Sunburn can leave your skin red, painful, and peeling—but don’t worry, help is here. In this article, we’ll walk you through the best treatments for sunburned skin, explain what’s happening beneath the surface, and give you effective ways to ease discomfort, promote healing, and avoid future burns. Whether it’s a light flush or a blistering burn, knowing how to care for sun-damaged skin can make a big difference in how your skin recovers.
What Happens When You Get a Sunburn
Before we dive into solutions, let’s understand what sunburn is. When your skin is exposed to UV rays, the DNA in your skin cells can become damaged. In response, your body sends extra blood to the area—hence the redness. This is inflammation, and it can lead to peeling, pain, or even blistering.
And while it may seem like a temporary issue, repeated sunburns can increase your risk of premature aging, discoloration, and even skin cancer. That’s why treating sunburn right away—and preventing it in the future—is so important.
Best Treatments for Sunburned Skin That Work
Cool It Down Gently
One of the best first treatments for sunburned skin is simply cooling it. Start with a cool (not cold) shower to lower the skin’s temperature. Avoid using soap on the affected area—it can strip moisture and irritate already-sensitive skin.
Try This:
Apply a cold compress wrapped in a soft towel.
Use aloe vera gel (the pure kind, without added fragrance or alcohol).
Stay in a cool room and wear loose, breathable clothing.
Best Treatments for Sunburned Skin: Hydrate Inside and Out
Sunburn dehydrates your skin and your body. That’s why drinking extra water is a must.
Topical hydration is also key. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer that contains humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These ingredients draw moisture into the skin and help it hold on to it longer.
Avoid: lotions with petroleum, heavy oils, or menthol—they can trap heat or sting.
Soothing Ingredients Your Skin Will Love
When searching for the best treatments for sunburned skin, look for natural, calming ingredients that reduce inflammation and support healing:
Oat extract: anti-inflammatory and calming
Chamomile or calendula: gentle botanicals that soothe redness
Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5): boosts skin repair
Allantoin calms and softens damaged skin
Products with these ingredients can speed up recovery while keeping skin comfortable.
Home Remedies: Helpful or Harmful?
Some home remedies are surprisingly effective, while others can do more harm than good.
Good Choices:
Cool yogurt: contains probiotics and natural cooling
Cucumber slices: reduce puffiness and soothe skin
Green tea compress: contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation
Avoid These:
Butter or oils: they trap heat
Vinegar or lemon juice: too acidic and can burn
Toothpaste: not meant for skin, and can irritate more
When in doubt, go with ingredients you’d trust on sensitive skin.
When to See a Dermatologist for Sunburn
Mild to moderate sunburn usually heals on its own with the right care. But if you notice:
Blistering over a large area
High fever or chills
Dizziness or nausea
Skin that feels hot even after cooling treatments
You might be dealing with sun poisoning or second-degree burns. In this case, don’t wait—contact a dermatologist for proper care.
How to Prevent Sunburn From Happening Again
Even the best treatments for sunburned skin can’t undo the damage entirely. So prevention is your real superpower:
Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily (yes, even on cloudy days)
Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or more if you’re swimming or sweating
Wear UPF clothing, wide-brim hats, and sunglasses
Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest
Consistency is key—think of sunscreen as a daily habit, not just a beach-day essential.
Best After-Sun Products for Relief and Repair
Here are a few tried-and-true options for every skin type and budget:
Budget-friendly: Banana Boat Aloe After Sun Lotion (hydrating and cooling)
Sensitive skin: Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer
Luxury: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 (great for healing damaged skin)
Tip: Store after-sun products in the fridge for extra cooling relief! Check out: The Essential Guide to Skin Care Products That Need To Be Refrigerated
Final Thoughts: Heal Today, Glow Tomorrow
Sunburn happens—even when we’re careful. But with the best treatments for sunburned skin, you can comfort your skin, speed up healing, and reduce long-term effects. From natural ingredients to dermatologist-approved products, your skin deserves gentle care after too much sun.
☀️ Want to level up your skincare routine? Check out these helpful reads: