I want to start by saying there is no such thing as safe tanning or safe sunburn. Any sun damage to the skin can't be reversed and can increase your risk of certain skin cancers. I want to make that very clear before we embark on this aftersun journey together. But, you’re off on holiday, you’ve stocked up on your favourite SPF moisturiser, sunscreen and body shimmer, so what about when you've taken things too far? Using a good sun cream is essential, and if it’s done its job (and you’ve been a stickler for reapplying) you shouldn’t be sunburnt. But it happens—and I know it all too well. While the damage is already done, there are some actions you can take to soothe the pain. Enter: the best aftersun lotions.
Ideally, of course, you should be reapplying a high-factor SPF regularly throughout the day to avoid getting burned in the first place, but often after a day in the sun your skin can feel sensitive and dry, no matter how careful you’ve been—so some extra hydration will never go amiss. Sure, you could always use your favourite body cream for dry skin, but aftersuns have been specially formulated to soothe and help heal the skin after sun exposure (although the longterm damage, I'm afraid to say, is already done—hence the importance of SPF), so it’s worth snapping up a high-quality formula before your next holiday.
As a shopping editor who gets sunburnt pretty easily, I’ve tried and tested a fair few aftersun formulas in my time, so have gotten to know which ones are the most effective. For me, an aftersun needs to tick a few essential boxes to make it into my suitcase:
- Lightweight – there’s nothing worse than applying a heavy body cream in a hot, sticky environment.
- Moisturising – yes, it must sink in quickly, but it must also hydrate your dry, sun-parched skin.
- Natural ingredients – your skin will be particularly sensitive after a day in the sun, so no harsh chemicals, please.
- Cooling and soothing – obviously it must calm sun-exposed skin, and a cooling sensation always helps.
- Added extras – insect repellent, a pleasant-smelling (or fragrance-free) formula, every little helps.
What does the best aftersun do?
Aftersun isn't reserved only when you're burnt; it can and should be applied every time you've been soaking up the sun. But, of course, it's especially important in sunnier climes.
"Heat, salty sea water, chlorine, winds and sand will all dry out your skin," says consult dermatologist Dr Sharon Wong. So, what's the best way of caring for skin that's been out in the sun?
"Ensure all sunscreen, chlorine, sand and salt is washed off your body and face, before applying generous quantities of a good quality, hydrating moisturiser, to help restore the lipid barrier of the skin," she adds.
"If your skin has been sunburnt, the red, sore areas can be treated with over-the-counter strength steroids, such as hydrocortisone, to reduce the inflammation quickly, and cool compresses and soothing agents, such as cold aloe vera gel, are also very calming for inflamed and sensitive skin."
Dr Wong also advises that you use a thicker moisturiser when the skin is shedding, but that you should "keep it simple with fragrance-free products, as sunburn tends to make the skin more sensitive".
Best aftersuns, tried and tested
Whether you’re looking for one of the best aftersuns for your upcoming holiday or just want to stay prepared for the warm UK summer ahead (here’s hoping), I’ve rounded up the best aftersun lotions for you to shop below. You are very welcome.
1. Piz Buin After Sun Tan Intensifying Moisturising Lotion
This has been my go-to aftersun lotion for years, and there are a few reasons why. It pretty much ticks all the boxes when it comes to my aftersun priorities list: it’s cooling, soothing, lightweight-yet-moisturising, has a very gentle scent and sinks in almost instantly, so I’m not left wafting my arms and legs around under the air con until I dry off.
2. Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera and sunburn is a match made in heaven. I always keep a bottle of this stuff in the fridge for an extra soothing and cooling effect. Of all the straight-up aloe vera gels I’ve tried, this is, hands down, the best. It’s not sticky, dries down fast and you can even get it in a large pump bottle for ease of use. I’m a huge fan.
3. Lancaster Golden Tan Maximiser After Sun Lotion
Know this: sun-tanned skin is damaged skin. And while, here at Marie Claire UK, we are sticklers for safe tanning (i.e. turning to the best tanning waters and gradual tanners), we understand that the stubborn people out there simply aren't going to listen to us. Here's what I have to say: it's important to minimise your time spent in the sun as much as possible for the sake of your skin health. So, if you're committed to natural tanning and are choosing to overlook the risks, my main advice is this: prolong the tan you have as much as possible in order to avoid feeling the urge to get an intense sunbathing session in again.
If you want to really make your tan go the long run, you should check out the Lancaster Golden Tan Maximiser.
4. Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun
If there’s one scent that instantly whisks me away to summer holidays, it’s Hawaiian Tropic’s suncare range. It smells utterly incredible: coconutty and sweet, but not too sweet. As someone who is incredibly picky with scents, trust me, this smells good. Aside from its scent, the formula itself contains aloe vera to soothe the skin, and is non-sticky and non-greasy.
5. Savlon Antiseptic Cream
Though it’s not technically an aftersun, this hardworking antiseptic cream is designed to disinfect and heal burns, grazes and other small injuries. I always use this on particularly burnt and sore areas—it's great for sensitive skin, can be used on the face and heals like no other.
6. Nivea Sun After Sun Moisture Spray
I used this aftersun for years before discovering more favourites above, if you’re a fan of a super-lightweight consistency this is a great option. I’d say it feels more watery than creamy, and sinks in like a dream. Infused with cooling aloe, it provides long-lasting hydration without any stickiness.
7. Sun Bum Cool Down After Sun Oil
Holiday evenings are made for slathering oil all over your shoulders and legs to hydrate skin and get that glow, am I right? Well, you can kill two birds with one stone thanks to Sun Bum’s aftersun oil, which contains hydrating and soothing ingredients, all packaged up in a dry oil formula. Genius.
8. Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Hydrating Body Butter
And if you’re after a super-nourishing aftersun formula, this is she. Made with a blend of coconut and avocado oils and shea butter, it’s just about the most deeply hydrating product on this list, so if you need that extra bit of added moisture, you can’t go wrong with this aftersun body butter.
