The purpose of after sun lotion is to protect the skin from severe burning once it has been exposed to the sun. If sunscreen or after sun lotion are not applied, the chances of contracting skin cancer or a similar disease are increased, so it especially important to use this lotion if regular sunscreen has not been applied. There are a number of varieties of after sun lotion, some of which have soothing ingredients and other useful additions, such as insect repellent.

After sun lotion is used after exposure to the sunlight. Sunscreen, which is used to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun, is a staple in every household, but after sun lotion is a product that is nowhere near as popular. Although using sunscreen is more important, applying after sun lotion once the skin has suffered sunburn is still helpful in protecting the skin.

The effects of sunburn are well documented, and the potential for developing skin cancer increases if skin is exposed to the sun over prolonged periods of time. In the United States alone, it is estimated that more than two million people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. This is why the application of after sun lotion is important.

Once the skin has been affected by sunburn, it becomes extremely sore and red, in most cases, after only a few hours. After sun lotion cools and moisturizes the skin and is a gentle means of treating areas that have been affected. When choosing a lotion of this nature, make sure that aloe vera is among the ingredients as it helps to soothe the skin and to reduce the pain of sunburn.

There are a variety of after sun lotions, some of which have a specific function. It is possible to purchase after sun lotion which helps prolong a tan. There are also sun lotions for extremely sensitive skin, which are often used on children.

An after sun lotion with insect repellent is a must for travelers vacationing in places with mosquitoes. This saves the additional effort of applying repellent to the skin following application of sun creams. Using an after sun lotion in addition to a sunscreen with a high SPF can help in avoiding the pain of a sunburn. An after sun lotion with mosquito repellent helps to prevent the additional discomfort of insect bites.