How to Get Rid of Sunburn Fast

Sunburn can happen to almost anyone who spends too much time outside without enough sun protection. If your skin is red, sore, and hot after sun exposure, you’re probably looking for ways to feel better quickly. While there’s no instant fix for a sunburn, you can take several quick and easy steps at home to ease the pain and help your skin recover faster. The main things are to cool the skin, keep it moisturized, stay hydrated, and protect the hurt area from more sun. Here’s a simple guide to getting over sunburn as quickly and comfortably as you can.

How fast can sunburn go away?

The time it takes for sunburn to improve depends on how bad the burn is. A mild sunburn-just some redness and sensitivity-might feel a lot better in two or three days if you care for it. More severe burns, especially if you get blisters, can last up to two weeks or even longer. Keep in mind, you can ease symptoms and make things more comfortable, but the skin still needs time to repair itself from the inside out.

Your body immediately starts repairing sunburned skin once the damage is done. Blood flow increases, immune cells go to the area, and the old, damaged skin will eventually peel off. You can help your body repair itself by making sure your skin has what it needs, like moisture and protection.

How long does sunburn last?

Here’s a quick chart to help you figure out how long different types of sunburn may last:

What can change sunburn recovery time?

Many things affect how long a sunburn takes to heal, such as:

• How bad the burn is-mild ones heal faster than severe ones.
• Your skin type-lighter skin burns more easily and may take longer to heal.
• How much time you stayed in the sun without protection.
• The strength of the sun’s rays (higher at midday, near water/snow, or closer to the equator).
• Medicines you’re taking-some antibiotics and skin treatments can make you extra sensitive to the sun.
• How good your aftercare is-acting quickly makes a big difference in how you feel.

What are the best ways to get rid of sunburn fast?

Once you notice your skin getting pink or painful, stop sun exposure right away. Move inside or into shade to prevent the burn from getting worse. Then, focus on cooling, moisturizing, and giving your skin time to heal.

Step-by-step: What to do right away

1. Get out of the sun as soon as you notice redness or pain.
2. Apply a cool, damp towel or cloth to the sunburn for 10 minutes, several times a day. Don’t use ice; it can hurt the skin even more.
3. Take a cool (not cold) bath or shower. Afterward, gently pat your skin dry and leave it slightly damp before moisturizing.

Helpful home remedies

• Aloe vera gel or lotion: Known for soothing burns; store it in the fridge for extra relief.
• Soy-based lotion or calamine lotion: Can also cool and comfort the skin.
• Baking soda bath: Add 2 ounces (60 grams) of baking soda to a cool bath for extra relief.
• Colloidal oatmeal: Try an oatmeal bath if your skin is extra sore.
• Drink water: Sunburn makes your body lose fluid, so drink extra water for a few days to help your body heal.

Over-the-counter options

• Pain relievers: Ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) help with pain and swelling. Take as directed on the package.
• Hydrocortisone cream 1%: Apply up to three times daily to reduce redness and itching (can chill it for extra comfort).
• Antihistamines: If skin is itchy as it peels, try an oral antihistamine like Benadryl.

Things to avoid

• Don’t put ice directly on burned skin-it can cause more damage.
• Avoid lotions with alcohol or strong fragrance; these can dry or irritate your skin.
• Stay away from petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) on fresh burns-it holds in heat.
• Don’t use benzocaine or other “-caine” products, as they can cause reactions.
• Don’t pop blisters-this increases infection risk. Let them heal on their own.
• Don’t peel flaking skin; let it come off naturally to avoid scarring.

How to ease sunburn pain and discomfort

Sunburn can really hurt-your skin might feel hot, tight, and sensitive. To manage the pain while you heal, try the following tips:

Ways to relieve pain

• Take non-prescription painkillers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) as soon as possible and as directed on the label.
• Use pain-relief gels on the burnt area for targeted relief.
• Keep using cool compresses or cool (not cold) baths for 10-15 minutes at a time.
• Wear loose, soft clothing to prevent skin irritation and avoid rubbing the area.

How to lower redness and swelling

• Keep cooling the skin with cold towels or cool baths.
• Apply hydrocortisone cream for up to three days to calm down red, angry skin.
• Use gentle aloe vera lotion or a soy-based moisturizer often to keep skin from drying out.
• Stay away from tight clothing over the area-let your skin breathe.

What to do about blisters and peeling

• If you get blisters, don’t pop them-they protect the healing skin.
• If a blister breaks on its own, gently wash with mild soap, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover with a clean, nonstick bandage.
• Once your skin starts to peel, apply fragrance-free moisturizer often, and don’t pick at peeling skin-let it come away on its own.
• If the peeling makes you itchy, an antihistamine (like Benadryl) may help.

When to see a doctor for sunburn

Most sunburns can be cared for at home. But sometimes, sunburn is a sign of something more serious. See a doctor right away if you have:

• A fever over 103°F (39.4°C), vomiting, confusion, or signs of dehydration (such as dizziness, dry mouth, very little pee).
• Cold, clammy skin, fainting, or severe dizziness.
• Large blisters or blisters that cover big areas of your body, or ones on your face, hands, or private areas.
• Worsening pain, headache, chills, eye pain, vision changes, or any sign of infection (pus, bigger swelling, spreading red lines).
• If a small child, especially under 1 year old, has sunburn.

FAQs about getting rid of sunburn quickly

Should I pop sunburn blisters?

No, you shouldn’t. Blisters act as a protective covering and help prevent infection. If they break by themselves, gently wash the area, add a little antibiotic cream, and cover with a nonstick bandage. Watch for signs of infection (pus, more redness or swelling, fever).

How does sunburn heal?

First, the burn turns the skin red and painful as blood flow increases and immune cells rush in. Blisters form to protect deeper skin if the burn is bad. Over days, your body sheds the top layer of skin, seen as peeling. This is how your body gets rid of the damaged skin so new, healthy skin can grow underneath. Even after visible healing, some sun damage is permanent, so it’s best to avoid burns whenever you can.

Are there “home remedies” I shouldn’t use?

Yes, skip these “remedies”-they can do more harm than good:

• Don’t use ice directly on skin-it can freeze and damage tissue.
• No petroleum jelly on fresh burns-it locks in heat.
• No lotions or products with alcohol-they dry out and irritate the skin.
• Don’t use harsh cleansers, scrubs, or peel-off masks.
• Avoid using vinegar, lemon juice, or butter-these can sting, irritate, or cause infections.

Stick to cool compresses, gentle aloe vera, and fragrance-free moisturizers instead.