How to treat sunburn:
discover 6 key tips

Discover 6 tips for sunburn care. Learn about common symptoms, how long sunburn lasts, and how to soothe pain and help your skin heal quickly.

Read Time

5 min

In short:

What is sunburn and what causes it?
6 common sunburn symptoms to watch for
How to help sunburn
NIVEA SUN products
Facts overview
How to avoid sunburn
Summary
FAQs

Sunburn occurs when the skin is exposed to too much sun, causing it to burn. This usually makes the skin red, sore, and sometimes swollen. Knowing how to care for sunburn is crucial for several reasons. First, it helps the skin heal faster, reducing the time spent in discomfort. Appropriate skin care also helps to reduce the risk of skin damage. Knowing how to treat sunburn helps the skin to recover more quickly from excessive exposure to the sun.

What is sunburn and
what causes it?

Sunburn is a skin condition that occurs when the skin is exposed to too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. This excessive exposure can lead to inflammation or damage to the skin cells, which can then cause skin peeling. Two main types of UV that affect the skin are UVA and UVB. UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburn, while UVA rays could cause long-term skin damage such as photoageing or premature ageing.

People are more likely to get sunburned if they:

1
Have fair or sensitive skin that burns easily:
People with fair skin have less melanin, the pigment that provides some protection against UV radiation. This makes them more susceptible to sunburn. People with sensitive skin may also react more severely to sun exposure, even after a short time.

2
Use tanning beds or lamps frequently:
Tanning beds and lamps emit UV radiation, which could cause skin damage and increase the risk of sunburn. Frequent use of these artificial tanning methods could lead to progressive skin damage and heighten the likelihood of getting burned.

3
Reflective surfaces like water, snow, or sand:
Be cautious near reflective surfaces like water, snow, or sand, as they intensify UV exposure. Swimming, skiing, or being at the beach could increase the risk of sunburn due to these reflections. Additionally, prolonged exposure through a window could lead to skin damage and, in some cases, even sunburn, as the glass does not completely block UV rays.

4
Spend a lot of time outdoors without sun protection:
Whether at the beach, hiking, or doing yard work, being outdoors for extended periods without proper protection increases the risk of sunburn. It is important to wear sun cream, hats, and protective clothing, and to seek shade whenever possible.

6 common sunburn
symptoms to watch for

It is important to recognise the symptoms of sunburn so you can act quickly. Common symptoms include:

1
Redness:
The skin turns noticeably red and feels warm to the touch. This redness is caused by increased blood flow to the affected area as the body tries to repair the damage.

2
Pain:
The sunburned area often becomes tender and painful. The pain could range from mild discomfort to severe pain, depending on the extent of the burn.

3
Swelling:
Sunburn could cause the skin to swell and feel tight. Swelling is a sign of inflammation as the body responds to the skin damage.

4
Blisters:
In more severe cases, blisters might form on the sunburned skin. These blisters are filled with fluid and could be very painful. It is important not to pop them, as they help protect the underlying skin during the healing process.

5
Peeling:
As the skin heals, it often peels away to remove the damaged cells. This is a normal part of the healing process, although it could get itchy.

6
Flu-like symptoms:
In extreme cases, sunburn could cause systemic symptoms such as headaches, fever, chills, and fatigue. These symptoms indicate a more severe reaction and may require medical attention.

Sunburn treatment

How to
help sunburn

If you realise you have a sunburn, taking the right steps immediately could help reduce discomfort and speed up healing. Here is what to do:

1
Get out of the sun:
The first step is to get out of the sun to prevent further damage. Find shade or go indoors. Protect the sunburned skin from further sun exposure.

2
Cool down the skin:
Take a cool (not cold) shower or bath to help soothe the skin. Avoid hot baths and showers as hot water could further irritate the sunburned skin.

3
Cold compresses:
Use cold, damp cloths on the sunburned areas for 10–15 minutes at a time. This could help reduce heat and pain. However, do not put ice or ice packs on sunburnt skin.

