How to Stop Your Skin From Peeling After a Sunburn

Sunburns affects people of all ages.

Almost everyone knows what a sunburn feels like. Some sunburns are more severe that others, but most do not require a doctor's attention. However, they do need attention if they are to heal properly. Healing begins with the body generating new skin to replace burned skin, and this process usually involves the peeling away of burned skin. It is almost impossible to completely stop burned skin from peeling because it is part of the healing process, but there are ways to minimize it. Knowing what to do can reduce peeling.

Things You'll Need

• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Moisturizing lotions
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Cold compress

Instructions

1. Take anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, as directed, until the redness and tenderness decrease. This will keep you from scratching your skin, which will cause it to peel.

2. Use moisturizing lotions often because they will keep skin from drying out and being prone to flaking. Look for lotions with aloe vera, since aloe has healing qualities and can help ease the discomfort of sunburn. Aloe vera gel is a good option, since its oils help promote healing and might reduce peeling.

3. Soak in a baking soda or vinegar bath. Vinegar helps restore your skin's pH balance, which is important to the healing process. Baking soda also has cooling, cleansing effects on the skin.

4. Press cold packs to the sunburned skin. Use a towel moistened with cool water and place it on the sunburn. Cool showers or baths are another option. Cooler temperatures decrease pain and reduce swelling of the skin, which decreases the chance of peeling.

5. Drink fluids to keep your body hydrated. Exposure to the sun can dehydrate you and your skin. Drink plenty of liquids to replace the moisture you've lost while being out in the sun.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear sun protection and sunscreens when outside.

• Don't give young children or teenagers aspirin.

• Contact your physician if you feel faint or dizzy, if you're breathing rapidly, are extremely thirsty, clammy or nauseous.

• Avoid lotions containing benzocaine or petroleum because these can trap heat inside your skin, making you more uncomfortable.

• Avoid the sun until your skin is healed. Damaged skin is weaker and more vulnerable to more damage. If you must be outside, work in the shade and stay covered.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Sunburn
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Sunburn
• Missouri University of Science and Technology: Sunburn