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If there's one thing we're willing to get redundant about here at Allure, it's sunscreen. You should be wearing sunscreen every day, and slathering it on from head to toe every two hours on days when you're outside. But we get it — even a religious devotion to your SPF doesn't make you totally immune to the sun's harmful rays. So, we asked the experts how to treat (and prevent) a sunburn on the off chance you do get burned.
A sunburn is the result of your skin getting too much exposure to damaging ultraviolet rays — especially the dangerous UVB rays from the sun, Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, tells Allure. "Sunburns may seem temporary, but can cause long-lasting damage to the skin by significantly increasing the risk of skin cancers and sunspots," she says.
Since sunburns are relatively commonplace, it's easy to think getting scorched isn't really that bad. But research shows that even one bad burn has a significant impact on your risk for developing skin cancer. "Having five blistering sunburns can increase your risk of developing melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 80 percent," adds Dr. Marchbein.
Sunburns can lead to secondary issues, such as infection, dehydration (since sunburn draws fluid to the skin’s surface and away from the rest of the body, explains Sejal Shah, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and founder of SmarterSkin Dermatology), and premature aging.
In a perfect world, you'd be so slathered in SPF that you would prevent 100 percent of sunburns (and even tans). But since sun happens, here's how to treat a sunburn if you get one.
- Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and assistant professor of clinical dermatology at NYU School of Medicine.
- Sejal Shah, MD, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and founder of SmarterSkin Dermatology.
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital and a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
- Neda Mehr, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Pure Dermatology Cosmetic & Hair Center in Newport Beach
- Loretta Ciraldo, MD, a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist and the founder of the skin-care line Dr. Loretta.
1. Use lotion to keep your skin hydrated.
"When you get a sunburn, UV light causes inflammation in the skin similar to what you might get from a thermal burn from the oven," says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic and clinical dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. "That's why it's important to hydrate the skin and help repair the skin barrier as quickly as possible."
The easiest way to do that is from the outside-in. For the most skin-soothing effects, look for a moisturizer containing aloe, like Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Lotion or Benton Aloe Gel, which helps calm burned skin.
P.S. We love Benton Aloe Gel so much we added it to our May 2022 Allure Beauty Box lineup.
2. Reduce your skin's inflammation with pills and topicals.
You can also treat a sunburn by reducing inflammation from the inside-out, Dr. Zeichner explains. Popping an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pill like Advil can help reduce swelling and redness, plus help you deal with any pain.
Dr. Neda Mehr, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Pure Dermatology Cosmetic & Hair Center in Newport Beach, also recommends applying an over-the-counter cortisone cream to help reduce the inflammation. "The UV light causes inflammation and damage to the melanocytes and the keratinocytes, which are the top layer skin cells, and so when you put on a cortisone cream, it calms down that inflammation," she says.
She prefers Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength, which also contains aloe vera.
3. Do not even think about peeling your sunburn.
Similar to the oft-repeated dermatologist advice of never pop a pimple, be sure to leave those sheets of peeling skin alone. (It's a toss-up which no-no is more tempting.)
"Our skin constantly goes through a very subtle, invisible shedding process where dead cells fall off the skin's surface," says Loretta Ciraldo, MD, a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist and the founder of the skin care brand Dr. Loretta. "But when we are exposed to UVB it kills off top layers of skin cells prematurely, so that these damaged cells die and start to shed out in more massive, visible amounts and we experience skin peeling,"
When you pry off dead skin cells prematurely, Dr. Ciraldo says, living skin can come with it. "[Peeling your skin] can you set up for a poor or prolonged healing, increased irritation and inflammation and even possible infection," she says. Sit on your hands, apply more aloe, whatever it takes to stop yourself from peeling.
4. Cool down in an oatmeal bath.
Colloidal oatmeal is a classic for a reason. According to Dr. Ciraldo, the ingredient has been used by consumers for decades. "While colloidal oatmeal is not an SPF active ingredient, one study showed that it is very helpful in reducing the redness and itch associated with UV exposure and sunburns," she says.
To soothe your skin, she recommends a cool oatmeal bath — be sure to avoid hot water, which will increase redness and swelling. If you don't have a tub, she says, use a cool compress on skin, and finish with an oatmeal-laced cream like the Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion.
5. Leave your blisters alone.
If your burn blisters (which makes it a second-degree burn), it's important to keep any blisters from popping. "Leave them intact and do not rupture or peel them," Dr. Marchbein cautions.
Not only will the burn heal more quickly, but it will also lower your risk of getting any infections. "If the burn is severe, see a board-certified dermatologist," she adds. "Prescription steroid creams can sometimes be used to help speed healing."
6. Use a vitamin C serum for long-lasting free-radical protection.
While a burn will heal within a few days, the free-radical damage done by UV rays is forever. "UV light promotes the production of free radicals, which harm collagen and elastin, as well as damage the DNA of your skin cells," Dr. Zeichner says. This damage is what causes early aging effects and ups your risk of skin cancer, he adds.
Applying a vitamin C serum can help. "You can't undo your exposure, but antioxidants can help minimize the harmful effects," Dr. Zeichner explains. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, which has won multiple Allure awards, is a dermatologist and editor favorite.
7. Remember to protect your skin from future exposure.
And as always, the best treatment is prevention. While your sunburned skin is healing, it's extra important to protect it from further sun exposure. Stay in the shade and, of course, wear your sunscreen. To let your skin fully heal, Dr. Shah recommends wearing clothing that covers your skin when outdoors (even better if it's UPF, sun-protective clothing.)
"Most people do not apply enough sunscreen to get the listed SPF," Dr. Marchbein says. She recommends using a shot glass-sized portion of at least SPF 30 and reapplying every two hours. Whether you prefer mineral or chemical sunscreen formulas, just don't leave the house without your SPF.
For more sun protection:
- How to Tell If Your Sunscreen Has Expired
- Why You Should Always Apply Your Sunscreen After Your Moisturizer
- Jennifer Garner's Favorite Sunscreen to Wear Under Her Makeup
Now, see 100 years of sun care:
