After-Sun Care & Sunburn Treatments

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If you are reading this, chances are that you have had the unfortunate experience of either forgetting to apply sunscreen,  falling asleep on the beach or simply being fair skinned. Looking like a lobster  after spending time outdoors is only half of the problem though. The pain and the damage you have done to your skin is the main issue. Obviously, once the damage is done, there is little you can do to rewind the clocks. There are, however, plenty of products out there that can help soothe your skin and provide temporary relief to help you sleep without cringing.

When choosing an after-sun care product, you may not have much choice, especially if you wind up in a beautifully sunny foreign country where many products that are sold in the U.S. are not available. On the other hand, if you think ahead and bring along some relief in a bottle, you will be sure that your fun-filled beach days won't be cut short.

Top Picks

Here are some standards in the sunburn-relief industry. Also keep in mind that it can be helpful to take pain reliever  (anti-inflammatory NSAIDs), apply a cold compress  to the burned areas, drink plenty of fluids and take a cool bath.

Aloe Vera

The classic is always aloe vera,  whether in gel, cream or natural form. You can get it in most places. It's inexpensive and good for all skin types since it absorbs quickly, yet isn't sticky or comodegenic (pore-clogging). It is also the best for moisturizing your skin. Try some of these brands for aloe vera products:

Lidocaine

Solarcaine, a lidocaine  medicated spray, quickly cools and numbs the burn so that it's easier to manage. It can be used with another moisturizer since it doesn't do much for hydrating the skin unless you buy the aloe vera version.  The spray is easy to handle and apply, plus it won't cause any mess.

Other numbing products that contain lidocaine will help relieve irritation such as Sarna  and Aquanil HC lotion. 

Calendula

Calendula  is a type of flower that grows in Central America and the Mediterranean and it is known for soothing burns, cuts and even helping acne. Here are a few popular brands that make calendula products:

Related Products

Sunless Tanning Lotion 

Sunscreen 

Tanning Gel 

Self-Tanning Towelettes 

Body Moisturizers 

External Links

[dragonfly] Noxema works well when you need something to cool you down in the shower!

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
NL: After Sun Shopgids