How to soothe sunburnt skin

The sun can be a great ally for our health and wellbeing, but when we overdo it, our skin can suffer painful and damaging sunburn. In this article, we explain how to soothe sunburnt skin, how long it takes to heal, and which creams are recommended to relieve irritation and itching.

Sunburn: what it is and how long skin takes to heal

A sunburn is a skin injury caused by overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Common symptoms include redness, pain, swelling, itching and, in severe cases, blistering.

The time it takes for the skin to heal after sunburn varies depending on how severe the burn is:

• Mild: Usually heals within 3 to 5 days
• Moderate: May take up to a week to heal and the skin will usually peel in the following days
• Severe: Severe burns, which may include blisters, can take up to two weeks or more to heal completely

How to soothe sunburnt skin step by step

1. Cool the skin

As soon as you notice a burn (irritation, itching, stinging...), it is essential to cool the skin with cool baths or showers, or by applying cold compresses to the burnt area.

2. Moisturise and soothe

After cooling the skin, it is essential to keep it hydrated and to use products that soothe irritation, such as aftersuns or emollient and moisturising creams. Here are some we recommend:

• La Roche-Posay Lipikar Body Cream: This cream is ideal for dry and sensitive skin, providing intense hydration and relief from itching. The Lipikar body cream from the La Roche-Posay range contains niacinamide and shea butter, which help restore the skin barrier.
• Eucerin Sensitive Relief After Sun Gel: Specially formulated for sunburnt skin, this Eucerin refreshing aftersun gel provides immediate relief from redness and irritation. It contains licochalcone A and menthoxypropanediol, which soothe and help regenerate the skin.
• Avène Thermal Water:Avène thermal water is known for its soothing and anti-irritant properties. Spray generously over the affected skin to cool it instantly and provide immediate relief.
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost: This Neutrogena Hydro Boost cream-gel provides deep hydration thanks to its hyaluronic acid content. It is lightweight and fast-absorbing, ideal for soothing and rehydrating sunburnt skin.

3. Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated is essential for healthy skin. Drink plenty of water to help your body recover and keep your skin hydrated.

4. Avoid the sun

While your skin is healing, avoid direct sun exposure. Protect yourself with accessories such as hats, caps and light clothing that still covers the skin, and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF50+.

If your sunburn has caused blisters, it is crucial not to burst them. Blisters help protect the skin underneath while it heals. It will also help prevent infection.

The use of specific sunscreens, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, staying hydrated inside and out, and applying repairing, nourishing and soothing products will help prevent sunburn, support skin recovery and soothe the skin.