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Sunburn relief: How to help soothe skin

Looking to get cool after too much sun? These techniques and products can help you feel better in no time.

Written by Lauren Arcuri

Two stalks of aloe vera on a pink background.

A day out at the park can easily lead to a “sunburn hangover,” which can include feeling achy and lethargic along with having patches of burned, painful skin. It happens even to people who thought they’d protected themselves with sunscreen.

“While sunscreen use is crucial, it won’t protect all of you from sun damage,” says Geeta Yadav, MD, a dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto.1 Sunscreen products need to be applied correctly — follow the product application instructions first, and reapply every two hours, as needed, when remaining out in the sun.2

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, CA.3 For sun-protective clothes, look for fabric with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of over 30.

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

In this article:

How long does a sunburn last?

What causes a sunburn in the first place? Ultraviolet rays from the sun come in two harmful varieties. Ultravoilet A (UVA) rays are so-called aging rays, which can lead to skin cancer and cause aging effects. Ultraviolet  (UVB) B 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.4

The pain and redness of minor sunburn typically subsides within a few days, “but that won’t be the case if you’ve seriously burned your skin,” says Dr. Yadav. “Severe sunburn can blister, bubble up and be painful for weeks.”5

If any of the following symptoms occur, it’s advisable to see a doctor, notes Dr. Shainhouse:

  • Redness and pain that persists longer than one or two days
  • Any signs of infection, including red streaking, pus from blisters or a fever
  • A severe sunburn on your face or lips with swelling6
  • A worsening headache
  • Confusion
  • Nausea

Should the following, more serious symptoms occur, make a trip to the emergency room or call 911:

  • Blisters on the eyelids, face, feet, hands or lips
  • Blisters that cover large areas of the body
  • Fever and chills that do not resolve with ibuprofen
  • Cold or dry skin
  • Dizziness or faintness7
  • Facial swelling
  •  Hives
  • Nausea
  • Signs of dehydration
  • Vomiting
  • Wheezing

How to find relief from a sunburn

While there’s no magic cure for sunburn, there are many ways to relieve the pain and discomfort. Tried-and-true techniques include the following:

  • Frequent cool showers or baths. These can give some instant relief. Avoid using harsh or perfumed 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 comes with a sunburn.
  • A pain medication. Taking acetaminophen can help reduce discomfort.
  • Staying hydrated. The sunburn draws fluid to the skin, away from the rest of the body, so drinking extra water can help avoid dehydration.
  • 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.8 Topical antibiotic ointments, cream with absorbent dressing or specialized burn dressing materials are also commonly used, especially for blistered skin.9

Drugstore products for sunburn relief

Can you find sunburn-relief products at the drugstore? You bet. A number of over-the-counter products may help ease pain and manage symptoms.

  • Aloe vera. Aloe is well known for its soothing effects on skin.10 “Buying a bottle of aloe at the drugstore and having it on hand is never a bad idea,” says Dr. Yadav.11 Dr. Shainhouse suggests storing it in the fridge for extra cooling relief.12

Consider CVS Health Aftersun Aloe Vera Moisturizing Gel, CVS Health Aftersun Cooling Gel or Urban Hydration Soothing & Cooling Aloe Vera Body Gel Moisturizer.

  • Hydrocortisone cream. A thin layer of hydrocortisone cream applied two to three times a day can help reduce redness and inflammation, notes Dr. Shainhouse.13
  • After-sun lotion and moisturizer. After-sun lotions often include aloe vera as well as other botanicals or ingredients. 

Some products in this category include Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Lotion with Cocoa Butter and SunBurnt Advanced After-Sun Gel.

  • Moisturizer. Once the healing skin starts to shed, “use a gentle moisturizer,” says Dr. Shainhouse. As for particular ingredients, she says to consider coconut and shea butter to moisturize and products that contain ceramides to help restore the broken skin barrier. “If your skin can tolerate mild exfoliation at this point, look for lotions with hydroxy acids like ammonium lactate to gently remove the scale.”14

Some products that meet the mark: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream with Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides, AmLactin Ultra Smoothing Intensely Hydrating Cream and Banana Boat Moisturizing Aloe After Sun Lotion.

  • Burn relief spray. Lidocaine is a topical numbing agent that “can really take the pain out of a bad burn,” says Dr. Yadav.15

Try Solarcaine Cool Aloe Burn Relief Spray. 

  • Sunscreen. Prevention really is the best tool. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreens that have broad-spectrum protection and a sun-protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher every day you’ll be outside. If you’ll be swimming, they need to be water resistant.16

At-home remedies for sunburn relief

Someone stuck at home nursing a painful sunburn should consider consulting a health care provider. They can offer advice about over-the-counter and at-home options. A cool — not cold — compress, for example, can help with relief.17 And staying hydrated may help a sunburn heal faster, because sunburned skin can swell, drawing water to the skin and potentially dehydrating the rest of the body.18

If a sunburn strikes, remember to be patient. It can take up to a week for skin to fully heal. 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.19

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.