Today we are talking about How Long Does Sunburn Last and Effective Remedies to Soothe Your Skin if you do get a sunburn. Sunburns suck. They really really do! I have had my fair share of sunburns and my goodness, I had some really really BAD ones!
There was a FEW times I got sunburned on my face SO badly that my eyes swelled shut and my whole face swelled up! It was horrendous!
I have also had numerous sunburns on the tops of my legs (the shins hurt SO badly!!), the tops of my feet, my hands, shoulders (OUCH!), chest, stomach, and I am sure everywhere you can think of!
You see, I do NOT tan! I burned, and then I made myself believe that it was turning into a tan (thanks sunless tanner!). Did my sunburn really turn into a tan though?
Nah. It never ever did! I just wanted so badly to believe that I was tan so I brainwashed myself into thinking it was indeed, tan. Sigh.
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Man oh man, I look back on the horrible harm and long-term damage I did on my poor skin and I cringe so hard! How the heck could I have kept doing that to myself?
I am SO darn lucky that the sun did not give me premature aging! I got lucky on that part of it. BUT, I do have skin cancer now.
It sucks and I am upset that I totally could have avoided skin cancer if I only knew then what I know now! I have had a few of my skin cancers taken off but I still have about 4-5 to go! And, it HURTS.
They literally have to DIG into your skin and DIG them out! It is painful and just not worth it! So, if you suntan and burn (even if you don’t burn!) please please think twice about laying out in the sun!
It WILL get you in the end, it will. There is no getting around it! It will damage your skin and if you are lucky, you will not get skin cancer…
How Long Does Sunburn Last? (My Personal Experiences)
How long does sunburn last is a VERY common question I keep hearing and a question I once wondered myself. So, I will give you a quick answer instead of a long, drawn-out answer…It really depends on the severity of the sunburn.
If it is a mild sunburn then it should last about 3-5 days but in my experience about 2 days. For a moderate sunburn, it will last around 5-7 days but in my experience around 4-5 days.
For a severe sunburn (and I have had plenty of those!) it will last about a week and up to two full weeks. In my experience, a severe sunburn has lasted on me for about 3-4 really bad days, then about 3-5 uncomfortable days with peeling and scabbing, and finally (the tail end of it all) usually last another 3-7 days when it is itchy and trying to heal.
What IS A Sunburn?
But, to understand how long a sunburn lasts, we need to understand WHAT a sunburn IS…
This might sound really stupid to you but it is important to understand what a sunburn really is. So, let’s discuss it:
Sunburn is a common skin injury resulting from excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. It’s not only painful and unsightly but can also lead to long-term skin damage.
Understanding the duration of sunburn and knowing the best remedies can help you manage and alleviate the discomfort effectively. Let’s dive into how long sunburn lasts and explore some of the most effective remedies.
The Different Degrees Of Sunburns
The duration of a sunburn can vary based on the severity of the burn and type of burn. There are different degrees of sunburns: first-degree sunburn, second-degree sunburn, and third-degree sunburn.
Mild Sunburn:
Symptoms: Redness, mild pain, sore skin, and slight swelling.
Duration: Typically lasts 3-5 days. The skin might start to peel as it heals.
Moderate Sunburn:
Symptoms: Redness, more pronounced painful sunburn, swelling, and possibly small blisters.
Duration: Usually lasts about 5-7 days. Peeling is more noticeable, and the painful skin might feel tight and itchy.
Severe Sunburn (what I would normally get!):
Symptoms: Deep redness, severe pain, large sunburn blisters, swelling, and possible symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, and dehydration.
Duration: Can last over a week, sometimes up to two weeks. The healing process is slower, and peeling is extensive and has a risk of infection.
Sunburn Healing Process
The healing process involves several stages, starting with inflammation and redness, followed by the skin peeling off as new skin forms underneath. Proper care and remedies can significantly alleviate discomfort and speed up recovery.
Effective Remedies for Sunburn
There are a lot of tried and true methods I have heard over the years for treating sunburn. Why? Because I was ALWAYS needing a remedy, sigh. Below are the top effective remedies for sunburns:
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is a classic remedy for sunburn, and for good reason. It has cooling, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties that can provide instant relief and aid in the healing process.
Benefits: Aloe vera is renowned for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties.
Usage: Apply pure aloe vera gel directly to the burned area. Reapply as needed to keep the skin hydrated.
Hydrocortisone Cream
For severe sunburns that involve swelling and intense redness, hydrocortisone cream can help reduce inflammation and soothe the damaged skin.
Benefits: Reduces inflammation and itching.
Usage: Apply a thin layer to the affected area up to four times a day. Avoid using on broken skin or blisters.
Cold Compresses (I did this one A LOT)
Applying a cool compress or taking a cool bath can provide immediate relief by cooling down the skin and reducing inflammation.
Benefits: Provides immediate relief by cooling the skin and reducing inflammation.
Usage: Soak a clean cloth in cold water and apply it to the sunburned area for 15-20 minutes. Repeat as necessary.
