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Caught too many rays? Here's how to soothe your sunburn

How to cope with a mild burn — plus, our favourite cooling after-sun products.

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If your SPF fails you (perhaps you're making an application mistake or forgetting the tops of your ears), these remedies for mild sunburns will help to soothe your stressed-out skin. For something more serious than redness, like blistering, be sure to see your doctor.

Moisturize When you get burned, your skin loses its ability to retain moisture, so it's important to hydrate the affected area. For a cooling effect, put your moisturizer in the fridge before applying.

Add antioxidants Layer a vitamin C serum into your skincare routine to help neutralize free-radical damage from the sun. Putting it on a sunburn will help too.

Apply milk The fat, protein and pH in milk can help relieve the burning sensation. Add milk to a cold compress and apply to the burn.

Try a cooling mist A gentle water spray can cool down the skin and provide temporary relief.

After-Sun Gallery

Hydrating after-sun gel

This gel instantly melts into skin, providing cooling relief and restoring lipids. La Roche-Posay Posthelios, 400 mL, $25, Shoppers Drug Mart.

Caught too many rays? Here's how to soothe your sunburn

Restorative aloe lotion

Vitamin E and cocoa butter combine with soothing aloe to hydrate and nourish hot, red skin. Sun Bum After Sun Cool Down Lotion, $14, Shoppers Drug Mart.

Caught too many rays? Here's how to soothe your sunburn

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Refreshing body gel

This luscious gel-cream cools on contact and doesn't leave skin feeling greasy. Aqua-Gelée, $30, Biotherm.

Caught too many rays? Here's how to soothe your sunburn

Vitamin C serum

A combination of 15 percent pure vitamin C, 1 percent vitamin E and 0.5 percent ferulic acid, this daytime serum protects against free radicals caused by UVA and UVB rays. CE Ferulic, $166, Skinceuticals.

Caught too many rays? Here's how to soothe your sunburn

Cooling mist

Spray this soothing water all over for instant relief. Eau Thermale Avène Thermal Spring Water, 150 mL, $17, Shoppers Drug Mart.

Caught too many rays? Here's how to soothe your sunburn

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In-shower soother

This cocktail of shea butter, four different oils and vitamin E can be used in the shower or on dry skin to restore moisture and repair the skin barrier. Vichy Idéal Soleil Double Usage After-Sun Care, $30, Vichy.

Caught too many rays? Here's how to soothe your sunburn

Related:
7 best sunscreens for every skin type and adventure
7 spots you forget to apply sunscreen to
10 chic hats to block the summer sun

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