How to Soothe Sunburn with After-Sun Care
By Neutrogena | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to cool sunburn, stop itching, and rehydrate skin with the right after-sun products. Quick steps for relief.
Quick answer
To soothe sunburn, cool the skin with a medicated gel containing camphor for pain and itch relief, then rehydrate with a lightweight, non-comedogenic mist to prevent peeling and prolong your glow.
Why after-sun care matters
Sunburn is a short-term skin injury that causes heat, pain, and peeling. While prevention is best, the right after-sun products can reduce discomfort and help skin recover faster. A dedicated after-sun routine addresses both the cooling and the rehydration your skin needs after UV exposure.
Medicated gel vs. hydrating spray: when to use each
A medicated gel with an external analgesic (like camphor) provides on-contact cooling and pain relief—ideal for the first hours after burn. A hydrating spray with hyaluronic acid replenishes moisture over the following days and helps prevent peeling. They work best as a two-step system: gel first for relief, spray later for lasting hydration.
How to diagnose and treat sunburn
- Symptom: Skin feels hot, tight, and painful to the touch. You see redness or pinkness, especially on shoulders, back, or face.
- Likely cause: Unprotected or insufficiently protected UV exposure, often from missing reapplication or spending more time in the sun than anticipated.
- Corrective action: Apply a medicated after-sun gel with camphor (like Neutrogena Sun Rescue Medicated Relief Gel) to cool and calm the burn. Reapply as needed for pain. Later, mist on a hydrating after-sun spray (like Neutrogena Sun Rescue Rehydrating Spray) to lock in moisture and reduce peeling. If the burn blisters or covers a large area, stop self-treatment and consult a healthcare provider.
Products that help
- Neutrogena Sun Rescue After Sun Medicated Relief Gel with 0.45% Camphor External Analgesic For Cooling & Soothing, Painful Sunburn & Itch Relief, Fragrance-Free 3 Oz: Contains 0.45% camphor, an external analgesic that cools and soothes painful sunburn and itch on contact. This provides immediate relief for hot, irritated skin and stops the urge to scratch, which can worsen damage.
Neutrogena Sun Rescue After Sun Medicated Relief Gel with 0.45% Camphor External Analgesic For Cooling & Soothing, Painful Sunburn & Itch Relief, Fragrance-Free 3 Oz - Neutrogena Sun Rescue After Sun Rehydrating Spray with Hyaluronic Acid, Vegan and Lightweight 48-Moisturizing Skin and Body Mist, Non-Comedogenic Hydration, 6.7 Oz: Delivers 48-hour moisturization with hyaluronic acid and helps prevent skin peeling for a longer-lasting glow. After cooling, rehydrating with a non-greasy mist supports skin recovery and keeps your tan even without flaking.
Neutrogena Sun Rescue After Sun Rehydrating Spray with Hyaluronic Acid, Vegan and Lightweight 48-Moisturizing Skin and Body Mist, Non-Comedogenic Hydration, 6.7 Oz
