Backyard adventures and sunbathing are fun summer activities, but when it comes to sun exposure, your skin can feel the burden in a hot beat. Between the heat, humidity and sunshine, environmental factors can cause skin problems that are hard to prevent and even harder to tackle later on. One of the most immediate problems? Sunburn!
Even if you are conscious about regular sunscreen application and wearing UPF clothing, many people (especially those with sensitive skin) fall victim to the sun's harmful rays. With the help of two dermatologists, we've compiled a guide on how to combat sunburns and skin irritation with a few helpful tips and products to relieve skin soreness.
How to stop peeling | How to treat blisters | More sunburn treatment tips | Post-sun products | What to avoid
How to stop sunburn peeling
While there isn't a sun defense method that's 100% effective, the best way to protect your skin is by applying sunscreen and using garments that protect against UVB rays.
"Peeling from a sunburn is the result of damage to the skin," mentions medical chief officer of Ideal Image, Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, M.D. "Peeling is the body’s natural defense at ridding the skin of the damaged skin cells."
One way to minimize inflammation from sunburn peeling is to take a pain reliever "such as ibuprofen, cool baths/cold compresses, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoid alcohol. It’s also important to avoid topical occlusives (i.e. Aquaphor, Vaseline) and oils, which can trap heat in the skin and make your sunburn symptoms worse," Robinson says.
Additionally, you can soothe the peeling effect by protecting yourself with mineral sunscreen, UPF clothing and avoiding the sun until your skin has healed.
How to treat sunburn blisters
Some sun damage can be irreversible or accelerate photoaging, resulting in the appearance of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and brown spots. But if you notice other signs of sun damage, Robinson advises seeking the help of a professional.
"See a doctor if you have open blisters or peeling over large areas of your body which can be prone to infection and long-term scarring," she says. "Fever, chills and feeling nauseous are signs of sun poisoning for which you should seek medical care."
Additional tips to treat a sunburn
Board-certified dermatologist and psychiatrist Dr. Amy Wechsler previously shared that a good amount of sleep, the right sun protection and a proper skin care regimen can help in diminishing skin damage caused by radiation. Here are a few other steps to adopt in your daily lifestyle to avoid sunburn.
Get more sleep
Between work, juggling kids at home and trying to develop a stable routine, it can be hard to get enough sleep throughout the week. Wechsler recommends getting at least 7.5 hours of sleep each night. She says this will allow your brain to heal, which eventually helps your skin heal.
Use sunscreen
It's also important to remember that being outside can come with the risk of sunburns.
Wechsler says that if there's one thing people should be doing more, it's putting on sunscreen. While she also recommends sitting in the shade and wearing clothing with more coverage, she says that buying a quality sunscreen is the first step to prevention.
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen
According to Wechsler, a zinc-based sunscreen is great because it protects against both UVA and UVB light rays. This one from Aveeno comes in a travel-friendly size, gentle enough for sensitive skin and can be used under makeup.
Coppertone Pure and Simple Sunscreen Lotion
The Coppertone Pure and Simple Sunscreen Lotion is water-resistant, also formulated for sensitive skin and a good option to consider for those looking for broad-spectrum protection.
Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen
Bliss's non-greasy formula will protect your sensitive skin while delivering a dewy finish. With its sheer formulation, your skin will show a blurring effect on the pores and a no-makeup look.
"It blends in perfectly and leaves a nice matte finish," shared one reviewer.
EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
If you can't give up your makeup, this tinted facial sunscreen from EltaMD blends the right amount of zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and hyaluronic acid to protect your skin. The moisturizing base will hydrate your complexion and save it from skin-aging free radicals.
Create a DIY home treatment
You can easily create your own hydrating skin care product at home. Wechsler likes using this simple solution as a moisturizing mask that gently exfoliates and soothes sunburnt skin:
- Mix 1/2 cup of yogurt or whole milk with 2 teaspoons of honey.
- Microwave the mixture for 15 to 20 seconds on high.
- Spread the solution on your face and leave it to dry before rinsing off.
Wechsler says that whole milk has lactic acid, which acts as a gentle, natural exfoliant. The honey is also antibacterial and moisturizing.
Use aloe vera
Although Wechsler didn't mention it on the show, aloe vera has long been commonly regarded as a tried-and-true solution to sunburn. The plant contains several properties like vitamins A, C and E, enzymes and minerals. A review from the Indian Journal of Dermatology lists the benefits of each of these properties including anti-inflammatory action, antiseptic effects and moisturizing and anti-aging effects.
Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Gel
According to Robinson, this refreshing Sun Bum formula is great for soothing irritated skin.
"This cool-down hydrating after-sun gel is a great choice that combines aloe and vitamin E."
Peach & Lily Aromatica Soothing Aloe Vera Gel
Senior SEO editor Jess Bender is a fan of this aloe vera gel. "This feels good on the awkward areas on my back that I can't reach with sunscreen," she says.
