We’ve all been there. A harmless day of fun in the sun turns into a week of pain and peeling. Sunburn is never fun, but relief is easy to achieve with the right treatments, and you can minimise skin damage at the same time. All you need to do is follow The Medshield Sunburn Survival Guide:
What to Do If You’ve Got Sunburn
The first thing you should do when you notice you’ve been burnt is cool your skin down. Getting out of the sun and into the shade or indoors is your first order of business. The next step is cooling your skin down. A lukewarm shower or a cold compress can work wonders to lower the temperature of your skin. Don’t put ice directly on your skin. It’ll cause more harm than good by creating a further shock to your skin. Water is the best way to cool your skin down in this situation. Keep the water temperature mild. Water that’s too hot or cold will irritate sunburned skin.
After your skin has cooled down, the next step is to let it breathe. Avoid tight clothing, heavy creams, or anything that might rub against the burn. Wear loose, soft fabrics like cotton T-shirts or pyjamas to prevent further irritation. Try not to touch or scratch the burnt areas, no matter how tempting. Scrubbing or picking at your skin causes additional damage and will lead to infection.
You might be tempted to scratch or pick at your peeling skin, but this is one of the worst things you can do to sunburned skin. Let it shed naturally. If you can’t stand the sight of dead skin, wait a few days and gently exfoliate once your skin feels ready, but always be gentle.
Preventative Measures
Peeling is one of the most frustrating side effects of sunburn. While it’s a natural part of the healing process, no one wants to deal with flaky, shedding skin. The key to minimising peeling is keeping your skin hydrated both inside and out. Drink plenty of water (around 8–10 glasses a day) to support hydration from within, and regularly apply a soothing moisturiser to lock in moisture.
Of course, the best way to avoid peeling is to prevent sunburn in the first place. Sun protection should always be your first line of defence. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every two hours, and more often if you’re swimming or sweating. Cover up with lightweight clothing, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat, and seek shade during peak sun hours (10:00–16:00). Remember, UV rays can still cause damage even on cloudy days, so don’t skip sun protection just because the sun isn’t shining.
The Power of Moisturising & After-Sun Care
When it comes to treating sunburn, moisturising is absolutely vital. Sunburn causes the outer layer of your skin to become dry, tight, and irritated. Using a good-quality moisturiser will help restore moisture and alleviate discomfort. Look for a moisturiser with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, or vitamin E. These ingredients help hydrate and heal your skin, giving it the relief it needs. After-sun care works similarly.
After-sun care can be your best friend when dealing with sunburn. They are designed to soothe and hydrate your skin and contain cooling ingredients like menthol, aloe vera, and cucumber. After-sun products provide instant relief, help reduce redness, and restore moisture. While these products can’t undo the burn, they’re great for easing discomfort and giving your skin what it needs to recover. Make sure you apply after-sun lotion two to three times a day, especially after a shower or bath. This is one of the best ways to keep your skin cool and hydrated while it heals.
Wrapping Up
Sunburn is painful, but it’s not the end of the world. You can soothe discomfort and encourage faster healing by cooling your skin, staying hydrated, moisturising, and using after-sun products. However, the best way to treat sunburn is to avoid getting one in the first place with good sun safety habits. Always wear sunscreen, seek shade, and cover up to protect your skin. Your skin is your body’s largest organ, so it’s worth protecting.