Ah, sunburned skin. It’s the painful reminder that maybe, just maybe, we should have reapplied that sunscreen. If you’re dealing with red, tender skin that screams at the touch, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to soothe, heal, and help your skin recover faster. Let’s dive into the best ways to treat sunburned skin so you can get back to feeling comfortable again.
Cool It Down: Immediate Relief for Sunburned Skin
The first step to soothing sunburned skin is to cool it down. Your skin is inflamed, overheated, and screaming for relief. Here’s what to do:
- Take a cool bath or shower. Avoid hot water—it’ll only make things worse. Stick to lukewarm or cool water to bring down the temperature of your skin.
- Use cold compresses. A damp washcloth or an ice pack wrapped in a towel can help reduce heat and inflammation.
- Avoid harsh soaps. Your skin is already irritated, so skip anything with fragrances or strong detergents.
Hydrate, Inside and Out
Sunburned skin is thirsty—literally. When you’ve been in the sun too long, your body loses moisture, and your skin becomes parched. Here’s how to rehydrate:
- Drink plenty of water. Your skin heals faster when your body is well-hydrated.
- Moisturize with aloe vera or a hydrating lotion. Aloe vera is famous for its cooling properties and can help soothe and hydrate sunburned skin.
- Skip petroleum-based products. They can trap heat in your skin and make things worse.
Soothe the Burn Naturally
Mother Nature has a few tricks up her sleeve for calming sunburned skin. If you’re looking for natural remedies, try these:
- Aloe vera gel – It’s a classic for a reason. It cools, soothes, and promotes healing.
- Oatmeal baths – Adding colloidal oatmeal to a cool bath can help relieve itching and irritation.
- Coconut oil (but not right away!) – Once the heat has subsided, coconut oil can help lock in moisture and prevent peeling.
- Tea compresses – Black or green tea contains tannins that help reduce inflammation.
What to Avoid When Treating Sunburned Skin
When your skin is sunburned, it’s extra sensitive. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Don’t pop blisters. If your skin blisters, it’s a sign of a second-degree burn. Popping them increases the risk of infection.
- Stay away from alcohol-based products. They dry out the skin and make things worse.
- No tight clothing. Let your skin breathe and heal without added friction.
- Skip direct sun exposure. Your skin is already damaged, so give it a break from the sun.
How Long Does It Take for Sunburned Skin to Heal?
Healing time depends on the severity of the burn:
- Mild sunburn: Typically heals in about 3-5 days.
- Moderate sunburn: Can take up to a week to heal.
- Severe sunburn (with blisters): May take 10 days or longer and might require medical attention.
Preventing Future Sunburns
Now that you’ve experienced the pain of sunburned skin, let’s make sure it doesn’t happen again:
- Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 (and reapply every two hours!)
- Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
- Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 AM – 4 PM).
- Stay hydrated to keep your skin healthy and resilient.
Be Kind to Your Sunburned Skin
Sunburned skin isn’t fun, but with the right care, you can ease the pain and speed up healing. The key is to cool it down, hydrate like crazy, and avoid anything that makes it worse. And next time? Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Soothe and Heal Sunburned Skin
1. What’s the fastest way to stop sunburn pain?
The moment you realize you’ve turned into a human tomato, the first thing to do is cool down—literally. Get out of the sun ASAP and hop into a cool (not icy) shower or apply a cold compress. Aloe vera gel straight from the fridge? A lifesaver. It’s like a mini air conditioner for your skin. Another unexpected hack? Soaking a washcloth in cold milk and pressing it onto your burn. The proteins and fats in milk help calm inflammation and create a soothing barrier.
Hydration is also key! Your skin is thirsty and screaming for help, so chug water like it’s your job. If the pain is really bad, an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen can help take the edge off.
2. Can I put lotion on sunburn, or will it make it worse?
You should use lotion, but not just any lotion. Avoid anything with alcohol or fragrance—these can irritate your already stressed-out skin and make the burn feel even worse. Instead, go for a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer (think something with ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid) to lock in hydration. Aloe vera is a classic for a reason, but coconut oil? Not so much. Oils can trap heat in your skin, which is the last thing you want.
A pro tip: Apply your lotion while your skin is still damp from a shower to seal in as much moisture as possible.
3. Is peeling skin normal, and should I try to stop it?
Yes, peeling is your body’s way of getting rid of damaged skin, and no, you should not mess with it. It might be tempting to peel it off like dried glue (we’ve all been there), but that can slow down healing and leave you with patchy, irritated skin. Instead, focus on keeping your skin hydrated with a gentle moisturizer and let it do its thing. If you notice large blisters or an excessive amount of peeling, you might be dealing with a more serious burn, and in that case, it’s best to check in with a doctor.
4. What should I not do when I have a sunburn?
There are a few things that could make your sunburn worse, and honestly, some of them might surprise you.
First, don’t exfoliate—that means no scrubbing, no loofahs, and definitely no chemical exfoliants like AHAs or retinoids. Your skin is in full-on repair mode, and removing layers before they’re ready will just make things worse.
Second, avoid tight clothing. Your skin is already irritated; the last thing it needs is fabric rubbing against it all day. Loose, breathable cotton is your best friend right now.
Lastly, stay away from more sun exposure until your skin is fully healed. Even if you’re using sunscreen, your skin is extra vulnerable, so keep it covered.
5. How do I heal my sunburn faster?
The bad news? There’s no magic trick to make a sunburn disappear overnight. The good news? You can speed up the healing process with a few simple steps.
Hydrate like crazy—both inside and out. Drink tons of water and keep your skin moisturized with an aloe-based lotion or one with ingredients like ceramides and shea butter. Cooling ingredients like cucumber or chamomile can also work wonders.
Eat foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3s (think berries, leafy greens, and salmon) to help reduce inflammation from the inside out. And if you’re feeling adventurous, some studies suggest applying chilled green tea can help soothe sunburned skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Rest is also key. Your skin regenerates while you sleep, so this is the perfect excuse for a nap.
6. Can I still wear makeup if I have a sunburn?
Technically, yes, but it’s not the best idea if your skin is super irritated. If you absolutely have to wear makeup, keep it minimal—lightweight, hydrating formulas are best. A tinted moisturizer with SPF is a better option than a full-coverage foundation, which can cling to peeling skin and make it look worse.
Avoid powder products, which can emphasize dryness, and steer clear of anything with shimmer (those tiny glitter particles can be irritating). And, whatever you do, don’t forget to remove your makeup gently at the end of the day—use a creamy cleanser or micellar water instead of harsh wipes.
7. How do I prevent sunburn next time?
We all know “just wear sunscreen” is the obvious answer, but let’s be real—most people either forget to reapply or don’t use enough. Here’s how to actually make it work:
First, use more than you think you need. A shot glass full of sunscreen is the minimum for your body, and a nickel-sized amount for your face.
Second, set a reminder to reapply every two hours (or more often if you’re swimming or sweating).
Third, don’t rely solely on sunscreen. Hats, sunglasses, and lightweight cover-ups make a huge difference. And if you’re going to be outside for hours, seek shade when you can—especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun is strongest.
Lastly, if you do get burned again, at least you now know exactly how to deal with it. Stay safe and sun-smart!