To get rid of sunburn quicker, cool skin, moisturize often, hydrate, use anti-inflammatories, and shield burned areas from more UV.
Sunburn stings, tightens, then peels. The fastest path to relief follows a few clear moves. Get out of the sun right away, drop the skin temperature, tame inflammation, and keep the barrier moist and clean. Add fluids, rest, and gentle protection so the skin can repair without new damage. Here’s how to get rid of sunburn quicker without making it worse.
This guide lays out exact steps, tools that help, and traps that slow healing. You’ll find a day-by-day plan, a quick triage table, and prevention that makes the next beach day a breeze.
Get Rid Of Sunburn Quicker: Step-By-Step Plan
- Leave The Sun. Head indoors or into dense shade. UV on injured skin drags recovery and raises the risk of deeper damage.
- Cool The Skin. Take a cool shower or bath for 10–20 minutes. Pat dry. Lay a clean, damp towel on hot spots between soaks.
- Moisturize While Damp. Smooth on a plain lotion with aloe vera or soy. Repeat whenever tightness returns.
- Quiet The Inflammation. If you’re able, use an oral NSAID such as ibuprofen as directed on the label. A thin layer of 1% hydrocortisone can help on small patches.
- Hydrate. Drink water often. Add an oral rehydration mix or a pinch of salt with citrus when sweat loss was heavy.
- Protect The Area. Wear loose, soft fabrics. Cover with UPF clothing or a sun-shade umbrella when outdoors.
- Hands Off Blisters. Don’t pop them. If a blister opens, wash gently, dab on antiseptic, and cover with sterile gauze.
- Sleep And Repeat. Recovery is faster when you rest. Keep cooling, moisturizing, and hydrating on a loop for 48–72 hours.
Quick Actions And Why They Work
| Action | What To Do | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Exit Sun | Move indoors or dense shade | Stops added UV injury |
| Cool Soaks | 10–20 minute cool bath or shower | Lowers skin temp; eases sting |
| Damp-Then-Lotion | Apply aloe/soy lotion after drying | Locks water in the outer layer |
| Oral NSAID | Ibuprofen as directed | Reduces pain and swelling |
| Hydrocortisone | Thin 1% layer on small areas | Quiets redness and itch |
| Fluids | Water often; add electrolytes | Replaces fluid pulled to skin |
| Hands Off | Don’t pop blisters | Lowers infection risk |
| Soft Layers | Loose, breathable clothing | Prevents friction and rubbing |
Cooling Methods That Help — And What To Skip
Cool baths and compresses: Use water that feels cool, not icy. Ten to twenty minutes is plenty. Long, hot soaks pull moisture from skin and make sting worse. Between soaks, set a damp cloth on the burn for a few minutes. Refresh it when warmth creeps back.
Ice and harsh tricks: Skip ice packs straight on skin. They can burn or slow blood flow. Don’t pour vinegar, toothpaste, butter, or neat essential oils on a burn. These raise irritation and infection risk.
Showers vs. baths: Pick what feels best. Baths coat a large area; showers hit hard-to-reach spots. Keep either short and cool. After you finish, pat dry so a little water stays on the surface for the next step—lotion.
Moisturizers, Ointments, And Over-The-Counter Aids
Choose a light, fragrance-free lotion with aloe vera or soy. Spread it while the skin is still damp to trap water. Calamine can ease itch. A colloidal oatmeal soak can calm heat. If redness and itch flare on small zones, a thin layer of 1% hydrocortisone may help for a day or two. Don’t use thick oil balms on broad areas, since they can trap heat. Petroleum jelly has a place on intact blisters as a protective seal, but skip a heavy coat across sunburnt skin.
Pain peaking? An oral NSAID like ibuprofen can take the edge off when used as directed. If you need something gentler, paracetamol can help with pain though it won’t tame swelling. Always read your label and avoid mixing drugs that do the same job.
Allergic to aloe or soy? Go with a plain, gentle moisturizer. Patch test a coin-size area first. If it tingles or burns, rinse and try a different product.
