February 09, 2023
How does after-sun work? Do you really need it?
If you love spending time sunbathing, topping up your tan, or enjoying outdoor activities in warm, sunny weather, it is paramount that you make sure you look after your skin both whilst it is exposed to the sun, and when you come back inside. Of course, we all know the benefits of using sun creams and oils to protect our skin from UVA and UVB rays, but after sun application should also be an important part of your summer body and skincare routine. That is why we have broken down everything you need to know about after sun and its benefits.
What is after sun?
After sun is a skincare product that is specifically formulated to soothe and hydrate skin after sun exposure or sunburn. You will usually find it in the form of a lotion, cream, or gel that is applied to the skin after prolonged exposure to UVA and UVB rays, even on cloudy days. If you have been a little too lenient with your sun cream application and are now feeling the effects of over-exposure to the sun, there is probably nothing more appealing than slathering yourself in some cooling and hydrating after sun, which will make your delicate and sunburnt skin feel less overheated and raw.
How does after sun lotion work?
After sun products contain ingredients that are specifically chosen for their ability to alleviate and soothe skin that has been exposed to sun damage. Aloe vera gel is a particularly common ingredient found in most after sun products thanks to its cooling properties. The compound ‘aloins’ which is found in aloe vera, has an anti-inflammatory and soothing effect that provides much welcomed relief from the unpleasant feeling of sunburnt skin. Ingredients such as peppermint and cucumber are also found in many after sun products thanks to their cooling and refreshing properties.
The other effect of after sun is to restore moisture to the skin. Over-exposure and the sun can damage the top layers of your skin cells and cause dryness, which can even cause very sensitive skin, peeling or blistering. Making sure your skin receives a rejuvenating boost of hydration as soon as possible is important to keep it healthy and offset the worst effects of sunburn.
Is after sun really necessary?
Whilst after sun does not technically heal or prevent sunburn – by the time you are looking for relief, it is probably too late for that, the sun has already done its damage. It can provide much needed respite from the very uncomfortable symptoms of sunburn, and crucially, restore moisture to the skin, reducing the chances of it later beginning to peel.
It may not be medicinal, but using after sun when you experience sunburn has some key benefits and can certainly reduce the negative effects of sun damage. For this reason, it is always advisable to pack some in your suitcase if you are lucky enough to be jetting off on a sunny holiday.
We would recommend using an after sun product even when you do not necessarily have sunburnt skin to help maximise your skin’s moisture levels (after naturally drying out in the sun) and to help maintain your tan.
Is after sun good for your skin?
In short, yes, after sun is great for your skin. When you have been exposed to the sun for prolonged periods of time, your skin will be crying out for the moisture that a good quality after sun lotion will provide it with. You can maximise the efficacy of your after sun by taking a cool or lukewarm shower or bath before applying it. Then, when you have dried off, you can apply a thick layer of after sun and this will trap extra moisture in your skin, reducing continued dryness that can result from being in the sun, and reducing the chances of peeling and flakiness.
It is never a bad thing to keep your skin well moisturised. In fact, it should be the cornerstone of your skincare routine in all seasons, not just when the sun is out. They will give you benefits above and beyond a classic body lotion even if you use them when you aren’t experiencing sunburn. Any time you use a good quality after sun product, your skin will thank you for it!
What is after sun?
After sun is a skincare product that is specifically formulated to soothe and hydrate skin after sun exposure or sunburn. You will usually find it in the form of a lotion, cream, or gel that is applied to the skin after prolonged exposure to UVA and UVB rays, even on cloudy days. If you have been a little too lenient with your sun cream application and are now feeling the effects of over-exposure to the sun, there is probably nothing more appealing than slathering yourself in some cooling and hydrating after sun, which will make your delicate and sunburnt skin feel less overheated and raw.
How does after sun lotion work?
After sun products contain ingredients that are specifically chosen for their ability to alleviate and soothe skin that has been exposed to sun damage. Aloe vera gel is a particularly common ingredient found in most after sun products thanks to its cooling properties. The compound ‘aloins’ which is found in aloe vera, has an anti-inflammatory and soothing effect that provides much welcomed relief from the unpleasant feeling of sunburnt skin. Ingredients such as peppermint and cucumber are also found in many after sun products thanks to their cooling and refreshing properties.
The other effect of after sun is to restore moisture to the skin. Over-exposure and the sun can damage the top layers of your skin cells and cause dryness, which can even cause very sensitive skin, peeling or blistering. Making sure your skin receives a rejuvenating boost of hydration as soon as possible is important to keep it healthy and offset the worst effects of sunburn.
Is after sun really necessary?
Whilst after sun does not technically heal or prevent sunburn – by the time you are looking for relief, it is probably too late for that, the sun has already done its damage. It can provide much needed respite from the very uncomfortable symptoms of sunburn, and crucially, restore moisture to the skin, reducing the chances of it later beginning to peel.
It may not be medicinal, but using after sun when you experience sunburn has some key benefits and can certainly reduce the negative effects of sun damage. For this reason, it is always advisable to pack some in your suitcase if you are lucky enough to be jetting off on a sunny holiday.
We would recommend using an after sun product even when you do not necessarily have sunburnt skin to help maximise your skin’s moisture levels (after naturally drying out in the sun) and to help maintain your tan.
Is after sun good for your skin?
In short, yes, after sun is great for your skin. When you have been exposed to the sun for prolonged periods of time, your skin will be crying out for the moisture that a good quality after sun lotion will provide it with. You can maximise the efficacy of your after sun by taking a cool or lukewarm shower or bath before applying it. Then, when you have dried off, you can apply a thick layer of after sun and this will trap extra moisture in your skin, reducing continued dryness that can result from being in the sun, and reducing the chances of peeling and flakiness.
It is never a bad thing to keep your skin well moisturised. In fact, it should be the cornerstone of your skincare routine in all seasons, not just when the sun is out. They will give you benefits above and beyond a classic body lotion even if you use them when you aren’t experiencing sunburn. Any time you use a good quality after sun product, your skin will thank you for it!
