What are they
After sun are products that help the skin recover the correct level of hydration after exposure to the sun, to prevent the onset of sunburn, to soothe the burning sensation.
In addition, they contribute to the repair mechanisms of minor damage that may have suffered the skin due to exposure to ultraviolet rays.
What they contain
The most commonly present active ingredients are shea butter, allantoin and especially aloe vera. Shea butter – extracted from the seeds of a tropical African plant, Butyrospermum parkii – is rich in vitamin A, D and E, and stimulates the circulation of skin capillaries.
Allantoin promotes rapid cell proliferation by accelerating the healing of small wounds and light burns.
Aloe vera, thanks to its active ingredients – especially barbaloin – has an anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and stimulating action on the skin’s immune defenses.
To these substances can be added other active ingredients such as panthenol, which the body transforms into pantothenic acid or vitamin B5, with a moisturizing and soothing action, and bisabolo, obtained from chamomile.
Some after-sun products also contain hyaluronic acid or biomimetic peptides, i.e. fragments of synthetic proteins that facilitate the production of collagen in the tissue and soothe pain.
When and why to use them
Prolonged exposure to the sun subjects the skin to a strong stress making it drier in the first place, a phenomenon even more accentuated by salt residues that can remain on the skin after a swim in the sea or by chlorine present in swimming pools.
In addition, even when you are not in the presence of erythema, sunburn or burns, ultraviolet rays inevitably cause small damage to skin cells.
After sun helps them to restore optimal physiological conditions, tends to avoid aging and prevents or soothes sunburn.
How to use them
After sun exposure should be applied after exposure to the sun, preferably after taking a shower that cleans the skin of sweat and brackish residues or other creams that could hinder its absorption by the skin.
The application should be repeated when the skin feels dry and suffering again.
Precautions
Although some of the substances contained in after-sun can have a moderate shielding action against UV rays, they are generally not to be used as sunscreens.
It is therefore better to apply them before exposure to the sun: in this case, products with sunscreens are necessary.
Although after-sun can be used to prevent or help the healing of mild sunburn, characterized by a more or less intense redness, in case of erythema of a certain importance, with evident bubbles or even more if you are burned, it is better to ask your doctor for an opinion, who will be able to recommend specific drugs.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.