Key West Aloe Blog

Save Your Glow: Meet the Award-Winning After-Sun Ritual Your Skin Craves

Save Your Glow: Meet the Award-Winning After-Sun Ritual Your Skin Craves

There’s a certain kind of glow that only comes from a perfect day in the sun—warm, radiant, effortless. It’s the kind of glow that lingers long after you’ve left the beach… if you know how to care for it.

Because the truth is, a beautiful tan isn’t just created in the sun—it’s preserved in the moments that follow.

This year, one after-sun essential is redefining that ritual—and earning industry-wide recognition for doing it exceptionally well. Key West Aloe Save A Tan After Sun Lotion has been named a 2026 Best After-Sun Body Creamby NewBeauty, a prestigious honor celebrating the most effective products in beauty today.

 

A Smarter Way to Care for Sun-Kissed Skin

After a day in the sun, your skin is in recovery mode. Exposure to heat and UV rays can deplete moisture, weaken your skin barrier, and lead to dryness, irritation, and peeling.

Without proper care, your glow fades faster—and often unevenly.

That’s why after-sun care has become an essential step in modern skincare routines. It’s not just about soothing—it’s about hydrating, restoring, and extending the life of your tan.

 

The Formula Editors Can’t Stop Talking About

Winning a NewBeauty Award is no small feat. Editors at NewBeauty recognized Save A Tan for its ability to deliver visible results where it matters most: hydration, comfort, and glow longevity.

At the center of the formula is 80% aloe vera, a powerhouse ingredient known for its soothing and moisture-binding properties. It works to replenish hydration lost during sun exposure while helping calm the look of redness and irritation.

The result is skin that feels soft, looks healthy, and maintains that coveted sun-kissed tone longer.

 

Skincare Meets Sensory Escape

What sets Save A Tan apart isn’t just performance—it’s the experience.

The lightweight lotion absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving behind no residue—only a smooth, refreshed finish. And then there’s the scent: a bright, uplifting blend of key lime and coconut that instantly evokes the feeling of being seaside.

It’s skincare that extends the vacation—not just your tan.

 

The Ritual That Keeps Your Glow Going

Consistency is everything when it comes to maintaining radiant, sun-kissed skin.

Applied after sun exposure or post-shower, Save A Tan helps:

Restore essential hydration Reduce the likelihood of peeling Support a more even, longer-lasting tan

Used daily, it becomes more than just an after-sun product—it becomes part of your glow-preserving ritual.

 

The Insider Edit: Build Your After-Sun Routine

For those looking to elevate their results, pairing Save A Tan with complementary essentials creates a complete post-sun system.

 

The Award-Winning Glow EditA streamlined routine for everyday hydration:

Save A Tan After-Sun Lotion Gentle, hydrating bath & shower gels  Lightweight daily body moisturizer

The Post-Beach Recovery SetDesigned for immediate relief after long sun exposure:

Save A Tan After Sun Lotion Cooling aloe gel Hydrating facial mist

The Glow Extension RitualFor maintaining smooth, even, long-lasting color:

Save A Tan After Sun Lotion Mild exfoliant (used 2–3x per week) Rich overnight body cream

 

Who It’s For

Save A Tan is made for anyone who loves the sun—but wants to care for their skin long after the day ends.

Ideal for:

Beach lovers and frequent travelers Those prone to dryness or peeling Anyone looking to extend their tan naturally Sensitive skin types in need of gentle recovery

 

The Final Word

A great tan doesn’t have to fade too fast. With the right after-sun ritual, it can be extended, enhanced, and enjoyed longer.

Now recognized as a 2026 Best After-Sun Body Cream by NewBeauty, Key West Aloe Save A Tan delivers exactly what your skin needs after sun exposure—hydration, comfort, and lasting radiance.

Because the glow you love shouldn’t be fleeting. It should stay with you.

 

Save A Tan After-Sun Lotion | Reef-Safe Sunsorb Sunscreen SPF30 | Aloe Max 100

Protecting Your Skin and Our Seas: Why Reef-Safe Sunscreen Matters

Protecting Your Skin and Our Seas: Why Reef-Safe Sunscreen Matters

 

We all know how important sunscreen is for protecting our skin from the sun's harmful rays. It's a key part of preventative healthcare! But have you ever thought about where your sunscreen goes after you take a dip in the ocean? Unfortunately, common sunscreen ingredients can wash off and impact delicate marine ecosystems, especially coral reefs.

