What Happens to Your Skin When You Get a Sunburn (And How to Treat It)

We all love a sunny day at the beach, but staying out under the sun for too long without protection can leave your skin red, painful, and irritated. Sunburn isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a sign of serious skin damage caused by UV radiation. But what exactly happens to your skin when you get sunburned, and what can you do to help it heal?

Let’s break it down and explore the best ways to treat sunburned skin, so you can recover quickly and keep your skin healthy long-term.

What Is a Sunburn?

A sunburn occurs when your skin is exposed to excessive amounts of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds. These UV rays penetrate the outer layers of your skin, damaging DNA and causing an inflammatory response. This damage results in redness, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes peeling.

Fun fact: The redness you see isn’t just a surface problem—it’s your body responding with extra blood flow to repair the damaged skin cells.

Over time, repeated sunburns can lead to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. That’s why prompt treatment for sunburn and consistent sun protection are so important.

The Healing Process

Your skin starts healing as soon as the damage occurs, but the process takes time. Depending on the severity of the burn:

• Mild sunburns may heal within 3-5 days, often accompanied by peeling as your body sheds damaged cells.

• Moderate sunburns can last up to a week or longer, with more swelling and discomfort.

• Severe burns with blistering or intense pain may require medical attention and take weeks to fully heal.

Proper care during this time can reduce discomfort, prevent further damage, and support faster recovery.

How to Treat Sunburned Skin

Here are the most effective ways to care for your skin after a sunburn:

1. Cool the Skin Immediately

   Cool down by rinsing the area with room-temperature or cool water (not ice-cold, as that can shock the skin). A cold compress or a soothing bath with oatmeal or baking soda can help reduce inflammation.

2. Hydrate Inside and Out

   Sunburn draws moisture away from your skin, so drink plenty of water to rehydrate. Topically, apply gentle, alcohol-free moisturizers or aloe vera gel to lock in moisture and soothe the burn.

3. Avoid Further Harm

   Your burned skin is highly sensitive and vulnerable to additional UV damage. Stay in the shade, wear loose, breathable fabrics, and apply broad-spectrum SPF if you need to be outside.

4. Resist Peeling and Scratching

   While peeling is a natural part of your body’s healing, resist the urge to pick, peel, or scratch your skin. Doing so can interrupt healing and increase your risk of infection.

5. Use Anti-Inflammatory Products

   Products like aloe vera, chamomile, or lavender can provide relief from pain and encourage healing. If the skin is particularly inflamed, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or oral anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen may help.

6. Prioritize Rest and Recovery

   Healing takes energy! Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and avoiding strenuous activity that might irritate your skin further.

7. Know When to Seek Help

   A mild sunburn at home is manageable, but you should see a doctor if:

   1. You have a high fever, chills, or nausea.

   2. Blisters cover a large portion of your body.

   3. The pain is severe or worsening after 2-3 days.

Our Treatment: The Sunny Day Remedy

At 20 Orange Spa, we offer a specialty treatment called the Sunny Day Remedy, designed specifically to comfort and heal overexposed skin. This cooling wrap uses a blend of Dead Sea mud, aloe vera, and lavender along with calming essential oils to relieve redness, nourish burned skin, and promote a deeper recovery process.

If a day at the beach has left your skin needing a little extra care, consider booking this soothing treatment. It’s the perfect way to treat your skin with the attention it deserves.

After all, getting a sunburn isn’t just an annoyance—it’s a clear sign that your skin needs care and protection. By understanding what happens to your skin when it burns and how to treat it effectively, you can minimize the damage and heal faster. Don’t forget to protect yourself with sunscreen, hats, and shade the next time you’re outdoors. And if your skin needs professional care, our Sunny Day Remedy could be just what you need.