{"id":28090,"date":"2026-08-05T04:13:27","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T23:13:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=28090"},"modified":"2026-08-05T04:13:27","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T23:13:27","slug":"7-best-after-sun-lotions-2026-according-to-dermatologists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=28090","title":{"rendered":"7 Best After-Sun Lotions 2026, According to Dermatologists"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 90,\r\n    'width' : 728,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highperformanceformat.com\/644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"GenericCallout\">\n<h2><strong>Frequently asked questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div style=\"outline:none\" id=\"how\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<p><strong>How do after-sun lotions work?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Whether a product is specifically marketed as an \u201cafter sun\u201d lotion or cream, or just has the right formulation to treat sun-stressed skin, \u201cingredients like menthol or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.glamour.com\/gallery\/best-aloe-vera-gels\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text link\">aloe vera<\/a> can calm inflammation and soothe discomfort, while hydrating ingredients can help prevent peeling and flaking of the skin,\u201d says <a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/pfrankmd.com\/about-dermatology-office-nyc\/providers\/dr-connie-yang\/\" class=\"external-link text link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/pfrankmd.com\/about-dermatology-office-nyc\/providers\/dr-connie-yang\/&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/pfrankmd.com\/about-dermatology-office-nyc\/providers\/dr-connie-yang\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Connie Yang, MD<\/a>, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.glamour.com\/gallery\/best-hyaluronic-acid-serums\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text link\">Hyaluronic acid<\/a>, shea butter, and coconut oil are all highly moisturizing ingredients that\u2019ll help keep skin looking youthful, supple, and possibly even prolong your tan. (And yes, you <em>can<\/em> still <a href=\"https:\/\/www.glamour.com\/story\/does-sunscreen-prevent-tanning\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text link\">tan while wearing sunscreen<\/a>.)<\/p>\n<div style=\"outline:none\" id=\"way\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<p><strong>What\u2019s the best way to apply after-sun lotions?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The sooner you use them, the better, according to the dermatologists we spoke with. \u201cRadiation from the sun can continue to damage skin tissue for several hours after exposure. The quicker you can use after-sun lotions, the sooner you can offset the damage and minimize damage,\u201d says Dr. Nazarian. The products that specifically contain aloe can cool skin quickly, so they should be applied immediately.<\/p>\n<div style=\"outline:none\" id=\"sunburn\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<p><strong>Can you use an after-sun lotion on a sunburn?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Yes, you can use an after-sun lotion directly on a sunburn. \u201cIngredients that can quickly decrease the skin temperature can also be useful because UV damage continues for several hours after exposure,\u201d says Dr. Nazarian. \u201cStarting these products quickly can minimize the damage done to tissue.\u201d Those ingredients include <strong>aloe, vitamin E,<\/strong> and <strong>cocoa butter.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"outline:none\" id=\"avoid\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<p><strong>Is there anything you should avoid doing when using an after-sun lotion?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Skin can become very sensitive after exposure to sunlight, and even if you\u2019re back in the shade or have left the beach, damage can still ensue. Dermatologists recommend staying away from anything that will weaken the skin barrier further (think: exfoliating ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinoids). It\u2019s also important to keep skin cool after UV exposure, so try taking a cold shower, and avoid saunas or steam rooms until your skin is fully healed. \u201cDo not pull or peel on any skin that starts to slough or look dry. This is just damaged skin that&#8217;s trying to renew itself. Pulling or rubbing the peeling skin will only increase the time it takes to fully heal, and increase risk of infection and scars,\u201d says Dr. Nazarian. Continue applying after-sun lotions until skin is no longer red or peeling.<\/p>\n<p>To find the best after-sun products, we didn\u2019t just rely on expert picks. We tried them ourselves\u2014over and over again. What started as early testing during spring break turned into months of daily use as the weather warmed up and summer officially began. While taking care of skin after outdoor workouts or long afternoons lounging poolside, we\u2019ve put more than 20 lotions, gels, and sprays through real-world conditions. We looked at how the formulas absorbed, how it felt on freshly sun-kissed skin, and whether it delivered on hydration and cooling benefits. We also paid attention to the small but important details, like scent, residue, and how quickly we could get dressed afterward.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/www.michelegreenmd.com\/\" class=\"external-link text link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.michelegreenmd.com\/&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.michelegreenmd.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Michele Green, MD<\/a>, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City<\/li>\n<li><a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/pfrankmd.com\/about-dermatology-office-nyc\/providers\/dr-connie-yang\/\" class=\"external-link text link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/pfrankmd.com\/about-dermatology-office-nyc\/providers\/dr-connie-yang\/&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/pfrankmd.com\/about-dermatology-office-nyc\/providers\/dr-connie-yang\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Connie Yang, MD<\/a>, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City<\/li>\n<li><a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/korunyc.com\/koru-wellness-aesthetics\/\" class=\"external-link text link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/korunyc.com\/koru-wellness-aesthetics\/&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/korunyc.com\/koru-wellness-aesthetics\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Vivina Chin, MD<\/a>, founder of <a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/korunyc.com\/\" class=\"external-link text link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/korunyc.com\/&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/korunyc.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Koru Wellness Aesthetics<\/a> in New York City<\/li>\n<li><a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/www.drkimdavid.com\/about\" class=\"external-link text link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.drkimdavid.com\/about&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.drkimdavid.com\/about\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">David Kim, MD<\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City<\/li>\n<li><a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/www.brookejeffymd.com\/about\/\" class=\"external-link text link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.brookejeffymd.com\/about\/&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brookejeffymd.com\/about\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Brooke Jeffy, MD<\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of youth skin care brand <a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/www.meetbtwn.com\/\" class=\"external-link text link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.meetbtwn.com\/&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.meetbtwn.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Btwn<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/hbdermatology.com\/team\/\" class=\"external-link text link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/hbdermatology.com\/team\/&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/hbdermatology.com\/team\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Shannon Humphrey, MD<\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director at Humphrey &amp; Beleznay Cosmetic Dermatology in Vancouver<\/li>\n<li><a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/nazariandermatology.com\/\" class=\"external-link text link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/nazariandermatology.com\/&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/nazariandermatology.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Rachel Nazarian, MD<\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr\/>\n<\/div>\n<script async=\"async\" data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/pl30214220.effectivecpmnetwork.com\/9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<div id=\"container-9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\"><\/div>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Frequently asked questions How do after-sun lotions work? Whether a product is specifically marketed as an \u201cafter sun\u201d lotion or cream, or just has the right formulation to treat sun-stressed skin, \u201cingredients like menthol or aloe vera can calm inflammation and soothe discomfort, while hydrating ingredients can help prevent peeling and flaking of the skin,\u201d&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":28091,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/media.glamour.com\/photos\/6a723217d6ca6fa86e5c0de2\/16:9\/w_1280,c_limit\/IMG_4526.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28090","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-celebrity-gossip"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28090","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=28090"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28090\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/28091"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=28090"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=28090"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=28090"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}