 

Certain chemicals found in many conventional sunscreens, like oxybenzone and octinoxate, have been shown to contribute to coral bleaching and disrupt marine life. When these ingredients enter the water, they can harm the very ecosystems we love to visit and explore.

 

The good news? You have a choice! If you're planning a beach trip or want to make a more environmentally friendly choice, consider switching to a reef-safe sunscreen, such as Key West Aloe's Reef-Safe Sunsorb Sunscreen. These sunscreen formulas are designed to protect you from the sun while avoiding ingredients known to harm coral reefs and marine environments. Key West Aloe offers a great selection of reef-safe sunscreens that provide excellent sun protection.

 

Why Choose Reef Safe Sunscreen?

 

If you've been using sunscreen without much thought about the ingredients, you might wonder about the benefits of making the switch to environmentally friendly brands.

 

By choosing a reef-safe sunscreen, you're playing a valuable part in protecting our planet's precious coral reefs. While saving the oceans feels like a massive task, every small, conscious choice we make adds up! Imagine the collective impact if everyone switched to reef-safe options.

Coral reefs worldwide are facing serious threats and are declining at an alarming rate. Factors like climate change, pollution, and unsustainable fishing all play a role. However, reducing chemical pollution from sources like sunscreen is one positive step we can *all* take to help these vital ecosystems recover.

 

And it's not just about ocean swimming! Even when you wash off conventional sunscreen in your shower at home, those chemicals can enter waterways through drainage systems, eventually finding their way back to the marine environment. Choosing reef-safe sunscreen helps reduce this impact, too.

 

Making the switch to reef-safe sunscreen is an easy way to protect yourself from the sun while also protecting the beautiful marine life that needs our help. Look for sunscreens labeled explicitly as "reef safe" the next time you shop.

 

Reef-Safe Sunsorb Sunscreen SPF15 | Reef-Safe Sunsorb Sunscreen SPF30 | Reef-Safe Sunsorb Sunscreen SPF50

Does Your Shampoo and Conditioner Have Aloe Vera?

There can be many reasons your hair is suddenly thinning, dull, or experiencing breakage. Let's face it: we put our hair through a lot. The average woman spends 40 minutes a day doing her hair—that could be washing, drying, or styling. And this doesn't include salon visits! Notice we said average. Some of you are top-knot girlies. Even too many top knots can damage your hair.

Shampoo and conditioner enriched with lab-certified aloe vera could help you achieve healthier, fuller, shinier hair. Using a shampoo and conditioner with aloe vera is beneficial for your hair because it is known for its moisturizing, repairing, and nourishing properties. Aloe vera can help maintain the pH balance of the scalp, reducing dandruff and soothing scalp irritation due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, aloe vera can promote healthy hair growth, reduce hair breakage, and add volume to the hair. Aloe vera-based hair care products can provide a gentle and natural way to cleanse and nourish the scalp and hair, making them an excellent choice for maintaining healthy and vibrant hair.

Benefits of Using Aloe Vera Hair Care Products Aloe vera is known for its proteolytic enzymes, which help stimulate dormant hair follicles. This promotes healthy hair growth, adding volume and life to your tresses. Oil and debris build up and block pores, preventing rapid hair growth. Aloe vera naturally cleanses the scalp and reduces sebum production, thus lessening oil and dirt accumulation and accelerating hair growth. Aloe vera contains the active ingredients copper and zinc, which are clinically proven to help hair grow healthy and strong. It also has a high water content (99.5%), which helps lock these nutrients and treat conditions like dandruff. The plant's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce irritation and aggravation of the scalp, which indirectly promotes faster hair growth. The chemical composition of aloe vera is very similar to that of keratin. This is why aloe has such a rejuvenating effect on our strands, nourishing them and leading to healthier-looking hair. At the same time, its pH level is naturally similar to that of our scalp and hair.

Don't be so quick to rush out and start growing your aloe vera or purchasing an aloe vera plant. Using the plant's natural gel alone may lead to dryness and frizz. Good news: Key West Aloe has their own lab-certified aloe vera farm and has carefully curated a line of shampoos and conditioners made with aloe vera and botanical extracts for you. Our shampoos and conditioners protect, hydrate, soften, and detangle tresses, making hair soft, manageable, and full of body healthier. The hair cair line is available in four scents: Aloethera Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner, Coconut Shampoo & Conditioner, Key Lime Shampoo & Conditioner, and Mango Shampoo & Conditioner. And these affordable shampoo and conditioners won't break the bank; an 8oz bottle of either shampoo or conditioner is under $20. The complete hair care line is available in 2oz TSA-approved travel sizes.

