The Best After Sun Lotion To Keep Your Skin Cool And Calm (2024)

Even the most vigilant suncream users can fall prey to sunburn, which is why a good after sun lotion is essential for travelling. But the best after sun lotion doesn’t just soothe the skin, it also helps to repair and replenish the skin barrier for the ultimate nourishment and rejuvenation. “It cannot, however, reverse the skin damage that has happened as a result of excessive sun exposure,” warns Dr Malvina Cunningham, consultant dermatologist at Skin + Me, “No treatment can, and this is why it is so important to protect your skin from sunburns in the first place through sun avoidance, wearing protective clothing and liberal suncream.”

Does after sun actually work?

After sun products are skincare products that have been formulated to soothe sunburnt skin, relieve pain and reduce inflammation. They come in a variety of different formulas, from gels and creams to sprays and lotions. They often contain additional ingredients to moisturise and rehydrate the skin. “Carefully formulated after sun products can reduce redness, peeling, dryness and sensitivity after the skin has been exposed to ultraviolet radiation,” says consultant dermatologist, Dr Anjali Mahto. “Whilst they can’t reverse DNA damage (which is essentially what sunburn is), they can provide symptomatic relief and improve the look and feel of the skin.”

Is after sun better than moisturiser?

While moisturiser can help protect sunburnt skin from further water loss, dryness and irritation, according to Dr Alexis Granite, consultant dermatologist at CeraVe, after sun products are more effective as they contain calming ingredients. “After sun formulations also tend to be lighter with a high water content to avoid trapping heat from sunburn and worsening discomfort,” she says.

What’s better: after sun or aloe vera?

Aloe vera is a great natural product that can soothe sun-damaged skin,” says Dr Cunningham. And in fact, most after sun products contain aloe vera in them. “It’s not so much about one being better than the other,” adds Dr Mahto, “but finding a product which can maximise the benefits of both.”

What is the best after sun to use?

When it comes to choosing the best after sun, it really comes down to personal preference and individual skin needs. That said, Dr Granite recommends opting for a “lighter consistency lotion or mist, to help cool and settle the skin, but also to hydrate.”

Below, Vogue rounds up the best after sun lotion to keep your skin cool and calm after being in the sun.

Best after sun for the face: Lancaster Sun Tan Maximizer After Sun Face Serum

Rehydrate sun-exposed skin with Lancaster’s hyaluronic acid-infused after sun serum for the face. With natural-origin buriti oil and added soy extract, it works to deepen and extend that sun-kissed glow, while repairing photo-ageing damage at the same time.

Best after sun with self-tanning ingredients: Ultrasun After Sun Tan Booster

Prolong your summer tan with Ultrasun’s gradual glow enhancer. With its buildable formula, this after sun applies a subtle bronze hue with added DHA plus, while its cooling ingredients soothe sun-exposed skin.

Best after sun spray: Sun Bum After Sun Cool

Infused with cooling aloe vera and nourishing vitamin C, this non-greasy spray from Sun Bum is perfect for cooling down skin after a long day in the sun.

Best overall after sun: BIODERMA Photoderm Après-Soleil Refreshing After-Sun Milk

Enriched with soothing kelp extract and other anti-inflammatory botanicals, Bioderma’s Photoderm after sun intensely rehydrates sun-exposed skin, while its patented Cellular BIOprotection® complex provides optimum protection for the skin cells in order to prevent and reduce the signs of ageing.

Best after sun with aloe vera: Nivea Sun After Sun Moisturising Soothing Lotion

Cool down sun-soaked skin with Nivea’s hyaluronic acid and aloe vera infused after sun lotion, locking in moisture for up to 48 hours.

Best after sun for oily skin: Clinique After Sun Rescue With Aloe

Packed with soothing aloe vera, this oil-free, gel formula is ideal for anyone with oily and acne-prone skin.

Best smelling after sun: Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Body Butter Exotic Coconut

Treat your skin to Hawaiian Tropic’s indulgent coconut-scented body butter. Intensely hydrating, this ultra-rich formula will leave your skin looking and smelling amazing.

Best after sun for sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Posthelios After-Sun Face & Body Soothing Gel

Replenish dehydrated skin with La Roche Posay’s non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic formula – ideal for anyone with sensitive skin.

Best luxury after sun: Sisley After-Sun Care

Enriched with nourishing andiroba oil and ultra-hydrating stevia leaf extract, Sisley’s after sun care is your ultimate travel luxury.

Best budget after sun: Garnier Ambre Solaire Hydrating Soothing After Sun Lotion

Packed with cooling aloe vera, Garnier’s Ambre Solaire after sun is lightweight and fast-absorbing, instantly replenishing skin with its soothing properties.