's SPFs. We also love that it actually boosts your tan, with a special plant-based tan-enhancing ingredient that develops and prolongs your colour without having to spend extra time in the sun.
Sun exposure doesn't just increase your risk of sunburn, it can also really dry out your skin, making it look dull, dehydrated and flaky, which can quickly compromise the longevity of your tan. That's why Dior's after-sun balm is designed to lock-in moisture for a longer-lasting hydrating and refreshing effect, with a texture that effortlessly melts into both your face and body.
Heliocare is one of the most expert-backed SPF brands for sun protection so you know you can trust them with your after sun solution too. Best of all, alongside vitamin E, glycerin and panthenol, this highly moisturising gel cream also contains a special ingredient called Pentavitin®, which helps combat the oxidative stress that sun exposure causes in your skin, meaning it doesn’t just soothe sunburn but protects against premature ageing too.
The best no-rub after suns
There’s nothing worse when dealing with sunburn than having to rub in a thick, heavy formula that makes your skin hurt, especially if you are dealing with little ones who have caught the sun too. From sprays to foams, these are the best after-suns that take the stress (and the heat) out of the situation.
One of our favourite SPF brands for children also packs a punch when it comes to after-suns. What we love most about this spray version is that it is quick and easy to apply on family members of all ages even as they try to wriggle away. It works especially well along your parting too, an area that can often go a little red and sore in the sun.
Instead of having to rub sticky after-suns into a bad burn this clever foam-based technology from EVY makes the whole process more wince-free. The foam texture is instantly hydrating and helps make a really fast-absorbing product that acts like a protective, cooling barrier on your skin for instant relief.
This lightweight milky aftersun instantly absorbs into the skin with minimal rubbing – and is super hydrating and cooling. Brilliant for sensitive skin as it doesn't contain skin-drying alcohol (a surprising number of after-suns do), it’s packed with skin soothing ingredients, including allantoin and ginkgo biloba gel. Make it a must-pack for your next holiday.
You really can't go wrong with Nivea's really affordable after sun, which is why it is a product that is so popularly picked up last minute at airports. Perfect for soothing the skin of your whole family, the light, non-sticky formula makes application easy (even on wiggling kids), and the combination of aloe vera, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid is an instant refresh for sore skin.
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Lead photo credit: Pexels
Becki Murray is Citizen Femme’s Beauty and Wellness Director. As one of the only UK journalists to hold a Distinction-grade diploma in cosmetic science, she combines her unique knowledge with an editor’s eye to help you make smarter choices about beauty, wellbeing, and aesthetics. Becki also heads up CF’s spa guide so you could say she’s an expert in the science of relaxation too…
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