According to the brand, it's made with almost 99% USDA-approved organic ingredients and it's one of their bestselling hero products.
Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel
This organic aloe vera gel is a No. 1 bestseller in After Sun Skin Care on Amazon, with over 48,000 verified five-star ratings.
"After a day in the sun, I apply this gel generously to my sunburned areas. It immediately delivers a cooling sensation, alleviating the discomfort and redness," raved one five-star reviewer. "The moisturizing properties of aloe vera go to work, replenishing the skin's moisture and preventing excessive dryness or peeling."
Aruba Aloe Pure Aloe Vera Skin Care Gel
Associate SEO editor Kamari Stewart discovered this aloe vera gel while on vacation in Aruba and instantly became a fan. "I got a really bad sunburn toward the end of my trip and this provided instant relief so that I could actually enjoy my last few days," she says.
The brand also offers more options with key ingredients like vitamin E and lidocaine to provide everything from pain relief to everyday soothing.
Kinfield Sunday Spray Cooling Aloe Mist
If you're not a fan of aloe in its typical gel form, try this cooling mist that's a favorite of deals editor Rebecca Brown. You'll find natural spearmint and cucumber alongside the namesake ingredient to help provide relief for burned or stressed out skin.
Other post-sun products recommended by shoppers
Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Moisturizer
Associate editor Dani Musacchio is such a fan of this after sun moisturizer that she even uses it when she's not sunburnt "because it is so hydrating and smells amazing — like summer in a bottle," she raves. Who can argue with that when the fragrance is called "Lime Coolada?"
ZNÖCUETÖD Ice Pack Face Mask
![Cold Face Eye Mask Ice Pack Reduce Face Puff,Dark Circles,Gel Beads Hot Heat Cold Compress Pack,Face SPA for Woman Sleeping, Pressure, Headaches, Skin Care[Blue]](f_avif,q_auto:eco,dpr_2/newscms/2023_26/2008477/51nrypqklol-sl500-649ca31067f7e.jpg)
Bender says her mom is a fan of doing cold face masks when dealing with sunburn (which is more often than not). It's filled with gel beads and, according to the brand, can be used as either a hot or cold pack to provide relief for not only burns but dry eyes, dry skin and migraines.
Sun Bum After Sun Cool Down Spray
A spray is perfect for getting to those hard to reach places. Similar to the brand's Cool Down Lotion, it contains aloe vera and vitamin E. Plus, it's a favorite of assistant partnerships editor Lauren Witonsky.
Sun Bum After Sun Cool Down Lotion
This was a favorite of several members of the Shop TODAY team. According to the brand, it's made with aloe vera, vitamin E and cocoa butter to hydrate and nourish the skin while also providing much-needed soothing relief.
VitaSea After Sun Replenishing Cream
According to the brand, this after sun cream helps prolong your tan while avoiding peeling. What more could you ask for? It's formulated with sea kelp and vitamins C and E to help replenish moisture you lost.
Cetaphil Redness Relieving Daily Facial Moisturizer
If you still end up with a sunburn, you can cleanse and moisturize your face with gentle products like this daily facial moisturizer from Cetaphil. Its key ingredients include licorice extract, caffeine and allantoin, an ingredient used to treat irritated skin.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
This CeraVe lotion is formulated to provide you with all-day hydration and protection. It's formulated with SPF 30 so it can be your daily moisturizer and sunscreen in one!
Esarora Ice Roller
While an ice roller is typically used for facial puffiness, both editorial director Adrianna Brach and social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo like to use it for sunburns! It comes in a variety of different colors and can be reused again and again by just popping it right in your freezer.
Belif The True Cream — Aqua Bomb
Production coordinator Camryn Privette has been using this consistently for the past week while dealing with sunburn on her face. "My skin feels soooo hydrated and [it] didn't make it feel like it was being burned off anymore," she raves.
Magic Molecule The Solution
Associate SEO editor Fran Sales says this solution — which comes in a pack of two — has paid for itself with how effective it is. According to the brand, it can be used on over 100 skin ailments aside from sunburn such as eczema, acne, scars and scrapes.
Sand & Sky Tasmanian Spring Water Wonder Body Lotion
If you're looking for long-lasting hydration and a lightweight lotion, this Australian favorite will add some glow to your skin. The refreshing formula combines mineral-rich Tasmanian spring water, hyaluronic acids and age-defying antioxidants to deliver plumper skin.
Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil
When dealing with her own bout of sunburn, Shigo likes to slather this oil on her ice roller for an added layer of soothing. According to the brand, it's infused with seaweed to help improve skin elasticity and leave you with glowing skin.
Which products should you to avoid when you have a sunburn?
Aside from avoiding occlusive products like Vaseline and Aquaphor, Robinson recommends steering clear from "products with skin irritants in them, as the healing skin will be more sensitive: specifically alcohol, fragrance and parabens in particular. Also, avoid exfoliants both physical (scrubs) and chemical (AHAs, retinols)."
