14 Best After-Sun Lotions of 2025, According to Dermatologists

</p><p>After a long day spent soaking up rays, your skin may feel dry, tight, and in need of some serious TLC. While applying <a href=” target=”_blank”>the best mineral sunscreen</a> is a must, sometimes UV rays creep through. When this happens, using an after-sun lotion can help to calm angry, red skin. These nourishing lotions not only soothe but also aid in replenishing moisture and promoting healing.<br></p><p>After-sun products tend to be formulated with ultra-nourishing and soothing ingredients like aloe vera and can be “particularly helpful if people have had prolonged sun exposure or got a mild <a href=” target=”_blank”>sunburn</a>,” explains <a href=” target=”_blank”>Janiene Luke, M.D.</a>, a board-certified dermatologist in Loma Linda, CA. </p><p class=”body-tip”>Meet the experts: <a href=” target=”_blank”>Janiene Luke, M.D.</a>, a board-certified dermatologist in Loma Linda, CA; <a href=” target=”_blank”>Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D.</a>, a double board-certified dermatologist with <a href=” target=”_blank”>Affiliated Dermatology</a> in Scottsdale, AZ</p><p class=”body-text”>While these lotions, gels, and creams tend to be very effective, it’s important to remember that anytime you get a sunburn, “you’re increasing your risk of <a href=” target=”_blank”>skin cancer</a>—including <a href=” target=”_blank”>melanoma</a>,” says <a href=” target=”_blank”>Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D.</a>, a double board-certified dermatologist with <a href=” target=”_blank”>Affiliated Dermatology</a> in Scottsdale, AZ. “Learn from the burn. If you’ve had a burn, make sure to go see your dermatologist to get a skin check and figure out where you could do better in terms of sun protection.”</p><p>However, Dr. Lal adds that an after-sun lotion doesn’t <em>just</em> have to be used post-sunburn. After prolonged sun exposure, your skin can become drier, even if you reapply the <a href=” target=”_blank”>best sunscreen</a> every two hours. “So you’ll want to moisturize more often—and that’s where many of these after-sun lotions can be helpful,” he explains.</p><p>Below, we’ve found the best after-sun lotions that are dermatologist-approved to calm, hydrate, and repair your skin. Whether you’re dealing with mild redness or need a deep moisture boost, these top picks have you covered from head to toe.</p>” data-next-head/>