Do you know what is actually in most aftersun gels?

As something that you apply directly to your skin, you'd probably be surprised! From topically drying alcohols to petroleum-derived mineral oils, a lot of store-bought aftersun gels are full of nasty ingredients. 

Luckily for all of us, there are healthier, less-harmful alternatives out there! These sunburn soothers are much gentler on the skin and better for our planet, which is a win-win. One of our favourite aftersun skincare products is aloe vera gel.

Find out all about it in this guide!

What is Aloe Vera Gel?

Aloe vera is a perennial plant that usually has thick, green leaves that sprout from the soil (although sometimes these leaves can be grey, too!). When you break open one of these leaves, which are more like stems, really - you'll find a thick, clear goo inside. Although it might not look appealing, this gel is actually liquid gold!

Aloe vera gel is used in cooking and drinks to deliver nutrients straight to our body, and it's become very popular over the past few years. If you know anyone who's into health, we can almost guarantee they've tried something with aloe vera at one point. But, aloe vera isn't just good for eating and drinking.

The gel is also used in a lot of skincare products, especially those with a more natural, eco-friendly focus like People4Ocean. It has a wide range of skin-loving benefits that make it a hero skincare ingredient. The fact it can be grown so easily makes it a big bonus as a renewable ingredient!

How Can Aloe Vera Help Skin After Sunbathing?

Anyone who's ever been out in the sun for long periods of time will know the effect it can have on the skin. Those harmful UV rays can cause the skin to dry out, wrinkle, and even burn if you're out there for a little too long with no adequate protection. 

If you're a sunshine-lover, don't worry! Aloe vera gel is a wonder for treating skin that's been left out a little too long. Sun and skincare should always be closely linked, and this miracle gel makes that easy. 

This is because aloe vera actually contains 19 of the 20 amino acids that make up every living thing, making it a match made in heaven. These amino acids soften hardened skin cells, helping to moisturise deep into your skin. It also promotes collagen production, which is essential to skin renewal and improves natural skin elasticity which can be damaged in the sun. 

All of these benefits are ideal for skin that's been out in the sun, helping to fill it with moisture that's been lost and reverse the damage. If you're worried about the sun causing your skin to age prematurely, the fact that it boosts collagen and elasticity - helping keep wrinkles at bay - should come as a brilliant benefit! 

If you have a sunburn, aloe vera's antibacterial properties will prevent infections, too, and its hydrating properties will help keep peeling skin at bay. It's also great at reducing inflammation, helping ease the irritation after a day in the Aussie sun. 

Why is Aloe Vera Better Than Other Aftersun Ingredients?

Treating your skin with aloe vera actually has proven benefits, so you know that it's going to be working deep in the skin to do a world of good. Aftersun bought in the shops doesn't actually have to contain anything that's going to help your skin recover. As long as it makes your skin feel soft after, you'll assume it's working right?

But that doesn't mean it is. The best sun care products are those that do more than just make skin feel soft but actually work to repair sun damage. That's exactly what aloe vera does. 

Natural skincare products are always better than those loaded with chemicals, too. If you're a beach-lover, products you put on your skin are likely to come off in the ocean and chemicals in them can harm aquatic ecosystems, including coral reefs. If you don't want to harm the ocean, stick to natural products like aloe vera. 

To keep your oceans safe, be sure to check your skincare for these toxic ingredients. 

How to Apply Aloe Vera Gel

When you've been out in the sun all day and are feeling a little dry, you want something that's easy and soothing to apply, right? Luckily, aloe vera checks both of those boxes! To apply it from the plant, simply break off a leaf, scoop the gel out from inside, and apply it to your skin. 

If you don't grow aloe vera plants in your house or want a product with a little extra oomph, take a look at the P4O After Sun 3-in-1 solution, a 98% natural skin booster and moisture-locking miracle gel. Not only is it rich in organic Aloe Vera, but it is also infused with spa-grade Sodium Hyaluronate (which can hold a thousand times its own weight in water) and Green Tea extract, a powerful anti-oxidant. You can use it as a non-oily moisturiser to soothe, hydrate and plump skin everyday, wether or not you have been in the sun. It is also the perfect after shave/wax skin soother to instantly relieve skin irritations. Apply thick as a mask for a big hit of moisture on extra thirsty skin! 

Check Out More Ocean-Safe Products

At P4O, we stock a whole range of natural sun care products to keep people and oceans safe. From our aloe vera aftersun solution to award-winning non-toxic sunscreens on the market. Be sure to check out the full range and stock your home up with awesome, planet-friendly and skin & reef-safe sun care.