How To Avoid Peeling After Sunburn

Peeling after sunburn is your skin’s way of healing, but you can reduce discomfort and help your skin recover more smoothly with proper care. Here’s how to avoid or minimize peeling after a sunburn:

✅ How to Avoid Peeling After Sunburn

1. Cool Down Your Skin Immediately

Take cool (not cold) baths or showers.
Apply cool compresses to sunburned areas to soothe inflammation.

2. Moisturize Frequently

Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or aloe vera gel while your skin is still damp.
Keeps skin hydrated and reduces dryness that leads to peeling.

3. Avoid Scratching or Picking at Peeling Skin

Let your skin shed naturally to prevent infection and scarring.

4. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water to help your skin heal from the inside out.

5. Use Over-the-Counter Hydrocortisone Cream (If Needed)

For itching or inflammation, a 1% hydrocortisone cream can help.

6. Protect Sunburned Skin from Further Sun Exposure

Stay out of the sun until healed.
Wear loose, soft clothing and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen if going outside.

7. Avoid Harsh Soaps and Hot Water

Use mild cleansers.
Hot water strips oils, worsening dryness and peeling.

8. Consider Taking Anti-inflammatory Medications

NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) can reduce swelling and pain, helping skin heal better.

If your peeling is severe, or you notice signs of infection (redness, pus, fever), seek medical advice.