How to treat sunburn the right way this summer

There’s nothing quite like the warmth of the sun after a long winter, whether you’re relaxing on a beach abroad or enjoying a staycation closer to home. However, while sunshine lifts our mood, it can also catch us off guard. Sunburn isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s a sign of real skin damage, and if left untreated, it can lead to long-term issues like pigmentation, premature ageing or even skin cancer.

Sunburn can happen surprisingly fast, even on cloudy days or through glass, and once it strikes, the best thing you can do is act quickly. While prevention is always best, here are our simple tips on how to soothe sore, sunburned skin and support recovery.

Protect your skin with sun cream

Before you even step out into the sun, make sure to apply sun cream at least 15-30 minutes in advance. Waiting until you feel the heat or notice your skin turning red is too late, and the damage has already started. Suncream acts as a shield, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause long-term harm, even when the sun doesn’t feel scorching. Apply it generously and reapply every one to two-and-a-half hours to keep your skin fully protected. Taking this simple step upfront helps prevent the pain and damage that sunburn causes later.

Stay moisturised

Even the mildest sunburn benefits from deep hydration. Sunburn draws moisture out of the skin, leading to tightness, peeling, and increased sensitivity. Applying a moisturising lotion, particularly one enriched with Aloe Vera, helps to replenish lost hydration and reduce inflammation. Aloe Vera is known for its cooling, soothing effect, and its high water content makes it ideal for sun-damaged skin. At AP Skincare, we offer a wide range of professional skincare products to support healing and hydration, including trusted brands like Heliocare and ZO Skin Health.

Step out of the sun immediately

As soon as you feel that burning sensation or notice red, tender skin, it’s vital to get out of direct sunlight. Staying exposed only deepens the damage and slows down your body’s natural healing response. Move into the shade or indoors and allow your skin a chance to cool and calm.
Soothe inflammation with cold compresses

If your sunburn is more severe and is red, swollen or painful, a cold compress can bring welcome relief. Simply soak a clean cloth in cool water and gently press it against the affected area. Re-soak the cloth as it warms up, repeating for 10-minute intervals throughout the day. It’s important to follow this with moisturiser, as frequent cooling can dry the skin further.

Support your body’s natural healing

Sunburn affects more than just your skin’s surface. Your body needs time and care to fully recover. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water – hydration is essential to repair – and get plenty of rest. Taking a mild painkiller like ibuprofen can help manage discomfort and reduce inflammation. If you’re struggling with sensitive skin while you sleep, try sprinkling a little talcum powder on your bedsheets to prevent them from sticking or rubbing.

For extra comfort, a water-based emollient like Aloe Vera gel or even petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) can keep skin cool and prevent further irritation.

Be sun-safe going forward

Even one episode of sunburn increases your risk of long-term skin damage, making prevention far more effective than any treatment. Use a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30, reapply regularly, and don’t forget those commonly missed spots like ears, feet and the back of the neck. Stick to the shade during peak hours, which are typically from 11am to 3pm, and wear protective clothing when possible.

Get expert help if you need it

Sometimes sunburn requires more than home remedies, especially if your skin blisters, peels excessively or becomes painful to the touch. At AP Skincare, we offer expert-led care for all skin types, including skincare treatments for damaged and sensitive skin. Whether you’re looking for fast relief or long-term protection, we stock a range of skincare products to support healthy, resilient skin.

Want advice tailored to you? Call our friendly Blackburn clinic on 01254 297 000 or book an appointment to speak to our skincare specialists and get your skin glowing safely again.