4
Stay hydrated:
Drink plenty of water to help your body recover. Damaged skin is more permeable to water vapour, which can then escape from the body more easily.

5
Apply moisturising cream:
Once the skin has cooled down after a cool shower or bath, apply a gentle moisturiser or after-sun lotion to keep the skin hydrated and help prevent skin peeling. Depending on the severity of your sunburn, it may be advisable to consult a health professional before applying any products to the skin.

6
Consider medical treatment:
If you are in pain, painkillers available from pharmacies may help. In the event of serious symptoms such as large blisters, extreme pain, signs of infection or high temperature, you should consult a doctor immediately.

NIVEA moisturisers

NIVEA Sun UV Face Specialist
Triple Protect SPF 50+

The NIVEA Sun UV Face Specialist Triple Protect SPF 50+ offers advanced protection for your skin. This lightweight formula shields your face from harmful UV rays, pollution and blue light damage, helping to prevent sun-induced ageing and pigmentation.

Enriched with vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and algae extract, it helps hydrate and moisturise while protecting your skin from environmental stressors. Ideal for daily use, it provides high-performance care without clogging pores, leaving your skin radiant and smooth.

Facts overview

How to care for sunburn

Causes of sunburn: UV rays from the sun damage skin cells, leading to redness, pain, and swelling.

Risk factors: Higher risk for sunburn includes being outdoors without protection, having fair skin, using tanning beds, or being near reflective surfaces like water or snow.

Key symptoms: Watch for redness, pain, swelling, blisters, peeling, and flu-like symptoms so you can act quickly.

Treatment tips: Get out of the sun, cool your skin, use after-sun moisturisers and drink enough water to stay hydrated. If blisters appear, avoid piercing them. If they are extensive, or in other serious cases, consult a doctor.

Sunburn prevention

How to
avoid sunburn

Avoiding sunburn is all about protecting your skin from too much sun exposure. Here are some simple steps to help you stay safe:

CHECK THE UV INDEX

The UV index measures how strong the sun's rays are on a given day. Check the UV index before you go outside. A higher number means a greater risk of sunburn, so take extra precautions on those days.

USE SUNSCREEN

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Cover all exposed skin, including your ears, neck, and feet. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating. Explore the NIVEA Protect & Moisture Spray which offers immediate UV protection while keeping the skin moisturised for 48 hours.*

^{*Instrumental test, 50 volunteers}

APPLY SUNSCREEN CORRECTLY

Use around 35 ml (or the equivalent of seven teaspoons, one for each area of the body) of sun cream for your whole body. Do not forget to apply it to often-missed spots like the back of your neck, the tops of your ears, and the part in your hair.

SEEK SHADE

Stay in the shade as much as possible, especially during the peak sun hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is when the sun's rays are strongest.

USE EXTRA PROTECTION FOR SENSITIVE AREAS

The face is one of the most exposed areas to the sun and can easily get sunburned. Use a higher SPF on these areas such as the NIVEA SUN Triple Protect 50+ Sun Care, especially developed for delicate facial skin. It protects the skin from the outside, against UVA/UVB rays and the effects of high-energy visible light, responsible for skin damage and premature ageing.
Applying lip balm is important, not only for enhancing the hydration of your lips, but also for providing a layer of protection against environmental damage such as UV rays. Consider using the NIVEA Sun Protect Lip Balm SPF 50 or NIVEA Hydro Care Lip Balm with SPF 15 to moisturise lips while providing light UV protection.

OTHER TIPS TO AVOID MAKING SUNBURN WORSE

Avoid certain products: Avoid products with petroleum jelly or high-fat content, as they could trap heat and worsen sunburn.
No tight clothing: Wear loose, soft clothing to avoid irritating the sunburned areas.

Summary

Sunburn results from overexposure to UV radiation, causing redness, soreness, and swelling. Proper skin care allows the skin to heal faster and helps reduce the risk of skin damage. Effective skin care involves cooling the skin, using an after-sun moisturiser and drinking water to stay hydrated. To prevent sunburn, regularly apply sunscreen, seek shade, and wear protective clothing.