Hydration, Food, And Sleep For Faster Recovery
Sunburn draws fluid toward the skin, so thirst can sneak up on you. Sip water through the day. After heavy sweat, add an electrolyte packet or a light snack with salt and fruit. Lean proteins aid repair. Aim for steady meals, not a feast. Alcohol slows healing and worsens dehydration, so keep intake low until the skin settles.
Sleep is a free healer. Cool the bedroom, use soft sheets, and wear roomy cotton. If fabric sticks, dust a little cornstarch in areas that rub. Keep pets from climbing across tender zones.
What To Do With Blisters And Peeling
Blisters mean a deeper burn. Leave them intact. If one breaks, wash with lukewarm water, apply a tiny amount of antiseptic, and cover with sterile gauze. Change the dressing daily. Once peeling starts, hands off the loose edges. Snip only what’s detached. Feed the new skin with frequent lotion.
Watch for warning signs: fever, chills, wooziness, or severe pain that keeps going past two days. Large areas with blisters, facial burns, or burns in babies need prompt care.
How Long Sunburn Usually Lasts
Mild sunburn tends to settle within three to seven days. Redness eases first. Itch and peeling follow. Deeper burns last longer and can leave color change for weeks. A smart routine shortens the rough patch: cool water, damp-then-lotion cycles, steady fluids, and zero new UV.
Prevention That Speeds Recovery Next Time
Good prevention doesn’t just block the next burn; it also cuts repeat hits while the skin is fragile. Pick a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and put on a generous coat 15 minutes before sun. Use about a shot-glass of lotion for full body. Reapply every two hours, and sooner after swimming or heavy sweat. Pair sunscreen with UPF shirts, a wide-brim hat, and wrap-around shades. Plan shade breaks near midday. Track the UV index on your weather app and dial down time outside when it spikes.
You can find step-by-step sunburn care on the American Academy of Dermatology’s page, and clear sunscreen rules on the FDA’s sunscreen guide. Use those as your baseline habits.
At-Home Vs. Medical Care: Quick Triage
| Situation | What To Do |
|---|---|
| Mild redness without blisters | Cool soaks, frequent lotion, fluids, rest |
| Blisters on small areas | Don’t pop; cover with sterile gauze |
| Severe pain over two days | Seek urgent care |
| Large blistered area | Seek urgent care |
| Fever over 101°F or chills | Seek urgent care |
| Signs of dehydration | Seek urgent care |
| Burns on face, groin, hands, or feet | Seek urgent care |
| Infant or toddler with any burn | Seek urgent care |
Day-By-Day Recovery Plan
Day 0–1
Stop sun, start cooling cycles every few hours. Apply lotion while skin is damp. Use an oral NSAID if you’re able. Drink water with each meal and between meals. Wear soft layers. Sleep early.
Day 2–3
Keep the loop going: cool water, damp-then-lotion, fluids. Hydrocortisone on small, angry patches can help for a short spell. If pain isn’t easing, or blisters spread, get care.
Day 4–7
Peeling likely ramps up. Don’t tug at loose skin. Keep showers short and cool. Moisturize often. If any open areas ooze or smell odd, clean gently and cover. If you feel unwell at any point, seek care.
Smart Gear To Keep On Hand
Build a small kit: fragrance-free aloe or soy lotion, 1% hydrocortisone, oral NSAID, oral rehydration packets, sterile gauze, a wide-brim hat, a UPF long-sleeve, and SPF 30+ sunscreen. Toss in a travel-size colloidal oatmeal soak for trips. Check dates on products before the season starts.
Myths That Slow Healing
- “A Base Tan Protects You.” It’s still damage. Skip tanning beds and aim for shade and sunscreen.
- “Oil Locks In Moisture.” Thick oils can trap heat on fresh burns. Use light lotion while skin is damp.
- “Pop Blisters To Speed Peeling.” Intact blisters shield the wound. Leave them alone.
- “Strong Sun Feels Good After Day One.” UV on a burn slows healing. Cover up until skin calms.
Bottom Line
Relief comes faster when you follow a steady rhythm: cool water, damp-then-lotion, fluids, rest, and strict sun avoidance. Add smart gear and a plan for the week, and the sting fades sooner.