What does aftersun do and do you really need it?

The benefits of aftersun

You may step out into a sunny day with the best of intentions. Yet, you need only forget to apply enough sunscreen, to reapply, or fail to cover up, and all too easily you have sunburn.

When you notice your skin turning red, stinging, or becoming sensitive to the touch, it's a clear sign that harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun has damaged or killed your top layer of skin cells, called the epidermis.

What you may not know is that even a sun-kissed golden brown suntan - where the sun causes your top layer of skin to produce more of the colour pigment melanin - is a sign of irreparable sun damage. There is no such thing as a healthy tan.

What does aftersun do?

If you're confused about aftersun, you're not alone. Most people have the same questions.

Does aftersun limit skin damage? Is it just another moisturiser? Can it make sunburn pain go away?

Dr Paul Banwell, Director and Founder of The Banwell Clinic and former head of The Melanoma and Skin Cancer Unit (MASCU) in East Grinstead, explains that aftersun moisturises your skin after sunburn. However, it doesn't just have to be used to treat sunburn, as it is really just a moisturiser.

Your skin should ideally be between 20% and 30% water, but sunburnt skin is drained of moisture leaving it feeling dry, irritated, and flaky. Aftersun hydrates and locks more water into your skin.

"Compared to other moisturisers, aftersun does contain additional soothing ingredients that will calm the skin after burning and help reduce redness," Banwell adds. "Aftersun products often contain aloe vera plant extracts, which help replenish moisture lost from exposure to the sun's UV rays."

Aloe vera is a plant with special healing powers - its anti-inflammatory properties can help to soothe and cool down hot, stinging sunburn. It's also rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E. This can help to heal the symptoms of sunburn, although it can't reverse UV damage.

The best aftersun might also include cucumber extract. If you've ever used slices of this vegetable on your eyelids, you'll know that it's able to soothe skin and reduce swelling. When applied to sunburn, this can also reduce your pain.

Prevention is better than cure

If there's one thing you should remember about sunburn and aftersun, it's that preventing sun damage is by far the best course of action. Aftersun may be soothing and cooling, but no treatment can repair damage caused by UV radiation.

Allergic reactions to aftersun

As with most lotions and potions, there's a small chance that your skin could be irritated by certain ingredients.

If you have sensitive skin or have had allergic reactions to skin products in the past, check the label or ask a pharmacist about any potential irritants if you're unsure.

When aftersun isn't enough

Not all sunburns are the same. In fact, some can be severe and require immediate medical attention.

A good sun care routine in summer involves applying sun cream regularly throughout the day to avoid sunburn and applying aftersun to keep your skin looking and feeling vibrant and healthy. The best aftersun application would be after showering, as washing off sun lotion first and massaging into damp skin will help your skin to lock in more aftersun hydration.

To keep your skin super hydrated, you may wish to apply hyaluronic acid before using aftersun. This helps your skin to draw in even more moisture.

If like many others you find yourself buying aftersun only after you've burnt, you should shower and apply liberally at least every morning and evening - or as often as you like - until your symptoms disappear.

Remember, regardless of its soothing, hydrating properties, aftersun is no magic formula. We are all human and accidental sunburn happens.

However, you can always try to prevent sun damage in hot weather by:

• Wearing protective clothes, sun hats, and sunglasses.

• Applying sun cream.

• Seeking shade, especially during midday.