2 min read

Soak Up the Sun: The Best Products for Soothing Sunburn

July 13, 2018

When the sun goes down, pick these up. The importance of sunscreen has been drilled into us from the time we were old enough to pick up a Teen Vogue. But less is said about what to do once you break the cardinal rule of skincare and actually get a sunburn. Gasp! Never fear, summer sun worshipper. We’ve got the goods to soothe sunburn and get rid of the red before anyone notices your SPF slip-up.

Reducing the pain and staying hydrated

First things first, pop a couple of ibuprofen. It will help reduce inflammation and, more importantly, pain. Wash it down with a giant glass of H2O - hydration is more important now than ever. Then, run yourself a cool bath and add a few heaping tablespoons of baking soda. The cold water will help soothe sunburn while the baking soda helps to restore your skin’s pH balance.

Cool off with lotions, gels and creams

Once you’re out, it’s time to slather on the lotions, potions and goo - and you’ve got more than a few options here. Aloe vera is often the top pick for natural sunburn relief, but the green stuff from the drugstore may be doing your delicate sunburned skin more harm than good. So if you can’t get your hands on an actual aloe plant, snag a bottle of Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating Gel. It’s alcohol-free, so your skin will stay soft and hydrated even after the cooling aloe gel dries. Pro tip: pop it in the fridge before using for extra added cooling effect.

Keep your skin nourished

Another excellent aloe-rich option is Clinique After Sun Rescue Balm. It’s oil-free and non-acnegenic so those with acne-prone skin won’t have to worry about adding insult to injury with a breakout. For those willing to spend a bit more, there’s Coola Radical Recovery. It’s made of 70% organic ingredients, with essential oils like sunflower and lavender working to nourish and refresh skin.

Soothe the sunburn away

If you’re not married to the idea of after-sun products coming in traditional bright beachy packaging, Babo Botanicals Miracle Moisturizing Cream is a great natural, non-toxic option. Ultra-hydrating coconut oil and shea butter combine with colloidal oatmeal and calendula to soothe sunburn in a jiff.

High-tech saves the day

Opt for a high-tech solution and ease your sunburn with the help of LED light therapy. It's a state-of-the-art technology that was once developed by NASA and only available at dermatologists' offices. However, today you can find it in our cutting-edge UFO 2 device! The incredible beauty-tech device boasts full-spectrum LED light therapy - including the yellow and orange wavelengths which soothe sunburn and ease sun damage. Indulge in this miraculous treatment whenever you like from the comfort of your home.

Don't skip the lip

Last, but certainly not least, you gotta take care of those lips. We often neglect our lips when applying SPF, and the throbbing pain of sunburn does not lend itself well to summer romance. Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream hydrates and protects so you can get your smooch on. What are your best tips and tricks for sunburn recovery? Share in the comments below!