12 Best After-Sun Products Recommended by Dermatologists

Sun exposure, while beneficial in moderation for vitamin D synthesis, can lead to sunburn and other skin damage when excessive. After-sun products are essential for soothing, healing, and hydrating the skin post-exposure. Dermatologists recommend a variety of products to address different needs, from cooling gels to moisturizing creams. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the 12 best after-sun products, detailing their benefits, ingredients, and dermatologists' insights to help you make an informed choice.

1. Aloe Vera Gel

Why Dermatologists Recommend It

Aloe vera is a well-known natural remedy for sunburn. Its gel form provides immediate cooling relief and helps to soothe irritated skin. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes healing by stimulating collagen production.

Top Picks

• Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel: This product is praised for its high aloe vera content and non-sticky formula. It absorbs quickly into the skin, providing instant relief (https://www.bananaboat.com).
• Fruit Of The Earth Aloe Vera 100% Gel: Known for its purity, this gel is free from color additives and fragrances, making it suitable for sensitive skin (https://www.fote.com).

2. Hydrocortisone Cream

Why Dermatologists Recommend It

Hydrocortisone cream is effective for reducing inflammation and itching associated with sunburn. It can be particularly useful for severe sunburns that cause significant discomfort.

Top Picks

• Cortizone-10 Maximum Strength: This cream contains 1% hydrocortisone and provides relief from itching and redness. It also includes aloe vera for additional soothing (https://www.cortizone10.com).
• Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream: Aveeno's formula is enriched with oat extract, which helps to calm and moisturize the skin while treating sunburn symptoms (https://www.aveeno.com).

3. Moisturizing Cream

Why Dermatologists Recommend It

Sunburn can severely dehydrate the skin, making it essential to restore moisture. A good moisturizing cream helps to lock in hydration and repair the skin barrier.

Top Picks

• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: With ceramides and hyaluronic acid, CeraVe's cream helps restore the skin's natural barrier and retain moisture (https://www.cerave.com).
• Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream: This cream offers intense hydration and is enriched with ceramides and natural moisturizing factors (https://www.eucerinus.com).

4. Cooling Gel

Why Dermatologists Recommend It

Cooling gels provide immediate relief from the heat of sunburns. They often contain menthol or similar ingredients that offer a cooling sensation, reducing discomfort.

Top Picks

• Solarcaine Aloe Vera Gel: This gel includes lidocaine, which helps to numb the pain while the aloe vera soothes the skin (https://www.solarcaine.com).
• Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe: Known for its light, non-greasy formula, this gel is perfect for calming sunburned skin (https://www.vaseline.com).

5. After-Sun Lotion

Why Dermatologists Recommend It

After-sun lotions are specifically formulated to address the needs of sun-damaged skin. They typically contain ingredients that soothe, hydrate, and repair.

Top Picks

• Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion: This lotion combines aloe vera and silk proteins to hydrate and refresh the skin (https://www.hawaiiantropic.com).
• Burt's Bees Aloe & Coconut Oil After Sun Soother: A natural option that uses aloe and coconut oil to nourish and repair sunburned skin (https://www.burtsbees.com).

6. Antioxidant Serum

Why Dermatologists Recommend It

Sun exposure can lead to the formation of free radicals, which damage the skin. Antioxidant serums help to neutralize these free radicals, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.

Top Picks

• SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic: This potent serum contains vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, providing powerful antioxidant protection and aiding in skin repair (https://www.skinceuticals.com).
• Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster: This serum is known for its stability and effectiveness in reducing the signs of sun damage (https://www.paulaschoice.com).

7. Hydrating Face Mask

Why Dermatologists Recommend It

Hydrating face masks can provide an intense burst of moisture, helping to soothe and repair sun-damaged facial skin. They are ideal for use after a day in the sun.

Top Picks

• Laneige Water Sleeping Mask: This mask delivers intense hydration and soothes the skin with its calming ingredients (https://www.laneige.com).
• Fresh Rose Face Mask: Infused with real rose petals and rosewater, this mask hydrates and tones the skin, leaving it soft and smooth (https://www.fresh.com).

8. Vitamin E Oil

Why Dermatologists Recommend It

Vitamin E oil is a powerful antioxidant that helps to repair and protect the skin from damage. It also has moisturizing properties that benefit dry, sunburned skin.

Top Picks

• Jason Vitamin E Oil 5,000 IU: Known for its high concentration of vitamin E, this oil helps to heal and nourish sunburned skin (https://www.jason-personalcare.com).
• The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-in-Oil: This product combines the benefits of a serum and oil, providing deep hydration and repair (https://www.thebodyshop.com).

9. Anti-Inflammatory Spray

Why Dermatologists Recommend It

Anti-inflammatory sprays offer quick and easy application for soothing sunburned skin. They often contain ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile, which reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Top Picks

• Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Spray: This spray includes aloe vera and vitamin E, offering cooling relief and hydration (https://www.trustthebum.com).
• Bioderma Photoderm After-Sun Spray: Formulated to hydrate and soothe, this spray is suitable for sensitive skin (https://www.bioderma.us).

10. Calamine Lotion

Why Dermatologists Recommend It

Calamine lotion is effective for relieving itching and discomfort caused by sunburn. It also helps to dry out any blisters that may form.

Top Picks

• Caladryl Clear Lotion: This product combines calamine and pramoxine to soothe and relieve sunburn symptoms (https://www.caladryl.com).
• Humco Calamine Lotion: A traditional calamine lotion that provides relief from itching and irritation (https://www.humco.com).

11. Hydrating Mist

Why Dermatologists Recommend It

Hydrating mists are perfect for on-the-go relief from sunburn. They provide a refreshing burst of hydration and soothe irritated skin.

Top Picks

• Avene Thermal Spring Water: Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, this mist is ideal for calming sunburned skin (https://www.aveneusa.com).
• Evian Facial Spray: This mineral water spray hydrates and refreshes the skin, making it perfect for use after sun exposure (https://www.evian.com).

12. Soothing Balm

Why Dermatologists Recommend It

Soothing balms provide a protective barrier on the skin, helping to lock in moisture and promote healing. They are especially useful for very dry or severely sunburned skin.

Top Picks

• Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant: This multi-purpose balm soothes, protects, and hydrates the skin, making it a favorite for treating sunburn (https://www.elizabetharden.com).
• Aquaphor Healing Ointment: Known for its ability to heal and protect, Aquaphor is a go-to for dermatologists when treating sunburn (https://www.aquaphorus.com).

Conclusion

Choosing the right after-sun product is crucial for effectively treating and soothing sunburned skin. Dermatologists recommend a range of products, from cooling gels and hydrocortisone creams to antioxidant serums and hydrating mists, each addressing different needs and preferences. By incorporating these recommended products into your post-sun care routine, you can ensure your skin heals properly and stays healthy.