What to Do If You Get a Sunburn: Soothing Tips & Best Products from a Master Esthetician
☀️ Oops, Got a Sunburn? Here’s How to Soothe It Like a Pro
Let’s be honest — nobody’s perfect when it comes to sun protection. I don’t care how dedicated you are to your SPF routine — sometimes you miss a spot, forget to reapply, or just end up outside longer than you planned. I see it all the time (and yep, I’ve done it too!).
So if you’re reading this while your shoulders are feeling crispy and your skin looks more lobster than sun-kissed — you’re in the right place. Here’s exactly what to do if you get a sunburn, plus some of my favorite products to help you heal faster and protect your skin in the future.
🧊 Step 1: Cool Down — Gently
First things first: get your skin out of the sun and start cooling it down. A lukewarm or cool shower is best (skip the ice baths — they can make things worse). After showering, gently pat your skin dry — no rubbing!
Then slip into some loose, soft clothes. The goal is to avoid any extra friction that can irritate your already sensitive skin.
💦 Step 2: Hydrate From the Inside Out
Sunburns dehydrate your skin and your whole body, so it’s time to double up on the water. Keep your water bottle handy and drink more than usual over the next few days.
Topically, lock in hydration with a gentle moisturizer. Ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides can do wonders for calming and replenishing your skin.
✨ Step 3: My Favorite Sunburn-Saving Products
When my clients come to me a little pink (or a lot pink!), these are the tried-and-true staples I recommend:
✅ Hydrinity Restorative HA Serum
This is my holy grail for any kind of irritated or dehydrated skin. It’s loaded with medical-grade hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate, calm redness, and speed up healing.
✅ Epionce Medical Barrier Cream
If your skin feels raw or you’ve started peeling, this rich cream helps repair your skin barrier and lock in moisture without causing further irritation.
✅ Epionce Enriched Firming Mask
This mask is my go to for everything but especially a sunburn , instantly calms and soothes sunburnt skin.
✅ Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On SPF
When your skin starts healing, you’ll want to be extra cautious about sun protection. This mineral brush-on SPF makes reapplying during the day so easy — no mess, no stinging, and no excuses.
(Pro tip: Always check with me before using any exfoliants or active ingredients after a burn — gentle is the name of the game!)
🚫 What NOT to Do
I know it’s tempting, but please don’t pick or peel your skin. Let it do its thing and heal naturally. Also, avoid scrubs, harsh exfoliants, or anything with retinoids until your skin is fully back to normal.
And remember: more sun exposure while you’re burned? Big no-no! Protect your skin with light, breathable clothing, shade, and SPF.
🌴 How to Avoid the Burn Next Time
We’ve all learned the hard way at least once, right? To prevent your next accidental sunburn:
✅ Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours — more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
✅ Don’t rely on SPF alone — wear a hat, find shade, and cover up when you can.
✅ Keep an SPF stash in your bag, car, or pool tote so you’re never caught off guard.
❤️ Your Skin Can Bounce Back — And I’m Here to Help!
If you need help picking the right products or calming down a stubborn burn, you’re not alone. Reach out anytime — I’m here to make sure you and your skin stay healthy, happy, and glowing all season long.
Got questions? Drop them in the comments or come see me in office — I love helping you take the best possible care of your skin (even when you slip up).
Stay sun safe out there, my friends! ☀️🧴💦
XO,
Amanda McLaughlin
Your Favorite Master Esthetician & Skin Bestie at Viva Aesthetics
