How to Treat Sunburn: What Your Skin Needs After Too Much Sun

Even a single significant sunburn can damage the skin, accelerate visible aging, and increase long-term skin cancer risk.

At Angela Azar’s office, we help patients understand how to properly care for sun-damaged skin and how to recognize when a burn may require medical attention. The good news is that early treatment and supportive skincare can help reduce discomfort and support the skin’s healing process.

Here’s what you should know about treating sunburn safely and effectively.

What Is a Sunburn?

A sunburn is an inflammatory reaction that occurs when the skin is exposed to excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.

Common symptoms may include:

• Redness
• Warmth or tenderness
• Swelling
• Pain or burning sensation
• Peeling skin
• Itching
• Blisters in more severe cases

Symptoms typically begin a few hours after sun exposure and may continue worsening over the next 24 hours.

Immediate Steps to Treat a Sunburn

Cool the Skin

One of the first goals is to reduce heat and inflammation in the skin.

Helpful measures include:

• Taking cool (not ice-cold) showers or baths
• Applying cool compresses
• Avoiding additional sun exposure while healing

Extremely cold temperatures or ice applied directly to the skin can worsen irritation and damage the skin barrier.

Hydrate Inside and Out

Sunburns can contribute to dehydration because the skin loses moisture more rapidly after UV damage.

Patients should:

• Increase water intake
• Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers
• Apply products containing soothing ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, or ceramides

Keeping the skin hydrated may help reduce tightness, peeling, and discomfort.

Reduce Inflammation

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen may help reduce redness, swelling, and tenderness when appropriate for the patient.

Topical treatments that may help calm inflamed skin include:

• Aloe vera gel
• Fragrance-free moisturizers
• Gentle corticosteroid creams for short-term use when recommended

Avoid harsh exfoliants, retinoids, acids, or irritating active ingredients while the skin is healing.

What About Peeling?

Peeling is a common part of the healing process after a sunburn. It occurs as the body sheds damaged skin cells.

It is important not to:

• Pick or peel the skin aggressively
• Scrub exfoliating skin
• Use abrasive products

Instead, continue moisturizing regularly to support the skin barrier as it recovers.

When Sunburn Becomes More Severe

Some sunburns require medical evaluation, especially if blistering or systemic symptoms develop.

Signs of a more serious sunburn may include:

• Large blisters
• Severe swelling
• Fever or chills
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Severe pain
• Signs of dehydration

Blistering sunburns represent deeper skin injury and should be treated carefully to reduce infection risk and support proper healing.

Long-Term Effects of Sunburn

Even after the redness fades, UV damage can have lasting effects on the skin.

Repeated sunburns contribute to:

• Premature aging
• Hyperpigmentation
• Collagen breakdown
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Increased risk of skin cancer

This is why prevention and daily sun protection remain essential year-round.

How to Help Prevent Future Sunburns

The best treatment for sunburn is prevention.

Important sun protection habits include:

• Applying broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily
• Reapplying sunscreen every two hours outdoors
• Wearing wide-brim hats and protective clothing
• Seeking shade during peak UV hours
• Avoiding tanning beds

Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often well-tolerated for sensitive skin and post-procedure patients.

The Bottom Line

Sunburns are more than temporary skin irritation. They are a sign of UV-induced skin damage. Proper aftercare can help reduce discomfort, support healing, and minimize long-term effects on the skin.

If you are experiencing severe blistering, persistent redness, or concerns about sun damage, a dermatology evaluation can help determine the best treatment plan for your skin.

Dr. Angela Azar and her team focus on preventative skin health and personalized skincare recommendations to help patients maintain healthy, protected skin year-round.