How to Heal a Sunburn Overnight: Fast Relief and Recovery Guide
We have all been there. You spent a lovely day in the garden or at the beach, only to realise later that you missed a spot with the sun cream. Now, your skin is hot, red, and angry. If you have an important event tomorrow or simply cannot bear the pain, you are likely searching for how to heal a sunburn overnight.
While a severe burn takes time to fully repair, you can significantly speed up the healing process, reduce redness, and soothe the pain whilst you sleep. This guide covers science-backed methods to help you wake up feeling much better.
Immediate Steps: Cool the Heat
As soon as you notice the burn, you must act fast. The heat from the sun is essentially trapped in your skin, continuing to damage cells even after you have gone inside.
Take a Cool Shower
One of the most effective ways to stop the burning process is a cold shower for sunburn*. It does not need to be freezing, but it should be cool enough to lower your skin temperature. Avoid harsh soaps that can strip natural oils. Instead, rinse gently to *soothe sunburn redness.
> Tip: Do not scrub your skin with a towel. Pat it gently until it is slightly damp, then move immediately to the next step.
Use a Cold Compress
If the burn is localised to a specific area, like your face or shoulders, a cold compress works wonders. Soak a flannel in cold water and drape it over the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes. This simple method can help reduce sunburn swelling and numb the pain.
Moisturise and Repair
Once the skin is cool, you need to trap moisture. Sunburn draws fluid to the skin’s surface and away from the rest of the body, leaving your skin dry and tight.
Aloe Vera: The Gold Standard
Top dermatologists consistently recommend aloe vera. It is widely considered the best cream for sunburn UK pharmacists recommend. Aloe contains compounds that reduce inflammation and promote healing.
* Use pure gel: Look for 100% aloe vera gel.
* Chill it: Keep your bottle in the fridge for an extra cooling effect.
* Avoid additives: some lotions contain alcohol, which dries the skin further.
For more on the effectiveness of aloe, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests applying it whilst skin is still damp.
Hydrocortisone Cream
For particularly stubborn redness or itching, a low-dose hydrocortisone cream (1%) can be applied. This helps to reduce inflammation deep within the skin cells. This is excellent for sunburn treatment for face areas where redness is most visible.
Hydrate from the Inside Out
External treatments are only half the battle. Your body is likely dehydrated. To support recovery, you must drink plenty of water.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a sunburn draws fluids to the skin surface, which can quickly lead to systemic dehydration. Drinking water helps replenish these fluids and supports your body’s ability to repair treating sun damaged skin.
Managing Pain and Inflammation
If the pain is keeping you awake, over-the-counter medication can help. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin can reduce redness and swelling if taken within the first few hours of the burn.
> Note: The NHS advises paracetamol can help with pain, but ibuprofen is better for inflammation.
Natural Home Remedies That Work
If you cannot get to the pharmacy, your kitchen cupboard might hold the answer.
Oatmeal Baths
Colloidal oatmeal (finely ground oats) is fantastic for sunburn itch relief. It creates a protective barrier over the skin and holds in moisture.
Tea Bags
Black tea contains tannins, which can draw heat from the skin. Soak tea bags in cool water and apply them to your eyelids or cheeks. This is a popular method to reduce redness face areas quickly.
Vinegar Soaks
A common question is: does vinegar help sunburn? Apple cider vinegar (diluted) acts as an antiseptic and can cool the skin. Add one cup to a cool bath to balance the skin’s pH levels.
What to Avoid (Do Not Do This!)
Trying to heal too fast can sometimes lead to mistakes. Avoid these common errors:
* Petroleum Jelly: Products like Vaseline trap heat in the skin, making the burn worse.
* Butter or Oil: These are old wives’ tales that can cause infection.
* Harsh Exfoliants: Never scrub peeling skin.
Heavy Makeup:** If you are wondering *can you put makeup on sunburn, the answer is yes, but be careful. Use mineral-based powders rather than heavy liquids that clog pores.
Sleeping with Sunburn
Getting a good night’s rest is crucial for healing, but it can be difficult when you are in pain.
- Cotton Sheets: Use breathable cotton bedding.
- Loose Clothing: Sleep naked or in loose silk/cotton pyjamas.
- Positioning: If your back is burnt, try sleeping on your stomach to avoid pressure.
Sleeping with sunburn is easier if you have taken an ibuprofen about 30 minutes before bed.
Dealing with Blisters and Peeling
If you wake up to blisters, you have a second-degree burn.
* Do not pop them: Blisters protect the underlying skin from infection.
* Keep it clean: Wash gently with water.
* Blisters from sunburn treatment: If they break, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover loosely with a bandage.
Eventually, your skin will peel. This is natural. Home remedies for peeling skin include constant moisturising and allowing the skin to shed at its own pace—do not pull it off!
For more severe cases, consult Mayo Clinic’s guide on first aid.
When to See a Doctor
Sometimes, a sunburn is more than just a skin issue. You should be aware of sun poisoning symptoms:
* Fever and chills
* Nausea or vomiting
* Dizziness or fainting
* Severe blistering covering a large area
If you experience these, seek medical attention immediately. The Cleveland Clinic warns that severe dehydration requires professional treatment.
Long-Term Skin Care
Once the redness fades, the damage may remain. Aloe vera benefits for skin extend beyond just burns; it keeps skin hydrated to prevent peeling. However, the best cure is prevention. Always wear SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days in the UK.
Remember, how long does sunburn last depends on the severity, but treating it aggressively tonight will make tomorrow much more bearable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I really heal a sunburn overnight?
While you cannot completely reverse severe cellular damage overnight, you can significantly reduce redness, pain, and inflammation. Following the steps above (cooling, moisturising, and hydrating) will make the burn look and feel much better by morning.
2. What is the best home remedy for sunburn?
Cool water and aloe vera are the most effective. Colloidal oatmeal baths are also excellent for itching. Some people find relief with diluted apple cider vinegar baths, although results vary.
3. Should I put ice directly on my sunburn?
No. Putting ice directly on sunburnt skin can cause further damage, essentially “frostbiting” the already damaged tissue. Always use a cool, damp cloth or wrap the ice in a towel.
4. Why am I shivering after getting sunburnt?
This is a common reaction. Your body is losing heat quickly because your blood vessels are dilated, or you may have a mild fever (sun poisoning). Drink water and stay warm with light blankets, but keep the room cool.
5. How do I stop the “hell’s itch” from sunburn?
“Hell’s itch” is a deep, painful itching sensation that can occur days later. Antihistamines (like Benadryl) and cool oatmeal baths are the best treatments. Avoid scratching, as this increases inflammation.
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References:
10. Skin Health Institute: Treating Sunburn
11. Medical News Today: Sunburn Remedies
12. British Association of Dermatologists: Sunscreen Fact Sheet
