10 Best Lotions For Peeling And Sunburned Skin – 2024
Soothe peeling, sunburnt, and irritated skin with moisturizing and protective lotions.
Heather DavisCertified Medical Esthetician 
Heather is a certified medical esthetician with 7 years of professional experience. Her proficiency extends across a diverse array of treatments, including specialized facial rejuvenation and vascular treatments for the face, neck, and deco... more
pooja karkalaBA (Psychology & Mass Communication) Experience: 2 yearsPooja is a Mass Communications and Psychology graduate from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and has two years of experience as a content writer. Her education has helped her develop the perf... more
krati darakMBA, Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of ... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
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We often forget to put sunscreen on before going on a beach vacation. And this may result in painful sunburns and skin peeling. Enter the best lotions for skin peeling!
Skin peeling is a condition where the upper layer of your skin or the epidermis gets damaged and starts to come off. It can be caused by various factors like immunity disorder, infections, or the harmful rays of the sun. If you are suffering from this skin issue and do not know its cause, consult a dermatologist. Until then, you can use the lotions mentioned in our article to subdue the pain and irritation. Swipe up for more details.
In This Article
Top 10 Lotions For Peeling And Sunburned Skin
1. Best Non-Greasy Formula:Burt’s Bees Aloe & Coconut Oil After Sun Soother
Are you searching for an intensive care lotion that revives and refreshes your skin instantly after an outing in the sun? Then, Burt’s Bees Aloe & coconut oil After Sun Soother is the perfect product for you. It replenishes moisture in sunkissed skin with its intensely hydrating formula. It contains soothing and hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and honey that help transform dry and dehydrated skin into healthy and soft skin. The presence of emollients such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter traps moisture in the skin and keeps it supple and hydrated. It conditions your skin from within after sun exposure. You will see the visible results within the first few days of using this cream. This lotion gets absorbed quickly and retains the skin’s natural moisture.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, aloe, honey, and lemon peel extract.
Pros
- Non-greasy formula
- Paraben- and SLS-free
- Contains natural ingredients
- Soothes and hydrates your skin
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- None
"I love using this lotion during my vacation. My fair skin is often prone to sunburns. It works wonders for reducing redness and pain overnight. It nourishes my skin well after day-long exposure."
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 9,015 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
2. Best Long-Lasting Effect:Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Ultra Hydration Lotion
As the name suggests, this luxurious deep hydration lotion is like a breath of fresh air for your skin. It gets absorbed into the skin instantly, without leaving behind a greasy residue. This weightless lotion is blended with exotic island botanicals like shea butter, papaya, mango, and orange extracts. Its light and therapeutic aroma enthralls your senses and relaxes you instantly. The presence of humectants like glycerin and panthenol provides 24-hour moisturization and leaves your skin feeling soft, refreshed, and protected from the sun. This unique formula is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Click on the video to check out an honest review of the Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Ultra Hydration Lotion by a customer.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, mango seed butter, cocoa seed butter, aloe leaf juice, and papaya fruit extracts.
Pros
- Long-lasting effect
- Rich and creamy consistency
- Lightweight
- Pampers and nourishes your skin
- Ultra-moisturizing
- Soothes dry and irritated skin
Cons
- Not suitable for people who are allergic to artificial fragrance
"After being in the sun, both at home and on vacations, this lotion has been quite a savior my skin. It soothes without the sticky aftermath of gels. It moisturizes well and has a pleasing coconut scent. It absorbs quickly too."
3. Best Oil-Free Formula:Hampton Sun Hydrating Aloe Continuous Mist
After a day in the sun, your skin needs a touch of rejuvenation and hydration. For that, you need a perfectly soothing and invigorating product. To give your skin a boost, try Hampton Sun Hydrating Aloe Continuous Mist. It is a hydrating after-sun mist that is perfect for sun-kissed skin. It replenishes moisture and soothes your skin with a refreshing spray. It contains natural aloe and menthol that give your skin an instant cooling sensation. It is a water-based formula and, hence, gets absorbed into your skin quickly without leaving any sticky residue.
Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice.
Pros
- Oil-free formula
- Prevents sunburn pain
- Soothes dry and irritated skin
- Reduces skin redness
- Contains powerful antioxidants
- Moisturizes your skin deeply
Cons
- Expensive
"I love using this mist after spending time under the sun. It is very refreshing and super hydrating. It manages to soothe my dry skin without leaving a sticky residue. It has a cooling effect too."
Pro TipBurt's Bees Aloe & Coconut Oil After Sun Soother Best Non-Greasy Formula | Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Ultra Hydration Lotion Best Long-Lasting Effect | Hampton Sun Hydrating Aloe Continuous Mist Best Oil-Free Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3 x 1.7 x 7.2 inches | 1.6 x 2.5 x 6.19 inches | 6.69 x 2.76 x 7.09 inches |
| Weight | 3.2 Ounces | 5.61 Ounces | 5 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 9,015 | 616 | 29 |
| Price | $7.99 | $15.16 | $30 |
4. Best Cruelty-Free Option:Coola Radical Recovery Moisturizing Lotion
Coola Radical Recovery Moisturizing Lotion delivers powerful antioxidants and nourishing ingredients that help revive your skin after a day in the sun. It soothes sunburned peeling skin. It has a natural lavender fragrance. The ingredients used in this formula are of natural origin. It contains anti-inflammatory and restorative ingredients that help reduce redness and itchy skin to give you soft and hydrated skin. It is also an excellent daily moisturizer that aids in skin barrier repair. This product is not tested on animals, making it an ethical choice.
Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, sunflower seed oil, lavender flower oil, rosemary leaf oil, and sweet orange peel oil.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- EcoCert-certified
- Suitable for mature skin
- Heals and repairs over-exposed skin
- Heals chapped and peeling skin
- Delivers quick results
Cons
- None
"This after-sun lotion soothes and heals my sunburned skin. It has a thick consistency, but it's non-sticky. It absorbs well without leaving any residue."
5. Best Alcohol-Free Formula:Australian Gold Moisture Lock Tan Extender
Australian Gold Moisture Lock Tan Extender is an extremely potent formula for peeling skin. It is a hydrating lotion that helps extend your tan without causing skin irritation or a burning sensation.
The gentle formula contains powerful antioxidant-rich ingredients like tea tree oil, sunflower seed oil, olive oil, and aloe vera. These ingredients gently moisturize your skin and leave it feeling smooth and soft. Allantoin content aids in skin repairing and regeneration. This lotion provides a natural soothing and conditioning effect for instant relief and healthy skin. Many positive Amazon reviews contain the positive tester’s experience and the comments highlight the product’s clearly visible results.
Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, olive oil, and tea tree oil.
Pros
- Alcohol-free formula
- Paraben-free
- Free of artificial dyes
- Non-greasy formula
- Gluten-free
- Long-lasting effect
Cons
- Strong fragrance
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 15,033 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
6. Best For Dry Skin:Clinique Unisex After Sun Rescue Balm With Aloe
This luxurious after-sun skin balm has a moisturizing formula with soothing aloe that helps soothe sun-exposed skin. This skin protectant saves your skin from peeling and minimizes visible photodamage. It can be used daily and as part of your healing process as it is an oil-free and non-comedogenic formula.
Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, wheat germ extract, and barley extract.
Pros
- Combats dry skin
- Soothes the skin instantly
- Lightweight
- Eliminates blisters and breakouts
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Availability issues
"This after-sun lotion is perfect to use if you've recently been at exotic beaches or just under sun. It even doubles as an excellent moisturizer. It is soothing and has a light scent. It is completely non-greasy."
