Which is better after sun: after sun or aloe vera?

The sun can give us that tan we love so much, but it can also damage our skin if we don’t take precautions. The question most often asked by those looking to look after themselves after a day at the beach or the swimming pool is always the same: Which is better: after-sun lotion or aloe vera? The answer depends on your situation, and in this guide we explain it clearly, with comparisons, application tips and recommendations from Sam Parfums.

Why is it important to look after your skin after sun exposure?

Before we discuss which product to use, there are two concepts you need to be very clear about:

• The skin is the body’s largest organ and your main defence against the sun’s rays. Protecting it properly is not a matter of appearance, but of health. Choose your sun cream carefully before going out in the sun.
• Post-sun moisturising is essential for all skin types to prevent flaking, leave the skin feeling soft and maintain a radiant appearance.

Excessive exposure to the sun’s rays causes: premature ageing, fine lines, dark spots, redness, dryness and sunburn. To treat these, you have three options available: a standard moisturiser, after-sun lotion or aloe vera. Let’s look at each one in detail.

After-sun vs. aloe vera: key differences

Before going into detail about each product, here is a direct comparison:

Common after-sun moisturiser

Moisturising creams are composed of moisturising active ingredients such as shea butter, D-panthenol (a derivative of vitamin B5) or coconut milk. The aim is to replenish the missing substances so that the skin barrier is in perfect condition.

For example, creams containing argan oil are more suitable for dry skin, while those that contain jojoba oil are best suited to combination and oily skin. However, Ordinary moisturisers are not specifically formulated to repair sun damage, so they are not the first choice for after-sun care.

After sun after sun exposure

After-sun creams are products specifically designed to regenerate the skin following sun exposure. This is reflected in their composition: many contain active ingredients such as mint, calendula, chamomile or alpha-bisabolol, with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties for skin that has been exposed to the sun.

When is an after-sun product the best option?

• Your skin has burnt or is visibly red after being exposed to the sun.
• You need an immediate and powerful soothing effect, particularly with active ingredients such as bisabolol or mint.
• Are you looking for a richer, more nourishing texture than pure aloe vera gel?.
• You’re going to be out in the sun over the next few days and you want your skin barrier to recover quickly.

What ingredients should you look for in a good after-sun product?

• No artificial fragrances: may cause an adverse reaction on skin exposed to the sun
• Aloe vera extract (ideally among the first few on the INCI list)
• Alpha-bisabolol or chamomile: powerful natural anti-inflammatories
• Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5): promotes regeneration
• Contains no ethyl alcohol: dries out and irritates skin that is already damaged

Aloe vera after sun exposure: when is it the best option?

Pure aloe vera is one of the most comprehensive natural options for after-sun care. It contains anti-inflammatory, regenerative, soothing and antihistamine properties, which means that any itching that may occur after sun exposure will disappear when you apply it.

When is aloe vera the best option?

• Your skin hasn’t actually burnt, but it feels warm, tight or slightly pink.
• You want a natural daily skincare routine throughout the summer.
• You have sensitive skin that reacts to fragrances or synthetic ingredients in after-sun products.
• Do you want to make your tan last longer? Aloe vera moisturises and helps maintain an even skin tone for longer. Here are all the tips to help your tan last longer.
• Are you looking for a multifunctional product: The gel can act as a toner, serum and after-sun treatment all in one step.

The benefits of aloe vera for the skin go far beyond sun protection

As well as caring for the skin after sun exposure, aloe vera has properties that are beneficial all year round: deep hydration, an antibacterial effect on acne-prone skin, a soothing effect on rosacea and night-time cell regeneration. Discover all the benefits of aloe vera for the skin in our comprehensive guide

Why is aloe vera from the Canary Islands particularly effective as an after-sun treatment?

The volcanic climate of the Canary Islands produces aloe vera with a concentration of acemanano (the polysaccharide responsible for most of its therapeutic properties) is higher than in other growing regions. Canary Island aloe grows under intense sunshine and in mineral-rich soil, which enhances its antioxidant and regenerative properties. At Sam Parfums, we grow and process our aloe in Lanzarote, ensuring the highest purity from the field to the packaging. If you’re interested in this topic, we’ve written a whole post explaining why Aloe vera from the Canary Islands is the best.

¿What’s best for after-sun care? Our conclusion

Broadly speaking, We do not recommend replacing after-sun lotion or aloe vera with a standard moisturiser, as these are not designed for specific after-sun care.

• After-sun lotion It’s brilliant when your skin has been sunburnt or needs an extra-strong dose of moisture.
• Pure aloe vera It is the most comprehensive natural alternative: it contains the same moisturising, anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties as an after-sun product, but in a single ingredient.

Our recommendation: For the best results, choose an after-sun product that lists a high-concentration aloe vera extract amongst its first few ingredients. This way, you combine the soothing power of an after-sun product with the regenerative and natural properties of Canarian aloe vera in a single step.

If you have blisters or more serious burns, always consult your doctor before applying any product.

Recommended after-sun products at Sam Parfums

✦  99% Pure Organic Aloe Vera Gel from the Canary Islands

✦  Category: Sun Care (after-sun products, sun creams and post-sun lotions)

✦  A complete range of aloe vera products from the Canary Islands

Frequently asked questions: after-sun vs aloe vera

Can you use aloe vera after sun exposure every day?

Yes. Pure aloe vera gel is suitable for daily use throughout the summer. Unlike some after-sun products with an oily texture, the gel is quickly absorbed and leaves no residue. Apply it to clean, slightly damp skin to maximise absorption.

Does after-sun moisturiser hydrate as well as aloe vera?

Specific after-sun products may provide more intense short-term hydration for severely sunburnt skin. Pure aloe vera, however, provides more sustained hydration and helps to regenerate the skin’s barrier. For day-to-day skincare in summer, aloe vera is usually the most comprehensive and natural option.

What happens if I don’t put anything on after being in the sun?

Exposure to the sun without moisturising afterwards accelerates dehydration, causes flaking and promotes the appearance of dark spots and premature ageing. What’s more, your tan won’t last nearly as long: dry skin peels sooner. Even if it’s just a light aloe vera gel, applying something is always better than applying nothing at all.

Does aloe vera relieve the stinging sensation caused by sunburn?

Yes, especially high-concentration pure aloe vera gel. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce the stinging and burning sensation on the skin. Apply a generous amount and repeat several times a day. For burns that have blistered or cover a large area, always consult a doctor.

Can I mix aloe vera with after-sun lotion?

Yes, you can apply them in layers: first the after-sun lotion as a soothing base, and then the aloe vera gel as a moisturising finishing touch. If your after-sun lotion already contains aloe vera, there’s no need to add any more. The important thing is to apply them one after the other, not to mix them together in your hand.