After Sun
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After-sun is skincare you apply once you're out of the sun to cool, hydrate and soothe skin that's been exposed to UV rays and heat. It replenishes the moisture sun and heat draw out of the skin, helps calm redness and tightness, and can prolong a tan by keeping skin supple so it flakes less. Clarins after-sun lotions, creams and gels are enriched with soothing, hydrating ingredients such as Aloe Vera and Shea Butter to comfort skin after time outdoors.
For instant relief, the Cooling After Sun Gel refreshes and eases tightness, while the Soothing After Sun Balm delivers intense hydration for up to 48 hours. For sunburned or particularly sensitive skin, the Suncare After Sun Mask provides deep hydration and a cooling, calming effect. After-sun works best as part of a complete sun routine, alongside daily sun protection before exposure and self-tanners to maintain a glow without extra UV, so skin stays healthy, hydrated and radiant from start to finish.
For instant relief, the Cooling After Sun Gel refreshes and eases tightness, while the Soothing After Sun Balm delivers intense hydration for up to 48 hours. For sunburned or particularly sensitive skin, the Suncare After Sun Mask provides deep hydration and a cooling, calming effect. After-sun works best as part of a complete sun routine, alongside daily sun protection before exposure and self-tanners to maintain a glow without extra UV, so skin stays healthy, hydrated and radiant from start to finish.
Any questions?
Our experts have the answers.
What is after-sun?
After-sun is a hydrating, soothing skincare product designed to restore skin after sun exposure. Sun and heat strip moisture and can leave skin tight, red and prone to peeling, and after-sun replenishes that hydration while cooling and calming the skin. Formulas often contain aloe vera, shea butter and other soothing ingredients, and come as gels, lotions, creams or masks.
Why is it important to use after-sun?
After-sun is important because it helps skin recover from UV exposure by replacing lost moisture, easing redness and reducing peeling. Sun and heat dehydrate the skin and break down its surface, so rehydrating afterwards keeps it comfortable and supple and helps a tan look even and last longer. Applying it the same day, ideally after a cool shower, gives the best results.
What is the difference between after-sun and a regular moisturizer?
After-sun is formulated specifically for skin that has been in the sun, so it's lighter, more cooling and richer in soothing ingredients like aloe vera than a standard moisturizer. It's designed to calm heat and redness and replace the moisture sun draws out, often with a refreshing gel or balm texture. A regular moisturizer hydrates but doesn't offer the same cooling, after-exposure focus.
How and when should you apply after-sun?
Apply after-sun the same day as sun exposure, ideally after a cool (not hot) shower while skin is still slightly damp, then reapply as needed over the following days. Smooth a generous layer over all exposed areas, focusing on spots that feel tight or warm. Continuing to use it for several days after sun helps prevent peeling and keeps a tan looking even for longer.
What is the best after-sun product for sunburn?
For mild sunburn, a cooling, fragrance-light formula with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera works best to calm heat and hydrate the skin. The Suncare After Sun Mask, made with Organic Aloe Vera and Organic Sunflower extracts, has an icy texture that delivers up to 24 hours of hydration and helps reduce redness and the feeling of heat. Note that after-sun soothes mild sunburn but isn't a treatment for severe burns, blistering or sunburn with fever, which need medical attention.
Can after-sun replace sunscreen?
No, after-sun cannot replace sunscreen. After-sun is applied after exposure to hydrate and soothe the skin, while sunscreen is applied before and during sun exposure to block UV rays and prevent damage. They serve different purposes, so the two work together rather than one substituting for the other.
How can I make my tan last longer after sun exposure?
The key to a longer-lasting tan is keeping skin well hydrated so it sheds more slowly; dry skin flakes and fades the tan faster. Use after-sun daily after exposure, avoid hot showers and harsh exfoliation, and keep skin moisturized in the days that follow. To top up colour without more UV, a self-tanner such as the Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster extends a natural-looking glow.
Related categories and products: Sunscreen, Self-tanning, Sun products