After sun body lotion: what to use and how

What does after sun lotion do?

Moisturising after cooling the skin helps limit dryness during recovery. Aloe vera can soothe discomfort and has properties that ease inflammation, meaning redness and swelling. After sun lotion belongs in the comfort category, even if the bottle sounds like it has a repair department. Feeling cooler or less sore does not mean the burn has healed.23

Sunburn can feel hot, tender or painful, with peeling developing a few days later. Redness is not always visible on black or brown skin. The first signs can take a few hours to appear, and the full effect can take 24 hours or longer. Do not judge the severity only by how your skin looks immediately after coming indoors.14

Which lotion should you choose?

• An unperfumed moisturiser is a suitable alternative to an after sun cream or spray.
• A moisturiser containing aloe vera or soy can help soothe sunburned skin.
• For aloe gel, look for a simple formula, ideally 100% aloe vera, without added fragrance, dyes or alcohol.
• Avoid products containing numbing medicines such as benzocaine or lidocaine, and creams or lotions that hold heat in the skin.

An aloe lotion and an aloe gel are not interchangeable choices. Aloe lotions can suit daily moisturising, but added ingredients can dry out or sting sunburned skin; aloe gel is the better choice for aloe based sunburn relief. Read the full label if you have allergies or sensitive skin. Skip aloe if it has previously caused a rash or another bad reaction.2

How to apply after sun body lotion

1. 1Get out of the sun as soon as you notice a burn, preferably going indoors.
2. 2Cool the skin with a cool shower, bath or damp cloth. Keep showers short and the water pressure gentle. Do not use harsh soap on burned skin.
3. 3Gently pat the skin dry, leaving it slightly damp rather than drying it completely.
4. 4Apply your moisturiser while the skin is still damp. If using aloe gel instead, gently spread a thick layer over the area without rubbing hard.
5. 5Reapply moisturiser whenever discomfort returns, especially during the first few days. Reapply aloe gel as needed when the area feels dry, hot or itchy.

Start care when you notice the burn rather than waiting until bedtime. For extra comfort, aloe gel can be kept in the fridge. Cooling with water comes before moisturising; if a small area still feels hot, gently place a cool damp washcloth over it until it feels cooler.235

Is after sun lotion effective?

Yes, for symptom relief and moisturising, not for reversing ultraviolet damage. Aloe's soothing sensation is useful, but studies have found it no more effective than a placebo for treating sunburn. Its water content can help hydrate the skin and may limit peeling. A cooling feeling is a comfort benefit.2

Sunburn usually gets better within seven days, although more severe burns can last a couple of weeks. Peeling can appear during recovery; do not scratch it or pull the skin away. If the burn is not healing or symptoms are not easing, contact a healthcare professional rather than continuing to rely on lotion.13

Is after sun lotion necessary?

No separate after sun product is necessary if you have a suitable unperfumed moisturiser. An ordinary unperfumed moisturiser is also an option, so the bathroom does not need a separate department for holidays. More useful additions to burn care are cooling the skin, drinking water and keeping the burned area out of direct sunlight until it has fully healed.1

What else helps while your skin recovers?

Sunburn draws fluid towards the skin and away from the rest of the body, so drink extra water to help prevent dehydration. Wear loose, soft clothing to reduce friction. Calamine lotion or a colloidal oatmeal bath can help relieve discomfort. For pain, paracetamol or ibuprofen are options; follow the medicine leaflet, and ask a pharmacist if you need help choosing treatment.1356

Do not put ice or ice packs on sunburned skin, and do not pop blisters. Keep blistered areas clean and get medical advice. Do not coat an ordinary sunburn with petroleum jelly; care for individual blisters is a separate issue. Avoid tight clothing and scratching, which can add irritation and increase the risk of infection.135

After sun care does not replace sun protection. Keep burned areas covered, seek shade and wear protective clothing. Use a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin. Sunburn can cause lasting damage and increase skin cancer risk even after the immediate discomfort has passed.56

When is lotion not enough?

Get urgent medical advice for:

• Blistering, extremely painful sunburn, significant swelling or facial swelling.
• Fever, severe chills, nausea, headache, dizziness or feeling faint.
• Dehydration signs such as extreme thirst, dry mouth or very little urine.
• Increasing redness, warmth, pain or swelling, or pus from the affected area.
• Painful eyes that are sensitive to light.
• Sunburn in a baby or young child.

Call your local emergency number if someone has a high body temperature and is confused or unconscious. Move them to a cool place and begin cooling them while waiting for help. Severe sunburn and heat illness need medical care, not another layer of moisturiser.4

How do you make after sun lotion?

For a simple home option, use fresh aloe gel rather than mixing a lotion: cut an aloe leaf, slice it open and scoop out the clear gel for direct application. Avoid it if you have reacted to aloe before. There is no need to add fragrance or other ingredients to use the gel.2

Making a stored cosmetic lotion involves more than combining ingredients. Microbial contamination can make cosmetics unsafe, and packaging can also introduce hazards. Homemade products still need to be safe under their intended conditions of use. Calling a mixture natural does not remove those responsibilities, and a kitchen recipe is not a substitute for safety testing.7