Best after sun products for holiday burn

After spending hours under a tropical sun, you return to your room hoping to see some new tan lines, only to find that you’ve accidentally burnt yourself to a crisp. We’ve all been there, but it’s not an experience you have to repeat year on year.

With the help of a specially designed moisturiser or lotion, you can turn that redness into the tan you were after. In fact, no matter how well your skin deals with the sun, it’s important to give it the right nourishment in the evening to avoid looking like an old leather handbag in years to come.

Tip: Store in the fridge for the ultimate feeling of relief when applied.

Here are nine of the best:

Aloe Pura Aloe Vera Gel

Sensitive skin in particular will love this cooling gel- easily absorbed, it doesn’t clog pores or leave behind any sticky residue. Containing both anti-bacterial and anti- inflammatory properties, it’ll heal your parched and damaged skin quickly and even when the holiday’s over you can use it to nourish hair, clear up acne and fade stretch marks.

£5 | Holland & Barrett | Buy it now

Ultrasun After Sun

For those who suffer from heat rashes, this will be a godsend. Ultrasun is a trusted and well-known brand dedicated to creating products that protect and heal sun-exposed skin, so fair skin will love this lotion which is free from the emulsifiers that can trigger allergic reactions.

£17 | John Lewis | Buy it now

Vichy Ideal Soleil After Sun

Vichy’s after sun oil allows you to kill two birds with one stone; adding a glow to your skin as it nourishes. If you’re dashing out for the evening not long after vacating the pool, this will speed up the process: you can apply it whilst in the shower rather than after. The Shea oil is rich in fatty acids, dramatically reducing the chance of peeling.

£8.66 for 200ml | Escentual | Buy it now

Clarins After Sun Moisturiser

If you want a sun kissed look long after you’re back on home turf, an After Sun that both repairs and enhances your tan, such as this one, is a good call. Clarins combines safflower and sunflower extracts to reduce redness and discomfort whilst enhancing your natural tan. It contains a self-tanning agent to boost your natural glow so make sure you wash your hands after use to avoid the dreaded tangerine palm.

£18.90 | Escentual | Buy it now

La Roche-Posay Posthelios After Sun Face and Body Gel

Like all products from La Roche-Posay, this healing after-sun gel is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. It combines the French pharmacy brand’s thermal spring water with shea butter to instantly soothe burning sensations and envelop the face and body with moisture. With no parabens or preservatives in the formula, it won’t clog the pores either.

£8.66 | Escentual | Buy it now

Calypso After Sun Lotion with Insect Repellent

With 500ml in each bottle, you get a lot of bang for your buck here. Including insect repellent as well as soothing agents, it’s a great one to use on the kids before you go out for dinner as it means avoiding the tedium of having to apply two separate ointments. The smell is fresh and fruity so you won’t feel like you’ve doused yourself in bug-killing spray.

£3.75 for 500ml | Fragrance Direct | Buy it now​

Evy AfterSun Mousse

Here’s one that will stay put for hours on end come rain or shine. Unlike some after-sun creams, this Swedish skincare brand’s formula spreads throughout the top layer of the skin rather than staying on the surface. Once applied, it’ll leave your skin silky smooth for up to 12 hours while strengthening its protective barrier. It can also be used before swimming for protection against chlorine.

£9.95 | Amazon | Buy it now

Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Coconut Body Butter

More like your regular moisturiser, this body butter is rich and smooth. It deeply nourishes your parched skin with the help of both coconut and avocado oils (what else?) and feels much more luxurious than the price tag suggests. This is great for that stubborn dry skin on the lower legs as well as typical dry spots such as the knees and elbows. What with the aforementioned ingredients, it smells great, too.

£5 | Superdrug, | Buy it now

Korres Yoghurt Cooling Gel

A treat for the skin, this creamy gel formula from Greek brand Korres feels as good as it sounds. Its main ingredient, yoghurt – a natural source of lactose, is packed with vitamins that help to increase moisture levels and relieve UV-induced redness. We like how its lightweight texture melts into the skin in seconds for less fuss. This is a must for those with severe sunburn.

£16 | Look Fantastic | Buy it now