Despite our best efforts to protect our skin from the sun's seething rays, sometimes Mother Nature gets the best of us and we end up looking more like a lobster than the sun-kissed beach goddess we had in mind. Sunburn can equal days of painful, sensitive skin followed by even more days of unsightly peeling and flaking. To make the best of a bad situation, we gathered a few of our favorite burn cures sure to give you the relief you need.
Splurge!
When your skin deserves the best after a beating from the sun, these high-end department store finds will deliver much more than cooling relief.
Clinique After Sun Rescue Balm with Aloe
Give your parched skin a burst of hydration with this ultra-moisturizing balm from Clinique. In addition to soothing aloe, this balm provides an after-sun repair solution to help prevent long- lasting damage from your burn.
Available at: Macy's, $21
Korres Yoghurt Instant Soothing Gel
Korres takes a natural approach to soothing stressed out skin by including real edible yogurt in an instant soothing gel. Rub onto irritated skin and get instant relief with the light cooling effect of the gel, made without parabens, sulfates or synthetic dyes.
Available at: Sephora, $38
Ahava Mineral Suncare Aftersun Rehydrating Balm Body and Face
This oil-free formula with anti-aging benefits offers soothing to burnt skin with aloe vera, dead sea minerals and antioxidant vitamins. Ahava's mineral suncare lotion is approved for sensitive skin and replenishes lost moisture, which will help prevent peeling.
Available at: Ulta, $29
Save!
When you're in need of fast relief, these drugstore products will give your skin the rescuing it needs for a fraction of the cost.
Australian Gold After Sun Gel
This fresh-scented, non-greasy after sun gel dries quickly and soothes hot, burnt skin within seconds. Aloe, green tea, Vitamins C and E, and their signature native Australian acacia extract all help make this a reliable go-to product.
Available at: australiangold.com, $5.99
Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Cooling Gel
Thanks to a handy pump nozzle, quenching your skin with this icy, aloe-enriched gel is just a few squirts away. The vitamin-enriched formula helps prevent peeling, and soothes and cools on contact with Lidocaine for immediate relief.
Available at: Target, $5.84
Banana Boat Sooth-A-Caine Aloe Mist Spray
If you prefer a refreshing spray to a gel-based product, Banana Boat's aloe misting spray might be your ticket to relief. Fortified with Lidocaine and menthol, the gentle mist delivers an instant cooling sensation and keeps skin moist with Vitamin E.
Available at: Walmart, $5-7
