How to Get Rid of a Sunburn Fast
Sweet summertime, tan lines and the sting of an unexpected sunburn. When rays leave too strong of a mark, there are effective ways to sooth your skin and speed up healing. Dr. Chad Stocker explains why a sunburn might itch and peel along with how to get rid of it quickly.
How Does a Sunburn Turn into a Tan?
A tan is your body’s way of protecting your skin from further damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. Specialized cells, called melanocytes, increase production of melanin, a natural pigment found in skin, in response to UV radiation exposure.
How to Prevent a Sunburn from Peeling
The best way to avoid peeling is to be proactive and take steps to protect your skin when outside, such as:
- Check medications/skincare: Some medications (like certain antibiotics) and skincare ingredients (like retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids) can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun.
- Drink Water: Well-hydrated skin can be more resilient.
- Find shade: Especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. and 4 p.m.), stay in the shade. Use umbrellas, awnings or natural shade from trees.
- Reapply regularly: Put on more sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you're swimming, sweating heavily or towel drying.
- Smear on sunscreen: Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that protects against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Apply it 15-30 minutes before going outside, even on cloudy days. Don't forget overlooked spots like your ears, neck, tops of feet and scalp.
- Watch out for reflections: Water, sand, snow and concrete can reflect UV rays, increasing your risk.
- Wear protective clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats offer excellent protection. Some clothing even comes with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating, similar to SPF for sunscreen.
- Wear sunglasses: Look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays.
What to Do if I Peeled My Sunburn
Frequently applying skin care with moisturizers that contain aloe and soy is recommended. It’s also essential to protect damaged skin from further UV damage by covering up when outdoors and constantly putting on sunscreen.
Why Does My Sunburn Itch?
Sunburns cause inflammation, redness, dehydration and swelling in the skin — all of which can make you feel itchy.
“Your body’s immune system may release histamine and other chemicals in response to a sunburn, which also cause itching,” Dr. Stocker says.
What are the Three Levels of Sunburn?
There’s more than one type of sunburn. Knowing the level of seriousness determines how long it’ll take to heal and whether you need a doctor.
- First-degree sunburns cause damage to your skin’s outer layer, the epidermis. They heal on their own within days to weeks.
- Second-degree sunburns damage the outer layer of your skin and the layer below, called the dermis. They can take weeks to heal and may require special burn treatments and dressings.
- Third-degree sunburns can be extremely painful and cause damage through all layers of the skin. They may damage nerve endings, too, and include symptoms of nausea, fever, dehydration and headaches. Anyone suffering from a third-degree sunburn should see a healthcare provider immediately.
How to Treat Sunburn Blisters
Sunburn blisters last about one to two weeks, although some take longer depending on the degree of damage. Dab a moisturizer with aloe or soy over the area. Keep an eye on the spot for any signs of infection, like pus, extra warmth, a foul smell, pain that gets worse and increased redness.
Does Sunburn Cause Skin Cancer?
Yes, damage caused by sunburns increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation within sunlight causes damage to skin cells’ DNA, which can lead to skin cancer.
Can Black People Get Sunburned?
Yes, black people can get sunburned.
Dr. Stocker says, “While melanin provides some protection from harmful UV radiation in sunlight, individuals with darker skin tones can still experience sunburns and damage from UV radiation.”
Unexpected Ways You Can Get Sunburned
Can Your Eyes Get Sunburned?
Yes, it’s called photokeratitis.
“It can include symptoms of eye redness, pain, increased sensitivity to light and blurry vision. Wearing sunglasses that protect from UVA and UVB rays when engaged in outdoor activities is highly recommended,” Dr. Stocker says.
Can You Get Sunburned Through a Window?
Prolonged exposure to sunlight through glass, such as a long car ride, can still lead to skin damage.
Dr. Stocker says, “Glass provides some level of protection but won’t block 100% of all UV rays responsible for sunburns.”
What to Put on a Sunburn
Aloe vera is a great go-to remedy for soothing a sunburn due to its anti-inflammatory and cooling effects, as well as moisturizing properties.
While some lotions are helpful for healing sunburns, some are harmful.
Dr. Stocker says, “It’s important to be familiar with ingredients of a lotion before applying to a sunburn. Moisturizers containing aloe and soy can be helpful, while lotions containing petroleum jelly, alcohol and strong fragrance should be avoided.”
He also advises to never use vinegar to treat a sunburn. “It’s highly acidic and can cause more damage to your skin.”
If you’re worried about a sunburn that won’t heal — or if your sunburn is particularly severe — see your doctor right away. They can recommend whether you need specialized care.