We all know that applying and reapplying sunscreen throughout the day, especially when we're sitting in the sun at the beach, by the pool, or in the park, is crucial. But sometimes, despite your best efforts to keep up with your sunscreen , sunburns happen. When they do, the healing time immediately following the burn can best be described as painstakingly slow and miserable.
It's a familiar feeling that all too many know: you head home after a full day spent outdoors, feeling satisfied and fatigued in the best way, and assess your skin under different lighting to find it pink, inflamed, and likely a little itchy. Your best defense against a sunburn is to not get one in the first place — that's where sunscreen at SPF 30 or higher, wearing protective layers, and seeking shade come in — but we all slip up every once in a while. The key to minimizing that painful healing process and, most importantly, keeping your skin from peeling off is following a intentional, gentle, and consistent skin-care routine to treat the sunburn.
Not sure where to start? Here, we tapped two skin-care experts to get their best after-care sun tips. Keep reading to learn how to heal sunburned skin fast and minimize peeling — straight from the experts. Ronald Moy, MD, FAAD, is a renowned cosmetic and facial plastics surgeon at MFC Facial Plastics and Dermatology in LA.
Renée Rouleau is a celebrity aesthetician and founder of her eponymous skin-care brand. Jump in a Cold Shower or Bath (With or Wi.