Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or aspirin to ease inflammation and discomfort caused by sunburn, helping you feel more comfortable as your skin heals.
Apply a soothing anti-inflammatory cream like aloe vera or cortisone to sunburned areas. Aloe vera hydrates and cools the skin, while cortisone reduces inflammation.
Soak in a cool bath just below lukewarm temperature to alleviate sunburn pain and minimize further skin peeling. Avoid using soaps or oils, which can aggravate the skin.
Pat your skin dry gently after bathing instead of rubbing, which can worsen peeling. This gentle approach helps to maintain skin integrity and reduce discomfort.
Apply a cool, damp cloth as a compress on sunburned areas for 20-30 minutes. This provides relief from heat and irritation without risking skin damage from direct ice application.
Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of clear fluids daily to keep your body hydrated. Adequate hydration supports skin healing and reduces the likelihood of excessive peeling.
Cover peeling skin with loose clothing or apply a very thin layer of sunscreen with SPF 45 or higher when exposed to sunlight. This protects the healing skin from further damage.