Sunburn relief: How to help soothe skin

“While sunscreen use is crucial, it won’t protect us completely from sun damage,” says Geeta Yadav, MD, a dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto. Sunscreen products need to be applied correctly — follow the product application instructions first, and reapply every two hours as needed, or after swimming or sweating, when remaining out in the sun.

Sunscreen needs to be part of a complete approach. “Longer sleeves and high-neck shirts, as well as sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats, can help avoid ultraviolet rays reaching delicate skin,” advises Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a dermatologist and pediatrician at SkinSafe Dermatology and Skin Care in Beverly Hills, California. For sun-protective clothing, look for fabric with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of over 30.

Even with these precautions, sun damage can happen. When sunburn strikes, check out these ways to help get some relief over the course of the burn.

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How long can a sunburn last?

What causes a sunburn in the first place? Ultraviolet rays from the sun come in two harmful varieties. Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays are so-called aging rays, which can lead to skin cancer and cause aging effects. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are what cause most sunburns and can also lead to skin cancer. It’s recommended to find a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both.

The pain and redness of minor sunburn can subside within a few days, “But that won’t be the case if you’ve seriously burned your skin,” says Dr. Yadav. “Severe sunburns can blister, bubble up and be painful for weeks.”

When to see a health care provider

If any of the following symptoms occur in children, seek emergency medical care or see a health care provider:

•  Chills
• Confusion
• Facial swelling or inflammation
• Headache
• Painful blisters

Should the following symptoms occur for anyone after sun exposure, contact a health care provider:

• Dizziness or faintness
• Extreme thirst
• Eyes are sensitive to light
• Nausea, fever, chills or rash
• Pale, clammy or cool skin
• Rapid pulse or rapid breathing

How to help manage a sunburn

While there’s no magic cure for sunburn, there are many ways to help relieve its pain and discomfort. Someone stuck at home nursing a painful sunburn should consider consulting a health care provider, who can offer advice about over-the-counter (OTC) and at-home options. Techniques that may help include:

•  An OTC pain reliever. Consider taking aspirin or ibuprofen to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Frequent cool baths or showers. These can help give some instant relief. Avoid using harsh soaps when washing, though. Right after emerging from the water, gently pat skin dry, leaving a tiny bit of water on the skin, then apply a moisturizer. This can help ease the dryness that may come with a sunburn.
• Protecting sunburned skin. While healing, avoid re-exposing burned skin to the sun. Wear sun-protective clothing that covers the burned area whenever outdoors. Tightly woven fabrics are recommended.
• Staying hydrated. Sunburns draw fluid to the skin, away from the rest of the body, so drinking extra water can help avoid dehydration. 

Drugstore products to support sunburn relief

Can someone find sunburn relief support products at the drugstore? Yes! A number of OTC products may help ease pain and manage symptoms.

• Topical aloe vera. Aloe may help soothe irritated skin. “Buying a bottle of aloe at the drugstore and having it on hand is never a bad idea,” says Dr. Yadav. Dr. Shainhouse suggests storing it in the fridge for extra cooling relief.
• After-sun lotion and moisturizer. After-sun lotions may contain aloe vera as well as other botanicals or ingredients.
• Moisturizer. “Use a gentle moisturizer,” says Dr. Shainhouse. As for particular ingredients, she says creams with vitamins C and E can help limit skin damage.
• Sunscreen. Prevention really is the best tool. People should stick to broad-spectrum options and a sun-protection factor (SPF) of 30 when outside. If they’re planning to swim, their sunscreen needs to be water-resistant and reapplied every two hours. 

At-home options for sunburn relief

A cool — not cold — compress, for example, can help with relief. Staying hydrated may also help.

If sunburn strikes, remember to be patient. It can take up to a week for skin to fully heal after a minor sunburn (severe sunburns can take even longer). It is strongly advised to avoid further skin damage. Staying indoors is the safest option, but if that’s not possible, wear sunscreen and sun protection, and avoid direct sun exposure during the peak hours of 10 AM to 4 PM.

Key takeaways

Sunburns happen, but there are plenty of ways to help manage them when they do. Here’s even better news: It’s possible to prevent sunburns from happening in the first place. Sunscreen, sun-protective clothing and time spent in the shade can help protect against harmful ultraviolet rays. 

Mild sunburns typically resolve within a few days, but severe burns can blister, remain painful for weeks and may even require medical attention. Cool showers or baths, OTC pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen and drinking extra water may help manage discomfort during the healing process. Talk to a health care provider before starting any new OTC or at-home options to help manage sunburn relief.

Drugstore staples like after-sun lotions, aloe vera and gentle moisturizers containing vitamins C and E may work, too. Since skin can take time to fully heal, avoiding direct sun exposure — especially during peak hours of 10 AM to 4 PM — can help protect the skin and support a smoother recovery.