Ouch, That’s a Burn! What to Do When You’re Sunburnt and How to Keep It from Happening Again

Sunshine can be healing—but when you get too much of it? That red, stinging burn is your skin crying for help.

Whether you forgot sunscreen or just stayed out longer than planned, sunburns can hit hard. And the worst part? The pain usually kicks in after the fun is over.

Here’s a gentle, no-panic guide on what to do when your skin feels like it’s on fire—and how to stop it from happening next time.

How to Tell If It’s a Sunburn (and Not Just a Tan)

It’s easy to confuse a nice bronze with the early stages of sunburn. Here’s how you know it’s not just a summer glow:

• Your skin feels hot to the touch

• It looks red or pink (especially fair skin)

• There’s tenderness or stinging when you touch it

• Peeling starts within a few days

• You feel tired, slightly feverish, or even chilled

If blisters start forming, it’s a second-degree burn—handle it gently.

Okay, I’m Burnt. Now What?

Here’s how to comfort and heal sun-damaged skin:

1. Cool it down (but don’t shock it)

Run cool—not cold—water over the area. A gentle shower or damp compress works wonders. Skip the ice packs (they can damage your already sensitive skin).

2. Hydrate from the inside

Drink extra water for a few days. Your body’s using more fluids to repair the skin barrier.

3. Soothe, don’t smother

Use aloe vera or a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer. Look for ingredients like chamomile, cucumber extract, or calendula.

4. No harsh soaps or scrubbing

Avoid anything that lathers too much or smells too strong. Your skin is already inflamed—treat it like a baby.

5. Wear soft, breathable clothes

Stick to cotton and loose fits. Avoid friction as much as you can.

Let’s Talk Prevention: How to Stop Sunburn from Crashing Your Summer

While you can’t rewind sun damage, you can build a daily routine that makes your skin more resilient.

Here’s what helps in the long run:

• Sunscreen, of course. Every day. Yes, even on cloudy ones.

• Cover up. Hats, scarves, and sunglasses aren’t just accessories—they’re armor.

• Be sun-smart. Stay out during peak hours (12 PM–4 PM), or stay in the shade.

And here’s where skincare plays a role:

Exfoliating with the right product helps remove dead skin cells—the ones that make your complexion uneven and prone to damage. That’s why gentle, brightening ingredients like kojic acid make a real difference.

Flarah’s Kojic Acid Soap, for example, is designed not just to even out your skin tone but also to help repair pigmentation caused by mild sun damage. It’s packed with skin-loving ingredients that support a clearer, healthier glow—especially when used regularly (and not just after a sunburn).

Sunburn Is a Lesson, Not a Life Sentence

Getting sunburnt doesn’t make you careless—it makes you human. What matters is how you take care of your skin afterward, and how you treat it moving forward.

So go ahead, love the sun—but love your skin even more.