The 13 Best Sunburn Relief Products, According to Dermatologists

We get it—you went to the beach and forgot to reapply your SPF, or were enjoying the warm weather and didn't realize how long you were sitting out under the hot sun. Either way, you now look like a red hot jellybean (with bubbly blisters—yikes!) and it's more than a little painful. While the best plan of action is to prevent sunburn in the first place—since it can increase your risk of developing skin cancer and cause your skin to age quicker—no one's perfect, and most of us have made this mistake at one point or another. Once the damage is done, it's time to follow up with some good 'ole TLC for your skin, which may include utilizing some skin-soothing products that are specially formulated to treat sunburn.

These Are the Best Sunburn Relief Products

• Best Overall: Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Moisturizing After Sun Lotion
• Best Body Wash: Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash
• Best Body Lotion: Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Body Lotion
• Best Aloe Gel: Banana Boat Soothing Aloe After Sun Gel
• Best for Peeling Skin: Burt's Bees Aloe & Coconut Oil After Sun Soother
• Best for Itch Relief: Aveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion
• Best Soothing Spray: Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray
• Best for Reducing Redness: Quinn's Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel
• Best for Healing Broken Skin: Dynarex Bacitracin Ointment
• Best for Preventing Blisters: Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
• Best for Lips: Dr. Dan's Cortibalm for Dry Cracked Lips
• Best for Babies and Kids: Baby Dove Sensitive Skin Care Wash
• Best for Itchy Scalps: Vanicream 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream

How To Treat a Sunburn

A sunburn affects the skin in a similar way that a burn from the oven does, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. "The skin barrier becomes disrupted and inflamed, and there is injury to skin cells themselves." So, if you develop a sunburn, you actually want to take care of the skin from the outside in and the inside out, he adds.

The first step is to gently wash your skin with a hydrating cleanser to remove sunscreen, sand, dirt, and oil without further disrupting the skin barrier, Dr. Zeichner tells Health. Take care to avoid harsh scrubs and exfoliators, since this could further irritate your skin. After, gently apply a light moisturizer to help repair the damaged skin barrier and replace lost hydration. Steer clear of heavy ointments since they tend to trap heat and prevent the skin from cooling down, Dr. Zeichner says, and choose products that contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera instead.

For individual red areas, apply 1% hydrocortisone cream to calm inflammation, he suggests. "The quicker you soothe inflammation, the less potential damage the skin will experience." As for any open wounds or raw skin, treat it the same way you would treat a thermal burn: Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment like bacitracin to the individual area—this will form a protective seal and prevent it from getting infected, says Dr. Zeichner. But if you develop a blister, make sure to leave the roof intact because it protects the underlying raw skin from the environment and acts like a natural bandage, he adds.

Whatever you do, don't pop blisters or peel your skin, as this can lead to infection and scarring, says Rachel Nazarian, MD, a New York-based dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. If your blisters are making it uncomfortable to wear clothes, sleep, or walk, contact your doctor about draining them or treating them safely, she adds.

The Best At-home Remedies for Sunburn Relief

While it may seem obvious, it's worth noting that you need to stay out of the sun or wear sun protective clothing if you have to be outdoors while your sunburn is recovering. Keep your skin cool by taking cold showers and applying moist, cool compresses. You can also take ibuprofen to decrease inflammation, and be sure to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated. "Sunburned skin is not able to maintain moisture as well, so there's a higher risk of dehydration," Dr. Nazarian explains.

Cucumber slices, milk, and yogurt can also be applied to the skin to help soothe a sunburn. Applying cold milk compresses or soaking in a milk bath will help pull heat away from your body, while the vitamin E in yogurt can help minimize inflammation, says Debra Jaliman, MD, a dermatologist based in New York City.

Cornstarch is another great way to naturally calm a burn because of its cooling and silky texture, and you can easily create a paste by adding water and applying it to irritated skin, Dr. Jaliman notes. Sprinkling talcum powder on your sheets can make sleeping more comfortable because it'll prevent friction on your skin when turning over or moving in your sleep, she adds.

Here, dermatologists recommend their favorite products for getting rid of sunburn quickly and effectively. In combination with their useful tips, above, these 13 soothing products will help you ditch your pesky sunburn and finally get some immediate relief.

RELATED: Why Does a Sunburn Peel–and What Can You Do About It?