Moisturizers with Hyaluronic Acid (I was ALWAYS moisturizing!)
Benefits: The hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate and repair the skin barrier.
Usage: Apply to clean, dry skin twice daily. Can be used under your regular moisturizer if extra hydration is needed.
Over-the-counter pain relief (Ibuprofen was my go-to)
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin can help manage pain and reduce inflammation associated with sunburn.
Benefits: Helps manage pain and reduce inflammation.
Usage: Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging. Common options include ibuprofen and aspirin.
Hydrating Mists (with Lavender or coconut)
Hydrating mists can provide a refreshing burst of moisture and soothe sunburned skin throughout the day.
Benefits: Provides a refreshing burst of moisture and soothes the skin.
Usage: Spray on the affected area and red skin as needed, especially useful for sunburns on the face.
Oatmeal Baths
Oatmeal has soothing properties that can help alleviate itching and irritation caused by sunburn.
Benefits: Soothes itching and irritation.
Usage: Add oatmeal bath product to lukewarm water and soak for 15-20 minutes. Gently pat your skin dry afterward.
Stay Hydrated
Sunburn can cause dehydration, so it’s important to drink plenty of water to help your skin heal from the inside out.
Benefits: Promotes healing and prevents dehydration.
Tip: Drink plenty of water and consume hydrating foods like watermelon and cucumbers.
Apple Cider Vinegar (I used this the most on my sunburned skin!)
Apple cider vinegar can be used for sunburn due to its cooling, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties.
Usage: Apply gently to the skin, rinsing off after 10-15 minutes.
*Note: While vinegar may provide temporary relief for some people, it is not universally recommended due to its potential to irritate sunburned skin. Dilution and careful application are essential if you decide to use it.
Additional Tips for Sunburn Care
Avoid Further Sun Exposure: Wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, and stay in the shade as much as possible.
Don’t Pick or Peel: Allow your skin to heal naturally to avoid scarring and further irritation. Do not peel the peeling skin!
Cool Shower: Opt for cool or lukewarm showers instead of hot ones to avoid further irritation.
Wear Loose Clothing: Tight clothing can rub against your sunburned skin and cause discomfort.
Sun Protection SPF: Always always wear your sunscreen! I can’t say it enough! Just wear it!
Do I Need To Go To The Doctors If I Get A Sunburn?
Great question and one I always asked my parents. While most sunburns can be treated at home, seek medical treatment for more severe cases, if you experience severe blistering, dizziness, fainting, fever, or chills, or if the bad sunburn covers a large area of your body.
Who Is At Risk Of Sunburn?
Sunburn can affect anyone and any skin type, but certain groups have an increased risk of skin cancer and sun damage, including fair-skinned individuals with less melanin, children and infants with sensitive skin, and people with medical conditions or on medications that increase sun sensitivity.
Outdoor workers, athletes, those at high altitudes, and people near the equator face higher risks due to prolonged and intense sun exposure. Beachgoers and water enthusiasts are at risk from reflected UV exposure, and tanning bed users are exposed to artificial UV radiation.
Individuals with a history of sunburn are also more susceptible. To prevent sunburn, use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, wear protective clothing, seek shade during peak hours (even on cloudy days!), reapply sunscreen frequently, especially when swimming or sweating, and avoid tanning beds. Educating children about sun safety and monitoring their exposure is important for long-term skin health.
By understanding how long sunburn lasts and using these effective remedies you see above, you can manage your sunburn and help it to heal quicker.
Remember, prevention from the sun’s rays is the best strategy, so always apply (and reapply) sunscreen to protect your skin from future sunburns!
My Favorite Suncare Products I LOVE
Below are my top suncare and skincare products that I use ALL the time and absolutely swear by them:
*TULA Daily SPF 30 Sunscreen Gel: Watch my video of showing how much I love this SPF! And? It is shimmery!! I also created a blog post and included this wonderful product in it! You can check out that glowing skin blog post by clicking that link!
*BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+
*Nivea Sun Moisturizing After Sun Lotion With Aloe Vera
*LMNT for rehydrating my body and skin and giving me my much-needed electrolytes
*NIRA PRO Skincare Laser (Duh!). I LOVE this skincare device so dang much. Check out my before and after pictures using the NIRA laser! You can purchase one HERE and use my code: SHOPWITHMEMAMA for 10% off!
The More You Know About Skin Cancer Infographic
Click this link OR click the pic below, to download and print the skin cancer infographic below.
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Rules
The contest is open to US and Canada 18+. The giveaway will end on July 31, 2024, at 11:59 PM MT. I am not responsible for lost or stolen mail.
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Donna Fulton says
Your swim suits are gorgeous. We have a great pool in our community, I’d wear any of them
Maria Egan says
One of my worse sunburns happened on a cloudy day sat the beach so I learned my lesson about always using sunscreen. Great suggestions.
monique s says
So imporant to protect your skin and to use it everyday not just if at the lake or beach