While we all know that the best way to protect yourselves from the lovely, but potentially deadly, rays of sun is wearing sun protection, we have all been in situations where we’ve underestimated the damages or just plain forgot to do that. Worry not, because there are many tried-and-tested ways to care for your skin after lengthy sun exposure. Here are some of the best after-sun lotions (aka your new best friends) that will soothe, calm, and treat your newly ravaged skin. 

COOLA ER+ Radical Recovery After Sun Lotion

Their After Sun Lotion supplies healing and powerful antioxidants as well as soothing ingredients that help your skin repair itself after being out in the sun. This lotion has moisture-locking qualities due to its base, made of organic agave and aloe vera enriched boosters. Add rosemary extract, oils of lavender, sweet orange, sunflower, and mandarin peel in the mix and you get a vitamin-intensive lotion. This is perfect for any skin that is in desperate need of hydration.

Buy it for $32 from Sephora

Burt’s Bees Aloe & Coconut Oil After Sun Soother

This is definitely one of the most accessible and crowd-pleasing favorites that you can find in both drugstores and specialty retailers. It is intensely hydrating, and specifically formulated to naturally and quickly replenish your skin. The quick-absorbing lotion is jam-packed with aloe extract and coconut oil that nourish and soothe any irritated skin with the added benefit of retaining your skin’s natural moisture. And did we mention that it’s hella affordable?

Buy it for $7.46 from Walgreens

Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask

This one is made for your face. An ultra-gentle gel mask that hydrates and soothes dry skin using the botanical extracts of cucumber, papaya, and chamomile. Alongside supplying your skin with hydration, this gel mask cleanses your pores and skin’s surface of impurities. It’s excellent to use after sun exposure, peels, waxing, facials, and extractions.

Buy it for $55 from Sephora

Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Lotion

If you are the kind that tends to burn and then peel, this after-sun lotion is a must. This formula from sun care specialists Sun Bum is definitely one to covet. Sun Bum’s Cool Down Hydrating lotion is enriched with soothing aloe and Vitamin E, supplying intense hydration that gently restores the skin’s moisture balance. This lotion is light and non-greasy and is generally fairly quickly absorbed. You will be left with skin that feels smooth and soft. A plus is that the active ingredients actually work to prevent peeling for a longer lasting tan. 

Buy it for $11.99 from Ulta

Korres Greek Yogurt Calming + Cooling Gel

The gel provides instant relief and immediate comfort to red, irritated or sunburnt skin. This is perfect to use after the beach or even after a workout out in the sun. This incredibly cooling gel for face and body is formulated with active plant extracts and probiotic Greek yogurt to naturally hydrate and instantly soothe the skin.

Buy it for $26 from Revolve

Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel

Benton’s gel is a no-fuss kind of lotion. Made with aloe and propolis, it is simple and effective (with great product design as well!). It helps soothe irritated or burnt skin, fade acne scars, and even maintain hydration throughout the day. It also happens to be fragrance free so you can keep applying as long as you need to without getting overwhelmed by the smell. 

Buy it for $19 from Sokoglam

Also a heads up, you can get sunburned indoors too so always make sure to wear your SPF.