After-Sun Care & Sunburn Treatments

In many countries today, being tan is an attractive feature, but laying in the sun for hours has its price. Overindulging in sun rays is detrimental to your skin's health since sun overexposure dehydrates your skin, depleting it of its antioxidants. Though research is ongoing about whether sunscreen  will actually prevent you from getting skin cancer, melanoma, or any sun related diseases, it's not a bad idea to always use sunscreen during your sun escapades. However, if you are another unfortunate sun lover who left the sunscreen at home or forgot to reapply it after a first swim, we'll help you find your ideal relief. And, if you're a sun lover who is actually concerned about your skin's health in addition to its appearance, we can also provide you with some best-selling after-sun  products.

After-Sun Care

After-sun products keep your skin hydrated. Even if you don't look sunburned, you should take care to use some kind of after-sun care to mitigate against any looming sunburns from your future days in the sun and, if you're lucky, be able to turn that minor burn into a tan. Apply the lotion or gel every evening after your days of sun-bathing. 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 can ensure that your fun-filled beach days won't be cut short. 

After Sun Care Top Picks
Australian Gold Moisture Lock Tan Extender  Some after-sun moisturizers have the benefit of cooling down your skin and making sure your tan stays with you for more than a handful of days.	LOreal Revitalift MicroDermabrasion Kit  Tanning can look so good, but sometimes it can look a little... splotchy. Buy products that are dermatologist recommended and tested and you'll be in good hands!	Hydroderm Age Defying Anti Wrinkle Reducer  If you're afraid of increased wrinkles or an uneven tone but can't stay away from the sun, go for specific anti-wrinkling products that will moisturize your skin to prevent sun wrinkles.	Maui Babe After Browning  Your standard after-sun moisturizer, Maui Babe will keep your skin hydrated and seal in your tan. Works best after showers and can also be used year-round.

Sunburn Relief

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.

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 and, even better, 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: Alba Botanica  Aubrey Organics  Burts Bees  Jason Naturals  Ole Henriksen  Panama Jack

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 is known for soothing burns, cuts and even helping acne. Here are a few popular brands that make calendula products: Boiron  Boericke & Tafel Califlora  Natural Balance

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