7. Best Hypoallergenic Option:Deluvia Miracle Aloe Cream
Deluvia Miracle Aloe Cream is enriched with organic aloe to moisturize your skin deeply. It is an effective hydrating formula for dry, irritated, and flaky skin. It contains a combination of premium botanicals like organic Hawaiian aloe, herbal extracts, and vitamins that improve the overall appearance of your skin. This lotion is ideal for irritated skin, eczema, psoriasis, burns, dry hands or skin, bug bites, and sunburns. It also helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, organic sunflower oil, organic coconut oil, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, shea butter, tamanu oil, macadamia nut oil, kukui nut oil, avocado oil, borage oil, flax seed oil, evening primrose oil, organic rosehip seed oil, vitamin B5, vitamin E, organic green tea, noni extract, organic passionflower, organic calendula, chamomile, lavender extract, organic arnica montana, organic gotu kola, horsetail extract, wild geranium extract, and organic dandelion.
Pros
- l Makes your skin softer and smoother
- l Prevents scaling skin
- l Unscented
- l Hypoallergenic
- l Cruelty-free
- l Paraben-free
- l Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- None
"I have been using this cream quite a lot. It offers excellent hydration without being greasy. It is super soothing and has even helped improve my skin's texture."
8. Best Sun Protection:Triswim Citrus Grapefruit Lotion
Triswim Citrus Grapefruit Lotion moisturizes and soothes sunburned skin. It contains aloe and vitamins A, B5, and E that help add plenty of moisture and protect your skin from harmful UV rays. This lotion forms a protective layer on your skin to prevent it from peeling or burning. It also nourishes and rejuvenates dry and flaky skin. If you are heading to the beach, slather it on your body to protect your skin from the harsh sun rays.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera leaf juice, vitamin E, and vitamin B5.
Pros
- Moisturizes the skin
- Cruelty-free
- Prevents sun damage
- Justa little product required per use
- Suitable for dry and sensitive skin
Cons
- Availability issues
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 962 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
9. Best For Skin Hydration:Mario Badescu Aloe Lotion
Mario Badescu Aloe Lotion is a mild astringent. It is formulated for all types of skin to soothe and refresh your skin and reduce redness. It contains 2% alcohol, which helps disinfect the skin’s surface and remove the residue that causes irritation and clogs pores. It deeply cleanses your skin from within. The soothing aloe vera refreshes and rejuvenates your skin.
Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice.
Pros
- Hydrates your skin
- Contains potent ingredients
- Removes impurities
- Improves the skin tone
- Soothes inflamed skin
Cons
- Contains alcohol
"I love using this toner to soothe my skin. It is gentle and works well for my sensitive skin. It manages to clean without the harshness that can lead to peeling. It makes the skin smooth."
10. Best For Uneven Skin Tone:Origins Modern Friction Nature’s Gentle Dermabrasion
Is your skin peeling due to the harsh sun rays? If so, try Origins Modern Friction Nature’s Gentle Dermabrasion lotion. It is a smoothening, hydrating, and exfoliating cream that softens your skin without causing irritation. It contains skin-refining rice starch that helps remove common skin conditions like dullness, uneven patches, signs of sun damage, and discoloration. It also contains lemon oil to illuminate your skin and aloe vera to soothe redness. Watch the review of the Origins Modern Friction Nature’s Gentle Dermabrasion to better understand the product.
Key Ingredients: Lemon peel oil, cucumber oil, peppermint oil, and aloe leaf juice.
Pros
- Eliminates flaking
- Imparts a natural glow
- Natural botanical fragrance
- Improves the skin tone
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Expensive
"This exfoliant is great for peeling the skin. It ticks all the boxes for me. It is gentle and treats dry patches. It improves the skin's texture without stripping moisture."
Sunburned skin can be very painful and irritating. In severe cases, one needs to visit a doctor, but in mild cases, it can be treated at home. Keeping the skin hydrated, cool, and moisturized with specific pH-balanced lotions is the best way of treating mild sunburns. How do you choose from the array of lotions available? Below are some guidelines that help you choose the best non-irritating lotions for peeling and sunburned skin.
Things To Consider While Choosing The Best Lotions For Peeling And Sunburned Skin- Buying Guide
- Must-Have Ingredients
- Aloe vera: It soothes your skin, minimizes redness, and stimulates collagen production. Aloe vera contains salicylic acid, which is also known for its anti-inflammatory qualities. It also helps lock the moisture in the skin.
