By now, we’re all well aware of how important it is to wear SPF daily on our faces and bodies, but we often forget the unsung hero that is aftersun. It’s certainly not an essential step, but one that can provide a multitude of benefits.
Whether you’ve been sunning in a pub garden or on a tropical beach, applying aftersun as soon as you get home is a great idea for keeping your skin hydrated and looking its best.
If you’ve been caught out by the sun’s UV rays and find yourself with reddening skin, reaching for the aftersun is recommended.
“When skin is exposed to excessive UV, the keratinocytes that make up the skin barrier essentially undergo programmed cell death due to the damage UV causes to its DNA,” says dermatologist Dr Beibei Du Harpur.
What does aftersun actually do?
“Most aftersun products contain barrier repairing or soothing ingredients that help the skin recover from sun damage.”
In applying aftersun, you’re helping to keep your skin barrier moisturised, reducing redness and discomfort, and are less likely to enter the dreaded peeling stage.
But it’s not just post-burn that you should be applying aftersun, as it can also help to prolong your summer tan by keeping your skin hydrated.
When should I use aftersun?
When it comes to using aftersun, it’s better to err on the side of caution. “Aftersun (or any barrier repair product) can be used after you suspect your skin might be damaged,” says Dr Beibei.
“For example, the redness your skin experiences after being exposed to excessive UV would be an indicator to use soothing products.”
Post-shower, apply the aftersun onto clean skin in the needed areas, using around as much as you would with a normal body moisturiser.
It’s important to note that aftersun doesn’t reverse sun damage, which can be a common misconception. While aftersun will help with the side effects of sunburn, (i.e. redness and tightness) by moisturising the skin, it can’t heal the damage inflicted to your skin cells by UV rays.
The best thing for the health of your skin is to prevent sunburn in the first place by wearing a sunscreen and reapplying every two hours.
We’ve rounded up the best SPFs out there for all your sun protection needs…
- The 8 best SPF mists in 2023 that won’t ruin your makeup
- The best body SPFs for sun protection and a safe glow
- The sun care solutions to keep on you at all times, from SPF hand cream to lip balm
How is aftersun different from normal body moisturiser?
Although aftersun has most of the same base ingredients as normal body moisturisers, the formulations will include specific ingredients for soothing and calming skin and can often be more lightweight in texture. Aloe vera is the most popular aftersun ingredient as it’s fantastic for replenishing moisture in skin that‘s been dried out through the sunburn.
Should I use aftersun on my face?
If you’ve been struck with sunburn on your face, you absolutely need to avoid using any skincare with actives in such as retinol and AHAs.
Instead, opt for a simple and ultra-hydrating moisturiser to quench and soothe the skin; look for products that seek to add water back into the skin, such as The Inkey List’s Omega Water Cream, £9.99, Cult Beauty.
Sheet masks with aloe vera are also a dream for calming down redness and stinging, so always have a few in reserves (you can find my go-to one below)
The best aftersun products for the face and body
Below, find the best aftersun products to pop into your suitcase or tote bag this summer.
Avène After Sun Restorative Lotion, £15.99
Best for: Face and body
Avène is one of my favourite brands for irritated, dry skin (its XeraCalm A.D. Lipid-Replenishing Balm Moisturiser is amazing for my eczema), and its aftersun lotion doesn’t disappoint. This formula contains jojoba oil and Avène’s thermal spring water to leave skin feeling refreshed and hydrated for up to 48 hours.
La Roche-Posay Posthelios Soothing After Sun Melt-in Gel, £15.50
Best for: Face and body
With a cooling gel texture, this aftersun from La Roche-Posay feels like a dream to apply on hot and prickly sunburn. If you have an oily skin type or suffer from bacne, this non-comedogenic formula replenishes skin without clogging pores or feeling greasy.
Garnier Ambre Solaire Hydrating Soothing After Sun Lotion, £5
Best for: Face and body
At £5, you really can’t go wrong with Garnier’s Soothing After Sun Lotion. The star ingredient is aloe vera, which soothes and calms angry sunburnt skin and prevents peeling when applied daily. Lightweight and with a gentle fragrance, skin isn’t left feeling tacky, so you can apply post-shower and get on with your day.
Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Body Butter Exotic Coconut, £11.49
Best for: Body
For skin that’s feeling super dry and dehydrated, it’s time to call in the big guns, and by that I mean an aftersun body butter. Hawaiian Tropic is one of the best, with a rich blend of shea butter, avocado oil and coconut oil to deeply nourish your skin and a dreamy coconut scent to keep the summer vibes going.
Sultan Soothe & Moisturise Aftersun Sheet Mask, £2.50
Best for: Face
Sheet masks are a godsend if you’ve ended up with sunburnt skin on your face. You really don’t need to spend a lot of money here as you want something uncomplicated with soothing ingredients, namely aloe vera and glycerin. These sheet masks have an immediate cooling effect on the skin and after leaving on for up to 20 minutes, you’ll notice an instant difference in how hydrated your skin feels.
Caudalie Vinosun Tan Prolonging After Sun Lotion, £20
Best for: Body
This formula boasts tan-prolonging abilities in its name, but don’t underestimate its soothing abilities for sunburnt skin. Glycerin and hydrating organic grape water (the brand’s much-loved ingredient) are at the top of this aftersun’s INKY list, meaning you’ll get a flood of moisture to the skin. The formula sinks into the skin especially well with a velvety soft finish.
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