16 After Sun Products That Will Save Your Skin

Lauren Black

Lauren is a marketing professional, writer, and the founder of The Eye & The Edit, a weekly style and shopping newsletter. She recently found a home in New York City, where she enjoys endless people-watching and outfit inspiration. There, she can usually be found shopping in Soho, digging through vintage stores in Brooklyn, or trying a new coffee shop or natural wine bar.

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Jul 14, 2021

Spending a little too much time in the sun? On a beautiful summer day, it's easy to lose track of time when you're out and about or relaxing on the beach. While sunscreen should be a non-negotiable to protect yourself from harmful rays, there are a few other products you can add to your routine to help recover from a painful burn (it happens!) and prevent further long-term sun damage.

There are a few key ingredients your skin will drink up in the summer. You probably already know that Aloe Vera is your best friend for soothing a sunburn—but beyond the pure gel consistency, several other effective, everyday products contain the key ingredient. Soothing oat and cooling cucumber focused-formulas will also help calm heat-exposed skin and can be incorporated into your everyday use, too. Even when you're not treating overexposure, applying Hyaluronic Acid will help add and retain moisture when your skin needs it most. And if you're not already using one, start incorporating a Vitamin C serum or treatment on the regular, as it's a powerful antioxidant for fighting the lasting effects of sun damage. But if you're still not totally sure where to begin with after sun products, don't stress—we've rounded up all the after sun essentials, below.

clear bottle of herbivore with white label and black lettering

Herbivore After Sun Mist ($20)

Even when you're still in the sun, this heavenly aloe mist will help rehydrate your skin in an instant.

yellow bottle of clinique with white lettering

Clinique After Sun Rescue Balm ($31)

Keep this cult-favorite in your beach bag so you can lather up in a calming layer of aloe for the journey home. If a burn develops, reapply regularly to soothe skin and minimize peeling.

white bottle of native with green lettering

Native Cucumber & Mint Body Wash ($10)

Once you're home, a cooling cucumber body wash makes for a truly refreshing shower and recovery.

white bottle of the inkey list with black lettering

The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm ($10)

When your skin has been irritated by sun and sweat, a gentle oat cleanser is key to reducing redness and restoring your skin's natural protective barrier.

cream bottle of aveeno with green lettering

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion with Oat ($10)

Aveeno's lotion is a classic for a reason. Apply on the daily during summer, and especially after a long day outdoors.

tub of green peter thomas with white lettering

Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask ($55)

For an extra treat after a day in the sun, apply this cucumber mask for a cooling sensation and a major dose of hydration.

bottle of green mario badescu with green details and lettering

Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner ($15)

Mario Bedescu has a whole range of aloe-infused skincare products to update your routine on a budget in the summer months. When you need a deep clean, this toner is extra gentle and non-drying.

white bottle of kinship with iridescent purple and blue lettering

Kinship Kinskin Oat Ceramide Relief Oil ($35)

If your skin is feeling dried out from the sun, try an oat ceramide oil to soothe any irritation and start building back your moisture barrier.

bottle of versed cream with mint green detail and black lettering

Versed Dew Point Gel Cream ($15)

Finish off your after-sun skincare routine with a gel moisturizer will help you stay hydrated, without getting greasy with oils.

yellow tub of youth to the people with white cap and black lettering

Youth To The People Superbery Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask ($48)

For an overnight repair, indulge in a mask that combines the brightening, hydrating superpowers of Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid.

clear bottle of the ordinary with black lettering

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 ($7)

The only Hyaluronic Acid you'll ever need. Your skin will drink it up in the summer, and be able to draw in even more moisture as a result.

white bottle of summer fridays with orange label and white lettering

Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C Serum ($64)

An essential step for building your summertime skincare routine is finding a Vitamin C Serum you love. Apply regularly to brighten skin and reduce sun spots.

white bottle of drunk elephant with orange cap, orange details, and black lettering

Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream ($51)

Our eye area is extra sensitive to the sun—so alwayswear sunglasses, and use an eye cream to gently target with an extra dose of brightening Vitamin C.

Pacifica Clean Shot Niacinamide, Zinc & Hemp 10% Complex ($12)

For oily skin, a zinc-based formula can also fight inflammation and revert signs of sun damage.

green bottle of face spray with white cap and green letters

Mario Badescu Travel Size Facial Spray ($5)

Mario Badescu's facial sprays are another on-the-go must-have, made for stashing in your day bag or car for a midday respite from the sun.

white bottle of coola with teal lettering and silver cap

COOLA Radical Recovery After-Sun Lotion ($32)

No matter how many times we remind you to apply and reapply sunscreen, sunburns can still happen—and this lotion will be your key to providing relief and repairing skin damage.

What are your go-to after sun products? Follow us on Pinterest for more beauty inspo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Featured image via Kalos Skincare/Unsplash

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