- Vitamin E:It is the natural content of our sebum. Sunburns affect the natural sebum content. Therefore pick a lotion with vitamin E as it has proven efficacy in combating free radicals. This fat-soluble antioxidant heals dry skin and reduces peeling by hydrating the skin.
- Shea butter: It keeps the skin moisturized and minimizes peeling and burning. It cools the skin and keeps it hydrated.
- Oatmeal: It acts as a mild exfoliator and helps remove dry, dead cells from the epidermal layer of the skin.
- Coconut oil: It is an antiseptic, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory ingredient. It dries the wounds faster while keeping the skin moisturized.
- Scent: Synthetic fragrances in lotions may trigger allergies and irritation in sensitive skin. Sunburned skin may be extra sensitive to artificial fragrances. So, pick a fragrance-free lotion.
- UV protection: Use a lotion with SPF 50+ for maximum protection from harmful UV rays. Additionally, pick a broad-spectrum formula to prevent UVA and UVB damage.
- Ingredients To Avoid: Avoid lotions containing irritants like sulfate, silicone, paraben, mineral oils, alcohol, and phthalates, to avoid irritating your skin and aggravating the sunburns further.
- Dermatologists-Recommended: In case of severe sunburn, visit a doctor who can prescribe some effective medicated lotions which are available readily. Or, you may opt for dermatologist-tested and scientifically formulated products to steer clear of side effects.
Wondering how these lotions prevent your sunburned skin from peeling? Find out how in the next section.
How Do Lotions Prevent Your Skin From Peeling?
Most of these lotions have mild skin-friendly exfoliants and replenishing, rejuvenating, hydrating, and skin-revitalizing properties that help in the renewal of skin cells. When applied regularly, these lotions remove blotchy and flaky skin to reveal fresher and younger-looking skin.
How To Apply Skin Peeling Lotion
Before using a skin peeling lotion, here are some important tips to keep in mind.
- Cleanse your skin thoroughly.
- Apply the lotion on clean and fresh skin.
- Massage the lotion on the affected area gently until it is fully absorbed.
- Re-apply after 10 minutes.
- Apply at least three layers of lotion.
- Do this for a week to get clearer skin.
Infographic: Things To Consider Before Buying A Lotion For Peeling Skin
If you have peeling skin, you know that not all lotions suit you. You have to be very particular about the ingredients you choose to treat and heal your skin and restore its natural state. Any chemical ingredient, even in small amounts, may damage the skin further.
Check out the infographic below to gain insight into the kinds of ingredients you should side with while buying lotions and the ingredients that are a big ‘no’ for your skin. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Sunburns are annoying! However, with the right lotion, you can reduce the effect of sunburns and skin peeling. These conditions mostly occur due to the heavy impact of sun rays. The lotions that fight against sunburns and skin peels have intense hydrating formulas that moisturize the deeper layers of your skin. Pick the Burt’s Bees Aloe & Coconut Oil After Sun Soother for hydration and soothing sensation and the Hawaiian Tropic Silk Moisturizing Sun Care After Sun Lotion for relaxing, aromatic protection. For over-exposed and irritated skin, go for the Coola Radical Recovery Moisturizing Lotion. Some formulae also create a protective barrier on the skin to prevent further damage. Moreover, they relax your body and calm your nerves. When choosing the best lotion, better avoid the ones that may contain artificial fragrance. Opt for one that is dermatologist-tested and do a patch test to check for signs of allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vaseline good for peeling skin?
Yes, Vaseline helps in healing minor sunburns and peeling skin by creating a barrier that seals in moisture. This prevents further damage and irritation.
Does sunburned skin always peel?
Yes, dry and peeling skin is a sign of damage to the epidermis caused by sunburn.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Pooja Karkala, is an avid skin care enthusiast with a penchant for discovering effective skin care solutions. She recommends using the above solutions to soothe and care for your sunburnt and peeling skin. These products and their reviews were studied and investigated thoroughly by the author, for your benefit. She selected these products based on their key ingredients, lack of harmful elements, skin care benefits, and formula consistency.
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