Exploring Different Types of After Sun

Wanna tell your skin to cool off, chill out, or head to Maxo Relaxo Island after a liiittle too much time in the sun? Cue your new bestie: after sun – specifically formulated to calm, hydrate and repair the skin after sun exposure. There are several types of after sun products, but the bottom line is they’re designed to help restore moisture lost due to UV exposure, which can dry out and damage the skin. Before you go culling your skincare shelf, let’s get one thing clear: After sun can help reduce pain and dryness from sunburns, but it’s no substitute for proper sun protection. That’s why applying SPF 30+ or SPF 50+ every single day is so important!

Sooo, you’ve probs got heaps of questions regarding all the different after sun lotions and potions. No sweat! Sundae’s here to answer all your burning questions (soz, we had to).

The different types of after sun

After sun lotions

With their medium-thick creamy consistency, after sun lotions work a treat for those with normal to dry skin. Key ingredients include aloe vera, shea butter and cucumber extract (to name just a few!), which are particularly talented at nourishing the skin and keeping it feeling nice and hydrated.

Try: If you love a foamy lotion formula, Sundae’s Crackling After Sun Foams in Cool Your Melons & Cool As A Cucumber have (literally) got you covered. Packed with Native River Mint to help the skin chill the *$&%^# out, these non-greasy sidekicks have a 2-hour water-resistant tick of approval.

After sun creams

While after sun lotion has a lighter, more fluid texture that absorbs quickly, after sun cream is thicker and richer, providing deeper hydration. It’s best suited for those with dry skin who need a ‘lil extra TLC.

After sun sprays

Are you all about convenience? Then you’ll love after sun sprays and mists! They’re quick, easy to apply, quick-to-dry and require little effort to keep your skin feeling refreshingly cool, calm and collected. So, if you’re looking for something low-maintenance to just spritz on when the skin calls, this one’s for you, boo.

After sun oils

After sun oils come in various consistencies, from lightweight and fast-absorbing to richer, more emollient formulas. They provide deep hydration, soothe sun-exposed skin, and promote healing while offering a non-greasy or nourishing texture depending on your preference. Keep in mind that if you have oily-prone or mild acne-prone skin, you might find that after sun oils aren’t the right match for your skin (but of course, everyone is different!).

After sun gels

After sun gels are lightweight, cooling and hydrating. They are often water-based and formulated with calming ingredients like aloe vera or cucumber extract, making them ideal for oily or combination skin (because they hydrate without feeling too heavy or greasy). After sun gels can also do all kinds of awesome things for sensitive skin as they calm and reduce redness while offering a refreshing, non-comedogenic option.

After sun balms
Thick, creamy and semi-solid, after sun balms are typically richer and more emollient than regular after sun lotions or gels, providing extra nourishment and moisture to the skin. Often formulated with ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, coconut oil, or other soothing and hydrating elements to help cool the skin, reduce redness, and prevent peeling after sunburn, an after sun balm is a fab choice if you’re looking for more intense moisture.

Benefits of using after sun

Need a reason to add after sun to your summer rotation? We’ll give ya 5!

Calms and cools the skin: After sun helps with discomfort from sunburn or irritation with cooling ingredients like aloe vera.

Hydrates and moisturises: After sun restores moisture to the skin after sun exposure, preventing dryness.

Reduces redness and inflammation: After sun possesses anti-inflammatory ingredients that help reduce redness and swelling.

Promotes skin healing: After sun supports the skin’s natural repair process, helping it recover from sun damage.

Prevents peeling: After sun keeps skin hydrated, reducing the likelihood of peeling after sun exposure.

Just like humans, after sun comes in all shapes and sizes! No matter your skin type, preference or what you’ve got stored away in that bathroom drawer of yours, if there’s one product to add to your existing skincare collection this summer, it’s the humble after sun bottle, tub or jar. Oh, and don’t forget your SPF – she’s the real #1.

Happy Sundae x

Always read the label and follow the directions of use. Sunscreen is only one part of sun production. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure. Reapply frequently.

Written By: Lizzie Waley (Sundae Co-Founder & Body Care Enthusiast) | LinkedIn

Fact Checked: Charnnie Frimpong (Sundae Content Marketing Manager) | Linkedin