Preparation
You probably know to apply sunscreen before you enjoy a day at the beach, but protecting your skin from UV rays doesn’t end once you’re back indoors. With moisturizing after-sun lotions, you can continue treating or preventing dry, burned skin after spending hours in the sun. “After-sun lotions are designed to support skin that has been somewhat damaged or irritated by too much time in the sun,” explains Dr. Robin Schaffran, chief dermatologist and co-founder of BalmLabs. “They are basically effective moisturizers, working to heal the skin through hydration.”
These lotions either rehydrate and nourish the dermis, or contain additional ingredients that actually help counter the effects of prolonged sun exposure, says Dr. Audrey Kunin, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of DERMAdoctor. “Wearing sunscreen still allows some UV rays to reach the skin and affect cellular DNA,” she explains. “There is an approximately eight to 10 hour window in which to apply a high potency antioxidant to help neutralize some of the residual free radical damage.” And that’s where after sun lotions come in.
Babo Botanicals After Sun Soothing Hydrating Organic Aloe GelBurt’s Bees After Sun SootherSol de Janeiro “Bom Dia Bright” Body Cream with Vitamin CCeraVe Moisturizing CreamSeven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel with 100% Pure Aloe
While these lotions can ease inflammation, treat oxidative stress, and help reduce acute damage, Jason Rizzo, MD, PhD emphasizes only using after-sun lotions as one part of a comprehensive skin care plan to prevent skin cancer. “These products do not prevent or reverse the carcinogenic effects that UV radiation has on the skin,” explains the clinical professor of dermatology at University at Buffalo. “They should not be used as a substitute for sun protection.” To help you prepare a complete regimen ahead of your next sun-filled day, we asked the experts to recommend the best after-sun lotions. Keep reading for some of their favorite moisturizing, rejuvenating creams.