Aloethera Moisturizing Shampoo | Aloethera Keratin Conditioner | Coconut Shampoo & Conditioner | Key Lime Shampoo & Conditioner | Mango Shampoo & Conditioner

Face Masks 101

Face Masks 101

If you have a new skin concern or are just looking for an additional boost consider adding a face mask to your skin care routine. Face masks are quick, affordable and easy to use. With such a wide variety of face mask to choose from, there is a mask that will fit your specific needs.

Not sure where to start? Check out our guide below to become a mask-a-holic.

Types of Mask

There are 4 types of facial masks: clay masks, cream masks, sheet masks, and gel masks. Each mask works for a certain type of skin and addresses specific skin concerns.

Clay Masks

Clay masks are facial masks that contain skin-purifying clay and other great ingredients that can help minimize blemishes and unclog pores. While clay masks can be used on all skin types, people with normal to oily skin will benefit most from a clay mask. Clay masks can help detoxify the skin, tighten pores, boost circulation, reduce inflammation and evens skin tone. Popular clays used in these masks include kaolin clay, bentonite clay, fuller's earth clay, french green clay, and rassoul clay.

Cream Masks

If you're feeling a little dry and dehydrated, this is the mask for you. Cream masks are made with replenishing oils and moisturizers to help normal to dry skin bounce back.

Sheet Masks

Sheet Masks are amazing for all skin types and are fun to use. Depending on the formula you pick up, your mask can help bring back life to dry skin or can help fight the battle against wrinkles. The best part about sheet masks, no rinsing required. In fact, to get the most out of your mask, we suggest rubbing the leftover mask directly onto your skin.

Gel Masks

Like the cream mask, the gel mask is formulated to hydrate and nourish the skin. The coolness of the gel is perfect for sensitive skin types but works on normal to dry skin types as well.

Target Your Main Concern

For When You're Feeling Greasy

... try a mask with kaolin clay as the main ingredient. The clay will naturally absorb the excesses oil and sebum on the skin and within the pores. Compliment the kaolin clay with a moisturizing ingredient like Aloe Vera to help balance the drying effects clay can have on the skin.

Try: Key West Aloe's Marine Mud Mask (not available since 2021)

For When You're Feeling Dry

... try a mask with hyaluronic acid as a key ingredient. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that draws moisture from the air. It can be absorbed by the skin and once absorbed the skin may regain elasticity and look softer. 

Try: Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Hydrating Overnight Gel Mask

For When You're Feeling Clogged

... try a mask with bentonite clay as the main ingredient. Like kaolin clay, bentonite clay is super absorbent and acts as a magnet drawing out impurities in your pores. It's also can help reduce swelling and soothe inflammation.

For When You're Feeling Dull

... try a mask with enzymes as a key ingredient. Fruit enzymes from papaya and pineapples offer gentle exfoliation that can remove dead skin cells revealing bright, radiant skin.

Try: Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

Add a Face Mask Your Routine

If you already have an established skin care routine, adding a face mask will be an easy addition.  Once you've selected what type of mask and which ingredients to use, everything else will fall into place.

Start with a cleanser Following the directions on your particular mask, apply the face mask smoothing in on in an upward motion. Wait the required amount of time. Rinse (unless you are using a sheet mask). Use lukewarm water and do not scrub, gently pat the mask away. Moisturize and seal in all of the mask goodness.

Now you know almost everything there is about face masks. What mask should you use based on your skin type? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook or Instagram! Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to get more tips and tricks.

Ways to Work on Your Beauty Routine

Receive the full benefits of Lab Certified Aloe Vera just as nature intended it. Indulge in products to nourish and moisturize even the most sensitive skin. All with our signature Fresh Aloe scent.

Preventing Dry Skin In the Winter: Moisturize and Renew

For all of winter’s sweeping seasonal highs (fireside gatherings, snowy walks, and ice-skating in Central Park), there are a few less pleasant side effects to note. Enter the onslaught of dry, itchy skin that’s currently settling in for the long haul. While switching to a good moisturizer at the first sign of chill proves helpful, the drier climate and indoor heat may have already taken a toll. Fortunately, there’s still time to get serious about a daily routine to ensure a hydrated, glowing complexion.

Environmental Defense

Shield your skin from free radicals with Environmental Defense, a triple protection moisturizer made with SPF 15, 60% Aloe Vera, and Vitamins A, C, and E.

Defends against Photoaging Shields from Free Radicals Protects Skin's Natural Moisture Balance

Shield your skin from free radicals with Environmental Defense, a triple protection moisturizer made with SPF 15, 60% Aloe Vera, and Vitamins A, C, and E.

Use Gentle Cleansers on your face and skin

Aloetherea Body Wash is made with 30% Aloe Vera and no artificial dyes. Aloethera Body Wash will refresh, soften, and moisturize even the most sensitive skin. Receive the full benefits of Lab Certified Aloe Vera just as nature intended it. Indulge in products to nourish and moisturize even the most sensitive skin. All with our signature Fresh Aloe scent.

Aloethera Body Wash will refresh, soften, and moisturize even the most sensitive skin.

Zero In on a Nighttime Routine

Conquer dry skin and wrinkles with our Lab Certified Aloe Vera based moisturizers. Night Moist moisturizes and rejuvenates skin while you sleep. Night Moist is made with 80% Aloe Vera and antioxidants that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Moisturize and rejuvenate skin while you sleep with Night Moist

Jade Stone Facial Roller - Depuff & Tighten Your Skin

Jade Facial Roller Benefits Go Far Beyond De-Puffing Your Face

Jade rolling has long been a practice in traditional Chinese medicine. The stone is believed to have healing properties and be a sign of power and immortality. Over the last few years, the tool has made its way into beauty stores (and onto Instagram feeds) in the Western world, thanks in large part to its de-puffing abilities. What makes it special is that it’s made from natural jade stone which has both spiritual and physical benefits, and is known for its purifying and detoxifying qualities.  And pros say that jade roller benefits include things like lymphatic drainage and improved circulation. Here’s what you need to know.

Jade Roller Benefits

1. Detoxifies and reduces puffiness

Jade rolling is one of the easiest ways to do it at home. Using the tool to massage your face can help reduce some of the fluid buildup, doing away with puffiness. Roll the massager toward your lymph nodes—which are located in your neck, slightly behind your ears—to help stimulate lymph movement.

2. Brightens and firms skin

Jade rollers massage the superficial layer of the skin, and if you pop them in the freezer to cool them down they can calm irritation, tighten pores, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Relaxes facial tension

If you’re a big-time jaw clencher, treating yourself to our DIY jade roller massage can help do away with some of the tension the habit leaves behind. By putting gentle pressure on your face and neck it helps reduce tension. Use the smaller end of the roller to gently massage along your jawline, and you’ll feel an immediate release of whatever stress you’re holding in the area.

4. De-puffs your under eyes

After a long night of crying, drinking, or eating salt, if you ever wind up with your eyes puffy, a simple jade-rolling routine can help. Massaging your face with the smaller end of the tool can help even out some of the fluid, and it will work double-duty if it’s fresh out of the freezer, since cold temperatures help to constrict blood vessels, which helps to prevent the flow of fluid into the tissues.

Hot Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe This Summer

Hot Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe This Summer

Summertime means sun, beach, and lots of play outdoors with your dog or cat (did you know that adventurous cats is a growing trend?). Summer can be a great time to bond with your pet. But higher temperatures also mean higher risks for our furry companions - more injuries, more skin and ear infections, and a possibility of a heat stroke.

Provide plenty of water and shade. Dehydration in dogs and cats is a real possibility during the summer. Keep your pet in the shade as often as possible. While dogs and cats like to sunbathe, direct sunlight can overheat them (especially dogs) and lead to heat stroke.

Don't shave your pet. Feel free to trim the fur on your pet in the summer, but never shave. Be sure to leave at least a full inch of hair to protect your pet’s skin from sunburns. And don’t forget about your pet’s regular grooming schedule, no matter what season it is.

Keep parasites off. In summer, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other parasites are practically everywhere. They carry tapeworms, heartworms, and diseases such as Lyme or Bartonella that can put your pet at risk. Ask your vet for the appropriate medical prescriptions to keep your Fido or Kitty pest-free.

Consider a life vest. If you decide to take your doggy or kitty sailing or boating, be sure it wears a life vest in a bright color to stay visible and afloat in case of an accident. Always keep an eye on your furry companion when near water.

Respect the heat. Humans aren't the only animals that can find a hot summer day overwhelming. But unlike you, your pet has a limited ability to deal with the heat. Dogs release heat through their paw pads and by panting, while humans can sweat through all of the skin on their body. Dehydration can be a big problem for pets during the hot weather, too. According to the ASPCA, animals with flat faces - like Pugs and Persian cats - cannot pant as effectively, and are therefore more susceptible to heat stroke. You should also keep an eye on elderly or overweight pets or animals with heart and lung disease. In the summer, make certain that Fido and Fluffy always have access to plenty of fresh, cool water, and avoid letting them run around outside during the hottest parts of the day.

