Luckily, there are ways to tone down the flush and soothe that raw, burnt-to-a-crisp sensation. Here’s what derms recommend doing (and avoiding).
1. Skip the ice packs and go for cool baths or showers instead.
Usually it takes a day or longer to know just how bad your burn is. But once you notice the telltale itch and throb—or see that suspiciously pinky hue shining through—you’ll want to cool the area down ASAP. One easy way to do this? Stand under a cool shower stream to help soothe that inflammation, Dr. Goldenberg tells SELF.
If you don’t have time to hang in the tub, you can also press a cool, damp towel on your skin for 15 minutes at a time, Dr. Massick adds: “But don’t apply ice packs directly onto the skin, and definitely avoid rubbing.” The intense cold and friction can cause even more damage and irritation to an already delicate, inflamed region—which is why, on that note, it’s also smart to stick with lightweight, loose clothes (vs. anything tight or scratchy to avoid additional irritation), Dr. Chon says.
2. Use a lightweight moisturizer containing aloe vera, soy, or ceramides.
There are a few go-to staples that can alleviate a crispy burn—and some things you’ll definitely want to skip. For example, steer clear of thick occlusives like petroleum jelly (the main ingredient in Vaseline and Aquaphor). As moisturizing as they seem, the experts we spoke with warn that heavy, greasy creams can trap heat and make your burn worse. On that note, “you should also avoid products with fragrance and essential oils,” Dr. Massick adds, which can be irritating.
Instead, go with lightweight moisturizers that hydrate and soothe. If you notice peeling, Dr. Massick recommends going for ceramides, a type of lipid that works by strengthening the barrier, locking in moisture, and calming inflammation—even for eczema and acne-prone skin types.
Another sunburn-friendly ingredient is aloe vera, a classic skin-soother with anti-inflammatory properties (thanks to a compound called aloin). Just make sure to look for an aloe product formulated without alcohol, which can be drying, Dr. Massick adds. Soy, often found in moisturizers and after-sun lotions, can also help your skin retain more water, research shows, while options like a calamine lotion or 1% over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can alleviate symptoms such as itching and discomfort.
3. Take an NSAID to reduce discomfort—but steer clear of topical pain relief.
You can also treat sunburn from the inside out with an over-the-counter pain reliever. More specifically, Dr. Goldenberg suggests taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug like aspirin or ibuprofen. This can be helpful not only if you’re having pain, but also if you’re experiencing other severe symptoms, including headache or fatigue, Dr. Chon adds.
On the other hand, there are plenty of pain-relieving creams and sprays out there with ingredients ending in -caine, like lidocaine and benzocaine. In general, take a pass on using these local anesthetics if you have a painful sunburn, since they can irritate your tender skin or even trigger an allergic reaction, the American Academy of Dermatology says.
4. Drink lots of water.
A sunburn brings fluid to the surface of your skin and away from your insides, according to the AAD. So drinking more water than you normally would can help keep you from getting dehydrated—and feeling even crappier when you’re already going through it.
