Even with the best intentions and a bottle of SPF in hand, it’s easy to end up with a sunburn after a day outdoors. Whether you missed a spot or forgot to reapply, sunburns happen. The good news? With the right steps, you can soothe the damage and support your skin’s recovery.
Below, we’ll look at what dermatologists recommend for treating sunburned skin safely and effectively.
Step 1: Get Out of the Sun
It may seem obvious, but it’s the most important first move. As soon as you notice your skin is red, tender, or hot, seek shade or go indoors immediately. Continued sun exposure can worsen the burn and increase your risk of further skin damage.
For the next few days, avoid direct sunlight on the affected area. Wear loose clothing and stay covered if you need to be outside.
Step 2: Cool the Skin (Gently)
Soothing your skin is key to minimizing discomfort. Try:
- Cool (not cold) showers or baths
- Wet compresses on the affected areas
- Aloe vera gel or fragrance-free after-sun lotions to reduce heat and inflammation
Avoid using ice directly on the skin or applying petroleum-based products, which can trap heat and make matters worse.
Step 3: Hydrate Inside and Out
Sunburn pulls moisture away from your skin, which can lead to peeling and prolonged healing. Help your body recover by:
- Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated from within
- Using a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep skin barrier function intact
- Skipping exfoliants or harsh soaps while your skin is healing
Bonus tip: Consider hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and leafy greens to support overall skin health! Or combine them all into one big smoothie like this.
Step 4: Avoid Harsh Products
Your skin is more vulnerable while healing, so now is not the time to experiment with new products. Avoid:
- Exfoliants (both physical and chemical)
- Retinoids or acne treatments
- Fragrance-heavy or alcohol-based lotions
- Tight-fitting clothing that may rub or irritate the skin
Stick to gentle, soothing formulas and let your skin repair naturally.
When to See a Dermatologist
Most sunburns can be treated at home, but some cases require professional care. Contact your doctor if you experience:
- Blistering over a large area of your body
- Severe pain or swelling
- Fever, chills, nausea, or headache
- Signs of infection, like pus or increasing redness around blisters
- Dizziness or confusion
These symptoms may signal a more serious burn or sun poisoning and should be addressed promptly.
Heal Now, Protect Later
Once your sunburn starts to heal, your skin will likely peel, which is completely normal. Don’t pick or pull at peeling skin, and keep moisturizing to reduce flaking and discomfort.
Remember: even one bad sunburn increases your long-term risk of skin cancer. Going forward, protect your skin with:
- Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Sun-protective clothing and hats
- Avoiding peak sun hours (10 AM – 4 PM)
- Reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours when outdoors
Sunburned? We’re Here to Help
If your skin isn’t healing as expected or if sunburns have become a frequent concern, schedule a visit with Goodless Dermatology. From customized recovery plans to skin cancer screenings, we’re here to help you heal and protect!
Call (407) 566-1616 to schedule an appointment with the specialists of Goodless Dermatology in Orlando, FL today.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-sunburn/basics/art-20056643
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/treat-sunburn
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/how-to-treat-a-sunburn