How to soothe your skin after a nasty sunburn? To protect your skin and preserve its youthful appearance, this is one tip you absolutely must have in your toolkit before heading out to enjoy the summer sun... 

Let's put things into context: a sunburn is a skin burn caused by excessive exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. When the skin is exposed to the sun without adequate protection for an extended period, UV and UVB rays gradually damage skin cells, leading to painful inflammation on the surface of the epidermis: a sunburn. The common symptoms of a sunburn are quite telling: first, you may notice red skin and a varying degree of heat or itching... Blisters may also appear (followed by peeling skin), along with pain and increased sensitivity, depending on the severity of the sunburn. In more serious cases, symptoms such as nausea, chills, fever, and headaches may also occur... 

What precautions should you take to avoid sunburn?

To avoid the disaster of a sunburn, it is essential to take precautions. How? By limiting direct sun exposure, using adequate sun protection such as sunscreen* with a high SPF (adjusted to your skin type), and also choosing protective clothing and accessories, such as hats, caps, sunglasses... Avoid peak hours when UVA rays are most intense (generally between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in summer).

However, you may sometimes enjoy the giant star a little too much without taking the necessary precautions. Mistakes are human, and fortunately, there are solutions  to soothe a sunburn and prevent it from ruining your summer. 

Discover which sunscreen to choose* for better effectiveness

Old wives' tips for soothing a sunburn 

Nothing beats the wisdom of our elders, especially when it comes to taking care of ourselves! Old wives' tips are always a success in helping to make daily life gentler, and they certainly do their job when it comes to soothing superficial burns caused by sunburn. 

The magic of yogurt 

Apply yogurt! Plain, fresh, unsweetened yogurt can be applied in a thick layer to the skin to relieve sunburn. Its freshness and the soothing properties of its composition can help reduce superficial inflammation and calm the skin.

The effectiveness of cucumber 

Use cucumber. It's magic! Fresh cucumber slices can be placed on areas affected by sunburn. Cucumber has cooling and moisturizing properties, which can help relieve burns and discomfort.

Take an... oatmeal bath 

Taking a cool bath infused with oatmeal can greatly help soothe sunburn. Add colloidal oatmeal (available at pharmacies) to a cool bath to soothe the skin and reduce the itching associated with sunburn.

The unbeatable Aloe Vera 

Apply aloe vera gel as a poultice directly to the skin to soothe sunburn. It is best to extract the gel from the plant, but if you do not have an aloe vera plant at your disposal, you can opt for a pure, organic cosmetic gel. The anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties of aloe vera work wonders on the skin and help relieve discomfort, especially when the sunburn is severe and affects the skin deeply.

Apple cider vinegar, a good ally 

It may sound surprising or even frightening, but using apple cider vinegar can be a good ally in soothing sunburn. Dilute apple cider vinegar with cool water and apply it gently to the skin to help relieve sunburn. Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties and helps balance the skin's pH! 

How to manage the aftermath of a sunburn? 

To protect the skin and help it heal from a nasty (or not so nasty) sunburn, you must provide it with the necessary care afterward.

Moisturize the skin 

Sunburns automatically cause skin dehydration. It is therefore essential to moisturize regularly and generously to promote healing. Use repairing creams (ultra-rich), gentle, fragrance-free moisturizing lotions, fragrance-free plant oils, or natural butters such as mango butter or shea butter to soothe the skin. If your sunburn is on your face (which is common), do not neglect lip care. The nose and lips are the areas most likely to suffer! Apply a lip balm daily to reduce inflammation. 

Avoid irritating the skin 

Do not scratch or pop the blisters that form after a sunburn. Blisters actually provide a natural layer of protection for the skin when it is damaged by sunburn. Popping them can increase the risk of infection! Let them heal on their own; that is nature doing its job. 

Apply cool compresses 

Use cold water compresses or damp cloths to relieve the heat and discomfort caused by sunburn. However, avoid ice compresses, as they can worsen skin damage by causing a sudden, extreme temperature change.

Use soothing products 

In addition to moisturizing, apply products specifically designed to soothe and repair the skin after sunburn. Gels or lotions containing aloe vera, chamomile, or vitamin E, which have soothing properties, can be very helpful in calming inflammation and promoting healing.

How to prevent peeling after a sunburn? 

To prevent the skin from peeling after being damaged by sunburn, here are a few good tips to follow: 

1 - Avoid scratching or pulling at the skin: Resist the urge to scratch or pull at peeling skin, as this may worsen skin damage and prolong peeling. Let the skin shed naturally and, above all, moisturize it intensely (as explained above, this is essential).

2 - Take lukewarm baths or showers: Hot water can worsen skin peeling. Opt for lukewarm baths or showers to preserve skin hydration and minimize peeling.

3 - Avoid further sun exposure: Protect peeling skin by avoiding all exposure to sunlight (even minimal). UV rays can worsen peeling and delay healing. Use protective clothing, a hat, and broad-spectrum sunscreen if you need to go outside.

4 - Hydrate from within : Make sure to drink enough water to maintain proper skin hydration from the inside. Adequate hydration promotes skin health and resilience. Drink water, fresh herbal teas, and tea, and eat plenty of water-rich fruits. 

Note that skin peeling after sunburn is a natural skin renewal process. However, if the peeling is extensive, painful, or persists for a long time, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for a more thorough evaluation...