Yes, most aftersun products are very similar to standard moisturisers. In fact, Dr Banwell points out that aftersun is often more lightweight to ensure heat can escape from your skin. It also tends to include fewer perfumes that can potentially irritate wounded skin. FAQ: does aftersun go out of date?

No multi-step routine needed here. Just gently rub it on, as you would any body cream or lotion, to reap the benefits. Compared to other moisturisers, aftersun does contain additional soothing ingredients that will calm the skin after burning and help reduce redness. Aftersun products often contain aloe vera plant extracts, which help replenish moisture lost from exposure to the sun's UV rays," Dr Banwell adds.Although aftersun is often associated with sunburn, because of its hydrating ingredients and soothing properties you don’t need to reserve it solely for when your skin has been enthusiastically kissed by the sun.

Rehydrate your skin after time spent in the sun with these refreshing aftersun creams, lotions & butters 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? Plus, their texture can provide a useful summer upgrade to your regular moisturiser. Clare explains, “Aftersun tends to be something that’s light and easier to apply to sore skin, whereas moisturisers typically require more massaging in.”She also recommends products with DNA repair enzymes, which help to repair damage caused by UV rays. These may not be found in many after-sun products, but they’re ingredients to keep in mind for when your skin has calmed down. verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ Holika Holika's 99% Aloe Soothing Gel Actually Cooled and Healed My Skin An Antioxidant-Rich Formula But we get that things happen, so if you have accidentally gotten a little too much sun—or maybe it’s just hot out, and you want some sweet relief—we’re here with some of the very best after-sun products to have you feeling cool, calm and nourished.