Wearing and regularly re-applying a sunscreen that provides both UVA and UV protection, as well as a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher should prevent you from suffering from sunburn. However if you have gotten a little burnt this Summer, we're here to help with ten of the best products with the main ingredient aloe vera acting as an anti-bacterial agent, softening your skin and preventing peeling. Click through to check out our top ten body butters, cooling gels, mists and balms — even if you are sun smart, these beauty buys will leave your skin feeling refreshed and rehydrated.
3 Things You Need to Know Before Using Aloe on Sunburn
Even the most careful of us can get sunburnt, and one of the most widely used methods to take the sting out of the burn is aloe. Known as the burn plant, the medicine plant, and even the plant of immortality, aloe cools while fighting inflammation and bacteria. It also softens and moisturises the skin, preventing peeling and scarring. Super-plant. But before you reach for the green stuff, there are a few things you need to know.
If you're using aloe products: Don't choose a product just because it has aloe on the label. Some aloe gels feature more water and alcohol than aloe, diluting its potent powers. Instead, read the ingredient list. Be sure that aloe is listed as the only ingredient, or as close to 100 percent as possible. Try Natures Sunshine Aloe Vera Gel ($22.95) Aubrey Organics Pure Aloe Vera Gel (approx $8). And don't forget to check the expiration date, as fresher aloe is best.
Keep Your Skin Safe This Summer With Clinique
Clinique recently launched its two new ranges of sun care products for summer 2009. The first collection comes in bright, sunny yellow packaging. The oil-free and sweat-resistant products are designed to protect the skin from both UVA (the sun rays that cause early signs of ageing) and UVB (the rays burn your skin) without clogging your pores. They come with a hefty quantity of product that makes it well worth the splurge. I'm loving Clinique Sun SPF 25 Body Spray ($39) and finding that it's fine for use on my sensitive skin and the After-Sun Rescue Balm with Aloe ($39) is great if you store it in the fridge.
The second collection, Self Sun, contains seven items for the face and body designed to fake the glowy radiance of a bronzed tan without having to risk sun damage. The products don't streak, don't have a super-strong scent (the way that other leading self-tanning products do) and they impart a natural colour that you can build on until your reach your desired (deep or light) colour. Prices start from $36.