Keep bugs away—safely. Another summer pet safety issue is the presence of ticks and other summer insects. Not only can bugs carry diseases, but the ways people try to ward them off can also cause problems for your outdoor pet's health. Fertilizers and pesticides may help keep a lawn looking great, but they can be very dangerous for your pet. In the areas where your pets play, it's better to keep the grass cut short to reduce the presence of ticks and other insects. Also keep an eye out for fertilizer warnings on neighbors' lawns when walking your dog. Talk to your veterinarian about the best ways to protect your pet from fleas, ticks, and other insects that are more prevalent during the summer months.

Beware of antifreeze. In the summertime, antifreeze can leak out of cars when they overheat, leaving puddles on the ground that your dog can easily lap up and swallow. The sweet taste of antifreeze is tempting to dogs and cats, but when this toxic substance is ingested, it's potentially lethal. Pay attention to your neighbors' cars and puddles on your street, and make sure your pets stay clear of it.

Find out if your pet needs sunscreen. Some pets, particularly those with short fine hair and pink skin, can be susceptible to sunburn. Talk to your veterinarian about which types of sunscreen are safest on your pet's skin, and follow up by routinely applying sunscreen as part of your summer routine. Do not use sunscreen or insect repellents that are not designed specifically for use on animals. The ASPCA says ingesting certain sunscreens can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy in pets.

Practice water safety. As with other aspects of summer pet care, water safety is all about thinking ahead. Although it's fun to bring your pet to the beach or pool to stay cool together, always keep a close eye on your pet when they're in or near the water. Even a strong swimmer could have trouble getting out of a pool, or get trapped by ropes and other obstacles. For more risky summer adventures with your dog, like boating, look into a doggie life preserver. It could prove to be an excellent investment for his safety.

Bring the benefits of Aloe Vera to your dog or cat with products made for your four-legged friends to refresh, cleanse and soothe. Shop Now

The Benefits of Frangipani

Frangipani:

What is frangipani? Frangipani is several tropical American trees, of the genus Plumeria, having fragrant, showy, funnel-shaped flowers of a wide range of colors from creamy to red.

What are the benefits of Frangipani

It is said to help relieve inflammation, headache, back pain and tinnitus. It is known for its moisturizing effects, as it soothes dry and cracked skin, helping keep skin soft. Frangipani oil relaxes nerves and muscles, and has aphrodisiac, astringent and purifying properties.

Moisturize skin: Glycosides in Frangipani help to get other vital ingredients absorbed into the skin to hydrate the skin by binding onto water molecules. It also supports healthy collagen production.

Anti-ageing: Frangipani keeps skin supple and toned thanks to an organic substance, Lignin. It is also used in anti-ageing, anti-wrinkle and skin toning products. Oxidative stress-induced tissue damage can also be diminished with the use of this essential oil.

How to use for face careAdd one drop of essential oil to one dollop of your face cream or lotion and apply every two days. Do not be tempted to add more oil. Higher doses do not work better than regular applications.

How to use for body care Use no more than 4 to 5 drops for every 5ml of body lotion or carrier oil. Apply the mixture all over skin and pat dry or allow full absorption.

Shop our favorite Fragipani products

Create Your Own Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer

COVID-19 PREVENTION

When it comes to preventing the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19, nothing beats good old-fashioned hand washing.

But if water and soap aren’t available, your next best option, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

All it takes is two ingredients (three if you want to add essential oils for a scented sanitizer) to make your own hand sanitizer at home.

What ingredients do you need?

Making your own hand sanitizer is easy to do and only requires a few ingredients:

Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol (99 percent alcohol volume) Aloe vera gel like Aloe Max 100 Option: Essential Oils 

The key to making an effective, germ-busting hand sanitizer is to stick to a 2:1 proportion of alcohol to aloe vera. This keeps the alcohol content around 60 percent. This is the minimum amount needed to kill most germs, according to the CDC

Hand sanitizer Recipe:

2 parts isopropyl or rubbing alcohol (99 percent) 1 parts aloe vera gel (to help keep your hands smooth and to counteract the harshness of alcohol) Aloe Max 100 Option: 10 drops of essential oil

Directions:

Pour all ingredients into a bowl, ideally one with a pouring spout like a glass measuring container. Mix with a spoon and then beat with a whisk to turn the sanitizer into a gel. Pour the ingredients into an empty bottle for easy use, and label it “hand sanitizer.”

Hand sanitizer is a handy on-the-go way to help prevent the spread of germs when soap and water isn’t available. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can help keep you safe and reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus.