Effective Ways to Treat a Sunburn Quickly and Safely
Discover dermatologist-approved remedies and step-by-step care methods to relieve sunburn pain and help your skin recover fast.
There is nothing quite like the feeling of stepping out into the sun, enjoying those golden rays—until a sunburn hits and the pain, redness, and peeling begin. Whether you fell asleep at the beach or underestimated the strength of UV rays on a cloudy day, sunburn can be both uncomfortable and damaging. This comprehensive guide brings you dermatologist-approved remedies and step-by-step advice for fast relief and safer skin healing, with answers to your most pressing questions about sunburn care.
What is Sunburn?
Sunburn is an acute inflammatory reaction of the skin to overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The skin turns red, becomes painful or even swollen, and may eventually peel as your body sheds damaged cells. Sunburn is not just a temporary inconvenience; it increases the risk of premature aging and skin cancers due to long-term skin damage.
Immediate Actions to Take After Getting a Sunburn
Act quickly at the first signs of redness or discomfort to reduce further damage and help your skin begin to recover. Here are the steps you should follow right after noticing a sunburn:
- Get Out of the Sun: Immediately move to a shaded area indoors or out of direct sunlight to stop further UV exposure.
- Cool the Skin: Lower the temperature of burned skin by taking a cool shower or bath. If you’re not near a shower, apply a cool, damp towel or compress directly to the affected area. Avoid using hot or even warm water, as that can worsen inflammation and irritation.
- Be Gentle: Do not rub or scrub the skin when drying off. Always pat gently with a soft towel to minimize additional trauma.
Dermatologist-Recommended Remedies to Soothe Sunburn
After cooling your skin, focus on reducing inflammation, rehydrating, and helping your skin heal. Use these evidence-backed remedies, most of which you can find at home or at your local pharmacy:
1. Make a ‘Clothsicle’ Compress
For targeted relief, soak a clean washcloth in cold water, wring out the excess, and freeze it for an hour or two. Drape the clothsicle over the sunburned area for instant soothing and reduction of redness. Repeat as needed, using multiple clothsicles for larger burns.
2. Try a Cool Milk Compress
Milk can provide gentle relief thanks to its proteins, vitamins A and D, and lactic acid, which encourages dead cells to shed. To use, soak a washcloth in chilled milk and lay it on the affected area for 10–15 minutes. Rinse off and moisturize afterward.
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3. Use Hydrocortisone Cream
A thin layer of over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone 1% cream reduces redness, inflammation, and itchiness. Apply up to twice a day for a few days, but not on open blisters or raw skin.
4. Apply Aloe Vera Gel
- Choose pure aloe vera gel (either straight from the plant or a store-bought product with minimal additives).
- For extra relief, store the gel in the fridge for at least an hour before applying to increase its cooling effect.
Aloe is anti-inflammatory and promotes hydration, speeding up healing and easing pain.
5. Use a Healing Moisturizer
Hydrate your skin liberally. Look for moisturizers that include simple, nourishing ingredients, such as:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Glycerin
- Sucralfate or similar healing agents
- Ceramides
Avoid heavy creams with fragrances or alcohol, which can further irritate damaged skin. Applying moisturizer after bathing or compresses helps trap water and promotes skin recovery. Start using a healing cream as soon as redness appears and continue daily until the skin is fully healed to help prevent peeling and dryness.
6. Try Slices of Cucumber or Mint
- Cucumber and mint contain antioxidants and have a high water content, making them hydrating and soothing for inflamed skin.
- Apply chilled cucumber or mint slices to the skin for 15–20 minutes, or brew an infusion in ice-cold water, soak a washcloth, and lay it on the sunburn.
7. Seek Antioxidant Serums
After the initial acute phase, try lightweight serums containing:
- Vitamin E (improves cell rescue and reduces oxidative damage)
- Vitamin C (protects against free radicals and boosts healing)
- Green tea or other polyphenols (provide anti-inflammatory and protective benefits)
Store these serums in the fridge and apply gently to non-blistered areas only.
What NOT to Do When You Have a Sunburn
- Avoid Exfoliating or Scrubbing: Do not exfoliate (with scrubs, acids, or peels) until your skin is fully healed. Sunburned skin is inflamed and fragile.
- Say No to Numbing Agents: Steer clear of lidocaine or benzocaine products. While they might numb pain temporarily, they often cause allergic reactions and can make the burn worse.
- Don’t Pop Blisters: If blisters form, do not break them. They protect underlying skin during healing and prevent infection.
- Reduce Friction: Avoid wearing tight clothing or anything abrasive on sunburned areas.
- Don’t Use Oil-Based Ointments: Petroleum jelly or greasy balms can trap heat and delay healing. Opt for light, breathable lotions instead.
- Avoid Further Sun Exposure: Protect the affected area from more sun. Wear loose, protective clothing and seek shade as your skin recovers.
How Long Does Sunburn Last?
Most sunburns resolve within three to seven days. Redness and pain often peak around 24–36 hours after exposure, followed by possible peeling as the skin regenerates. Intense burns with blisters or significant swelling may require up to two weeks to heal. Each case is different, depending on your skin type, the burn’s intensity, and the treatments you use.
Best Ingredients and Remedies for Healing Sunburn
These ingredients and treatments are either recommended by dermatologists or supported by research for their calming and restorative properties:
- Aloe Vera: Hydrates, soothes, and reduces inflammation.
- Cucumber: Hydrating, antioxidant-rich, and calms the sting.
- Shea Butter: Moisturizes and locks in hydration.
- Rose Water and Calamine: Cooling and anti-inflammatory.
- Lanolin Balm: Helps protect and repair the skin barrier.
- Vitamin E and C: Reduce UVB-induced skin cell damage and promote cell repair.
Tips to Prevent Peeling and Prolonged Damage
- Keep Skin Moisturized: Apply light lotion or cream multiple times per day.
- Drink Plenty of Fluids: Prevent dehydration by increasing water intake, which helps your body and skin recover.
- Don’t Peel Skin: Let skin shed naturally without picking.
- Continue Gentle Care: Nourish skin for several weeks after sunburn to restore the skin barrier and optimal hydration levels.
How to Prevent Sunburns in the Future
- Apply Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours—or immediately after swimming or sweating.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Hats, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing help block direct exposure.
- Seek Shade: Avoid the sun between 10 am and 4 pm, when rays are strongest.
- Be Mindful on Cloudy Days: Up to 80% of UV rays penetrate clouds, so sun protection is needed even on overcast days.
When to See a Doctor for Sunburn
While most sunburns can be treated at home, severe burns may require professional medical attention. Seek help if you experience:
- Large blisters covering more than 20% of your body
- Fever, chills, severe itching, or dehydration symptoms
- Significant pain unrelieved by OTC medications
- Signs of infection (such as pus, increased redness or swelling)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sunburn
What is the quickest way to get sunburn relief?
Taking a cool shower, applying aloe vera gel, and using a hydrating moisturizer right away provide the fastest initial sunburn relief. Using a cold compress or clothsicle directly on the burn also helps calm pain and redness.
Why should I avoid scrubs and acids on sunburned skin?
Sunburned skin is inflamed and extremely sensitive. Exfoliating with scrubs or chemical acids increases irritation and the risk of blisters or rashes. Stick to gentle cleansing and moisturizing until completely healed.
Can I use ice directly on my sunburn?
Never apply ice straight to skin. Instead, use a cold washcloth or wrap ice in a towel to avoid damaging already sensitive skin tissue.
How long does it take for sunburn to get better?
Most mild sunburns resolve in three to seven days, with severe cases or blisters healing in up to two weeks. Keep skin moisturized for at least several weeks after healing to prevent dryness and future damage.
Is peeling after sunburn normal?
Yes, shedding or peeling is a natural part of the healing process as your body eliminates dead or damaged skin cells. Do not peel or pick manually—let the skin flake off on its own while keeping the area hydrated.
What’s the best aftercare once my sunburn has healed?
Continue using nourishing and antioxidant-rich skincare to help fight long-term free radical damage from UV exposure. Use daily sunscreen, and keep moisturizing to boost skin barrier recovery.
Sunburn Recovery: Dos and Don’ts Table
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Move out of the sun quickly | Stay exposed to UV rays |
| Take cool showers or baths | Use hot baths or showers |
| Apply aloe vera or plain moisturizer | Apply perfumed or colored creams |
| Use OTC hydrocortisone if itchy | Use lidocaine or benzocaine creams |
| See a doctor for severe burns/blisters | Pop blisters or pick peeling skin |
| Protect skin from further damage | Wear tight or rough clothing |
Summary: Healing Your Sunburn the Right Way
Sunburn is best treated with fast, gentle intervention, plenty of hydration, and barrier-protecting skincare. Avoid harsh ingredients and unnecessary friction, and seek medical advice for severe or infected burns. After the burn heals, ramp up your sun protection habits to keep your skin healthy, resilient, and glowing—even after the hottest summer days.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/health-fitness/ways-to-make-a-sunburn-go-away-asap
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/bodycare/a35032/how-to-treat-sunburn/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitness/a62998/sunburn-remedies/
- https://cosmopolitancornbread.com/sunburn-naturally/
- https://www.bustle.com/articles/168663-7-weird-sunburn-treatments-that-actually-work
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