Body · Sunburn regime

How to Heal Severe Sunburn

TL;DR

Sunburn treatment varies by severity: Mild Sunburn : Slight redness, minimal to no pain. For this, apply cold compresses and aloe vera gel. Moderate Sunburn : More intense redness, noticeable discomfort, and moderate pain. In this case, you might need additional calamine lotion and hydrocortisone cream. Severe Sunburn : Bright red skin, blisters, and severe pain. Always seek medical attention for severe sunburn, but follow these steps to support your recovery in the meantime.

Written & reviewed by Dr Surbhi, MD (Dermatology)

Your routine

4 products · am
  1. Step 1 (AM)

    Step 1: Cold compresses

    Step 1: Cold compresses

    Step 1: Cold compresses

    Sunburn occurs because of excessive heating of your skin. Our priority is to bring down the temperature of your skin by:

    • As soon as you notice that your skin is getting burned, step indoors.

    • Apply cold compresses by placing a soft cloth (muslin cloth is best) dipped in either cold water or cold low-fat milk on burnt area.

    • Take frequent showers and rest under the fan or air conditioner to accelerate the cooling of your skin.

  2. Step 2 (AM)

    Step 2: Calamine Lotion

    Step 2: Calamine Lotion

    Step 2: Calamine Lotion

    Calamine soothes sunburned skin:

    • Soothes itching and discomfort due to its cooling and anti-itch properties

    • Reduces mild redness and inflammation with zinc oxide and ferric oxide

    • Creates a protective barrier to prevent friction and further irritation

    • Dries oozing or weeping skin in cases of mild blistering

  3. Step 3 (AM)

    Step 3: Sensiv Aloe Vera Gel for Sunburn Relief with Lidocaine

    Step 3: Sensiv Aloe Vera Gel for Sunburn Relief with Lidocaine

    Step 3: Sensiv Aloe Vera Gel for Sunburn Relief with Lidocaine

    Key Benefits

    • Instant Cooling and Numbing Relief

      • Lidocaine 4% provides fast-acting, temporary pain and itch relief by numbing sunburned skin.

      • Offers maximum strength allowed in OTC topical anesthetics.

    • Hydration and Healing Support

      • Aloe vera deeply hydrates and helps restore the skin barrier while reducing redness and inflammation.

      • Soothes burning, tightness, and peeling associated with sun exposure.

    • Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Action

      • Aloe’s natural compounds (like acemannan and polysaccharides) help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, accelerating recovery.

  4. Step 4 (AM)

    Step 4: Hydrocortisone cream

    Step 4: Hydrocortisone cream

    Step 4: Hydrocortisone cream

    For more intense itching, redness, or swelling, hydrocortisone cream can be applied. Hydrocortisone is a mild corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and helps control symptoms like redness, swelling and burning associated with sunburn.

This regime is educational content reviewed by a dermatologist. It is not a prescription and does not replace an in-person consultation. Some links may be affiliate links.