6 simple ways to treat peeling sunburn at home

Basking in the sun feels relaxing and gives you a dose of much-needed vitamin D, but too much of it can cause peeling skin. Extended exposure to the sun during this season can result in sunburn, which can lead to discomfort, burning, and peeling. Thankfully, many common household things can be used to alleviate the symptoms of UV damage and soothe and repair your skin. Here are some homemade remedies that can help you take care of your skin after sun exposure.

What is peeling sunburn?

Sunburn skin peeling occurs due to excessive exposure to the sun, especially when your skin is wet. So once skin gets burnt, it can cause blisters, redness, rashes and even peeling skin.

“Initially you will experience redness, pain, and even itching, and then gradually, as it subsides or dries up and becomes a little a day or two older, your skin will start burning and peeling. There is no separate terminology for peeling sunburn. It is peeling happening in the case of a sunburn,” says the Dermatologist Dr Seema Oberoi Lall.

Also Read: How to pick the right sunscreen for sensitive skin

6 home remedies for peeling sunburn

Here are some of the easy and effective home remedies to treat sunburn peeling.

1. Apply aloe vera gel

Applying aloe vera gel topically soothes and moisturises burnt skin while lowering inflammation, according to a study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology. Together, these qualities hasten the healing process and reduce the time that skin peels. Apply the gel directly from the aloe vera leaves on your skin, or use an OTC (over-the-counter) natural aloe vera gel product. Any aloe vera gel purchased from a store with chemical preservatives should be avoided as it may exacerbate irritation.

2. Use a cold compress

It is not scientifically proven that the peeling will stop by using a cold compress or having a cold shower. However, it might help if your skin is inflamed and feels uncomfortable.

Ice cubes can be wrapped in a washcloth or placed inside a large fabric bag to create a homemade cold compress. Ice should never be applied directly to sunburnt skin since the intense cold may exacerbate peeling and slow down the healing process.

3. Oatmeal bath

Colloidal oatmeal contains anti-inflammatory effects, as mentioned in the study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. As a result, it can ease the irritation and dryness brought on by sunburn. Additionally, it improves the skin’s capacity to hold onto moisture, which promotes healing.

There’s a difference between breakfast oatmeal and colloidal oatmeal. Colloidal oatmeal can be made using whole oats. Grind some raw whole oats into a fine powder in a food processor or blender. Transfer two to three cups of this powder into a cool or lukewarm bath and let it soak for ten to fifteen minutes.

4. Stay hydrated

It is crucial to treat sunburn from the inside as well. Drinking ample amounts of water can help maintain a healthy skin. People with peeling skin from a sunburn need more water to hydrate it.

5. Wear loose clothes

Tight clothes and sunburn are an uncomfortable combo. Wear loose, comfortable clothes instead to allow your skin to breathe and lessen the chance of friction and additional problems.

6. Moisturise the skin

Hydrate well, and use a mild cleanser to clean the area. You can apply coconut oil if your skin is not acne prone. You can use aloe vera gel if your skin is acne-prone and too oily or a mild moisturiser.

How long does it take for your skin to peel after sunburn?

It can take anywhere between 3-4 days to 10 days, a week or 10 days. The earlier you tackle it, the better it is and the faster it improves.

5 ways to prevent sunburn peeling

Here are some of the effective ways that will help you prevent sunburn peeling.

1. Cover yourself under the sun

It is necessary to protect yourself from the sun if you’re outdoors for a long time, especially if you go hiking or you’re on a beach. So cover yourself up by using a hat, or a scarf.

2. Use water-resistant sunscreen

Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 40 or higher every two hours. Reapply sunscreen in an hour or so if you’re in a pool. So you need to be careful about how much sunscreen you should use if you are outdoors. People with lighter skin need to be more mindful of how much sunscreen they use but it does not mean that darker skin people should avoid it.

Health Shots Recommends: 5 best sunscreens with SPF 50 or above for oily skin

3. Keep yourself hydrated

Sip on plenty of liquids to stay hydrated. You can include some juices and other drinks as well to avoid dehydration.

Skin peeling is a normal aspect of the healing process following sunburn. These easy and simple home remedies can help reduce inflammation, irritation, and redness, as well as speed up healing and lessen the severity of the problem.