Summer’s long, sunny days bring joy—beach trips, poolside lounging, and outdoor adventures. But sometimes, we forget to reapply sunscreen or seek shade, leaving us with that painful, red-hot sunburned skin.
The good news? With the right steps and a bit of TLC, you can help your skin heal faster and stay hydrated. In this guide, we’ll cover why sunburn happens, how to treat it, and the best remedies for quick healing and deep hydration. Whether you’re mildly pink or already peeling, we’ve got you covered.
Why Do We Get Sunburned?
Sunburn occurs when your skin gets too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun (or tanning beds). UV rays damage your skin’s DNA, triggering an inflammatory response. This leads to redness, pain, swelling, and, in severe cases, blistering.
UVA vs. UVB Rays
- UVA rays: Longer wavelengths penetrate deeper into the skin, contributing to premature aging and wrinkles.
- UVB rays: Shorter wavelengths cause direct DNA damage, leading to sunburn.
Even with sunscreen, prolonged exposure can overwhelm your skin’s defenses. That’s why reapplying sunscreen and taking other protective measures are crucial.
Immediate Steps to Take When You Realize You’re Burned
1. Get Out of the Sun
If your skin is turning red, seek shade, head indoors, or cover up with protective clothing. Further exposure worsens the damage.
2. Cool Down
Sunburned skin is inflamed. Use a cool compress or take a lukewarm (not icy) shower to reduce redness and pain. Avoid extreme temperature changes that can irritate your skin further.
3. Hydrate
Sunburn draws fluids to the skin’s surface, increasing the risk of dehydration. Drink plenty of water or electrolyte-rich beverages to replenish lost fluids.
4. Skip Harsh Products
Avoid strong exfoliants, retinol, or alcohol-based products that can further irritate your skin. Stick to gentle, soothing skincare.
5. Moisturize
Apply a hydrating lotion or gel while your skin is still damp to lock in moisture and aid healing.
Fast Relief for Sunburned Skin: Key Ingredients
Look for these soothing ingredients in your skincare routine:
- Aloe Vera: A cooling, anti-inflammatory powerhouse that provides quick relief.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Reduces redness and supports skin repair.
- Colloidal Oatmeal: Soothes dryness, irritation, and itching.
- Ceramides: Restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture.
- Antioxidants (Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Green Tea Extract): Help combat free radicals and support healing.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates and replenishes moisture levels.
Home Remedies: Simple Yet Effective
1. Aloe Vera Gel
Apply pure aloe vera gel (straight from the plant or store-bought without additives). Refrigerate it for extra cooling relief.
2. Cool Oatmeal Bath
Grind plain oats into a fine powder, sprinkle it into a lukewarm bath, and soak for 15–20 minutes to calm irritation.
3. Cold Milk or Green Tea Compress
Soak a clean cloth in chilled milk or brewed, cooled green tea, then apply it to the sunburned area for 10–15 minutes.
4. Hydration Boost
Drink plenty of water to help your body repair damaged skin cells and maintain moisture balance.
Best Over-the-Counter Products for Sunburn Relief
1. Banana Boat Aloe Aftersun Lotion
Provides a cooling effect with aloe and vitamin E to hydrate and soothe burned skin.
2. CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion
Packed with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to restore the skin’s barrier and lock in moisture.
3. La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water Spray
A refreshing mist that reduces redness and calms irritation without the need for rubbing.
4. Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment
Colloidal oatmeal soaks provide itch relief and hydration for widespread sunburns.
5. Avene Tolerance Extreme Cream
A minimalist, hydrating formula with thermal spring water to soothe sensitive skin.
6. Alba Botanica Hawaiian After-Sun Lotion
Aloe vera and tropical extracts help replenish moisture without feeling sticky.
How to Care for Your Skin as It Heals
1. Keep Skin Moisturized
Apply hydrating lotions or gels several times a day to prevent excessive dryness and itching.
2. Avoid Picking or Peeling
Let dead skin shed naturally to prevent scarring and infections.
3. Stay Out of the Sun
Protect healing skin by wearing loose, breathable clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
4. Take Lukewarm Showers
Hot water can strip essential oils and worsen inflammation.
5. Skip Active Ingredients
Retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and strong vitamin C products can irritate compromised skin. Stick to gentle skincare.
6. Choose Soft, Loose Clothing
Wear lightweight fabrics like cotton to minimize friction and irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I still tan if I have a sunburn?
Tanning is a sign of skin damage. If you’re already burned, avoid further sun exposure to prevent prolonged healing and additional harm.
Should I pop blisters?
No. Blisters protect underlying skin as it heals. Popping them increases the risk of infection and scarring.
How long does sunburn take to heal?
Mild sunburns improve in a few days, while more severe burns can take over a week. Proper care speeds up recovery.
Final Thoughts
Sunburns are painful but treatable. By taking immediate action, using the right ingredients, and keeping your skin hydrated, you can ease discomfort and support faster healing. Of course, prevention is always best—so don’t forget your sunscreen and protective gear before heading outdoors!
Have a go-to sunburn remedy? Share it in the comments below!
