How to Get Rid of Sunburn in 5 Minutes – 17 Best Remedies

How to get rid of sunburn in 5 minutes? I am sure you must have experienced sunburned skin sometime in life. If your skin is pale or very sensitive to sunlight and you spend more time under the sun’s rays, then there is an increased risk of getting sunburned fast.

More severe sunburn takes a long time to in curing compared to mild sunburn. Then, you have inflamed skin that looks reddish, dry, uncomfortable, and painful. The National Cancer Institute reports that 1/3rd of American adults experience sunburn issues every year, and over 33,000 cases among adults moved to an emergency room for treatment.

So how would you treat sunburn? How to get rid of sunburn in 5 minutes? We must take some necessary steps and precautions to support the natural healing process of our body. But before moving into the home remedies, let us understand how sunburn occurs.

1. What is Sunburn? How Does Sunburn Occur?

How to get rid of sunburn in 5 minutes? Sunburn, alternatively called Erythema,¹ occurs when your skin gets damaged while exposed to UV rays (Ultraviolet Rays). UV rays are harmful electromagnetic radiation emitted from the sun that gives a burning sensation to the skin.

Excessive sun exposure results in the swelling of blood vessels, causing the skin to get heated and reddish. Skin cells lose their moisture-holding capacity, get dehydrated, and the skin surface become tightened. Further, cells thicken, and melanin (a pigment that gives color to the skin and protects from UV rays) produces in preventing further damage to the skin’s deeper layers.

Occasionally, the skin peels in to remove damaged layers that may become cancerous. In mild sunburn, the skin’s outer layer may also peel off.

2. Types of Sunburn

Sunburn types depend on the skin damage severity. The two types of sunburn are first-degree sunburn and second-degree sunburn. First-degree sunburn is damage to the skin’s outer layer that heals within a few days to a week.

Second-degree sunburn damages the skin’s inner layer called the “Dermis².” It results in sunburn blisters. Sunburn blisters look small and white and have fluid-filled lumps on the sunburned skin. The healing process, in this case, takes weeks and may require to seek medical treatment.

3. Symptoms of Sunburn

What are the sunburn symptoms? How to get rid of sunburn in 5 minutes? Prolonged exposure to the sun results in skin inflammation damaging the inner layers resulting in early skin aging, wrinkles, and the risk of skin cancer. Sun damage is dangerous and can affect a highly-sensitive skin resulting in rashes.

The symptoms of first-degree burns are:

• Skin Redness

• Tender feeling with pain

• Skin feeling tight

• Blisters

• Swelling

• Itching and Peeling

• Probability of Fatigue, Nausea, Headache, or Fever

The symptoms of second-degree burns are:

• Extreme skin redness

• Heat illness

• Large blisters and swelling

• Skin looking wet

• Skin discoloration

• Probability of Dizziness, Exhaustion, Shivers, Muscle Cramps

Besides, babies suffering from sunburn must be of a high priority than adults as they may be prone to skin cancer in later life. They may require immediate medical treatment in case of severe symptoms. Babies of 6 months must be away from direct sunlight due to underdeveloped skin.

4. Does Sunburn Cause Tanning? How to Get Rid of Sunburn in 5 Minutes?

Tanning is a process where the skin turns into dark color with prolonged sun exposure and UV rays. You lose the skin’s glow and may face more dangerous consequences. The affected area looks unusually tanner than usual tone.

Tanning causes damage to skin cells and also faster aging. Moreover, it causes the skin to wrinkle, darken, and weather more quickly. Additionally, it can also lead to skin cancer as it causes injury to DNA.

5. How to Get Rid of Sunburn in 5 Minutes? Best Remedies to Get Rid of Sunburn

How to get rid of sunburn in 5 minutes? Based on the above symptoms and tanning effects of sunburn, it is an essential part of skin care to take cautious sun protection throughout the year. Home remedies provide the best and quick relief in a natural way to treat sunburns.

Let us discuss the best home remedies for treating sunburn fast.

5.1. Go for a Cold Shower

It is the best and easiest home remedy for instant relief to relieve sunburn overnight. Sunburned skin makes you feel painful and inflammatory. A cool shower will soothe the pain and reduce redness and inflammation. The skin finally cools down.

Also, use a mild soap instead of a harsh one that may cause further skin irritation. After the shower, gently pat dry with a towel.

5.2. Drink More Water

A sunburn draws more water and moisture from your skin, making it dry. To compensate for the dehydration, drink more water to keep yourself hydrated.

Alternatively, you can consume hydrating veggies and fruits like watermelon, tomatoes, cucumbers, and grapes having over 90% water.

5.3 Avoid Exfoliating

Sunburned skin is inflamed and more sensitive. Hence, it is advisable not to use products like a body scrub or exfoliating acids³ that will inflame your skin further.

Using face toners, face masks, or creams related to acne or anti-aging as a part of a regular skincare routine must be avoided in case of face sunburn.

5.4 Stay under Shade

Excessive exposure to the sun after experiencing sunburn symptoms will cause further damage to the skin. If planning to stay outdoors for a longer time, get some shade and wear clothing that covers your skin and the sunburned area with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor).

Applying sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and wearing a hat is a bonus.

5.5 Prefer to Wear Loose Clothing

The sunburned area is vulnerable to burns and skin irritation. Wearing tight clothes or sweatpants will prick and aggravate the area more. So, try to wear soft, loose and lightweight clothes. It will curb friction, reduce irritation and keep your body comfortable.

5.6 Avoid Skin Peel

Sunburned skin appears scaly with cracks on it. This appearance is a sign of blisters. You may feel the urge to peel off and remove the dead skin. But resist the desire to peel. If you try to peel, it will result in skin discoloration or blemishes after the skin heals.

5.7 Apply Moisturizers

As sunburn results in skin harm and you need to alleviate it to get a calm feel, apply a healing moisturizer or a lotion on the sunburned area after a shower. For more best results, you can slightly chill the moisturizer keeping it in the fridge.

5.8 Apply Milk

Milk is one best ways to get sunburn relief. It is the best source of protein, along with vitamins A and D. The protein in the milk helps relieve pain and vitamins A and D help repair skin damage.

The lactic acid in milk is an exfoliator that helps remove dead skin from the skin.

5.9 Add Baking Soda

Baking Soda, called with its chemical name as Sodium Bicarbonate⁴, possesses detoxifying and antibacterial properties to help purify the body.

Add half a cup of baking soda to a bathtub of lukewarm or cool water and soak it for around 20 minutes. It helps reduce inflammation and skin burning.

5.10 Take an Oatmeal Bath

The National Library of Medicine (NIH) study states that colloidal oatmeal’s anti-inflammatory properties contribute to healing sunburn with dry and irritated skin.

Colloidal oats are ground oats that provide sunburn relief while mixed with a cool bath. They have antioxidants and contain moisture that helps the skin heal from sunburns.

Initially, grind the oats to make them a fine powder. Prepare an oatmeal bath by adding a cup of oats with one or two tablespoons of baking soda to cool bath water and soak it for around 15-20 minutes. Since it is anti-inflammatory, oats help to mitigate inflammation.

Alternatively, you can prepare an oatmeal paste mixing colloidal oats, honey, and milk and apply it to the affected area. It works well for itching and peeling skin.

5.11 Use Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is rich in natural fats like lauric and linoleic acids that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics. It also has a moisturizing property that retains heat to make the skin burn more. So it is preferable to use it after the skin cools down from the burn.

Compressed organic coconut oil could be the best option available in stores. Otherwise, try a cold compress on the skin with a wet towel for a few minutes. Later, use coconut oil on the skin.

5.12 Use Tea Bags

The benefits of drinking green tea, they help burn calories and heart diseases and control sugar levels. But it also has advantages for sunburn. Green tea and black tea consist of Tannic Acid and an antioxidant compound called Catechins⁵. The tannic acid removes heat from the sunburned region, while the catechins help to repair skin damage.

Soak two tea bags in a tub of cool water for about 20 minutes. Remove the tea bags and soak cotton pads in the liquid.

Apply the soaked cotton pads to the burnt areas on the skin. In case of burns near the eyes, place the dipped tea bags on closed eyes, which will decrease swelling under the eyes.

5.13 Applying Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a cactus found in hot and dry climates. It is an antioxidant, antibacterial, and also anti-inflammatory. These properties of aloe vera help the cells regenerate and aid in wound healing.

If you have an aloe plant, remove the leaf and apply the juice to the affected area. Aloe vera acts as a moisturizer for skin peeling and helps sunburn fast. Otherwise, directly apply aloe vera gel on the sunburnt skin for quick relief.

Another option is to fill aloe vera liquid into an ice cube tray and freeze it to turn solid. You can then place the aloe vera cubes on the sunburnt skin.

5.14 Try an Ice Pack

Ice, a form of freezer water, is one method of quick relief from sunburns. Wrap ice cubes into a cloth and place it on the burned area, which helps to reduce swelling. Another possibility is to soak a cloth in ice-cold water and keep it on the burn.

5.15 Use Cucumber Slices

Cucumber is the best hydrant vegetable with more than 90% water. It is the cheapest and best way pain reliever for sunburn. Cut some cucumber slices and place them on the burned areas for quick relief.

5.16 Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a natural hydrator in the body that helps to hydrate the skin with sunburn and aids from any discomfort. Choose and apply a pure hyaluronic serum on the sunburnt areas to help with skin rehydration.

5.17 Apply Hydrocortisone Cream

Hydrocortisone ⁶cream is an antibiotic ointment that helps to lessen swelling, redness, and itching and soothes the skin. You will get 1% hydrocortisone cream at any medical shop or counter.

6. Final Note – How to Get Rid of Sunburn in 5 Minutes?

How to get rid of sunburn in 5 minutes? How to prevent sunburn? The more you expose yourself to UV rays, the more you are prone to sunburn. The above natural remedies will help you optimize the healing from sunburns.

But it is preferable to stay from scorching sunlight, apply sunscreen and stay hydrated to prevent sunburn in the first place.

7. FAQs:

1. Agache, P. G., E. Quencez, and M. Ota. “The mechanism of solar erythema.” J Appl Cosmetol 6 (1988): 69-78. ↩︎
2. Brown, Thomas M., and Karthik Krishnamurthy. “Histology, dermis.” StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing, 2022. ↩︎
3. Huang, Anna. “What are hydroxy acids and why are they used in skincare?.” ↩︎
4. dioxide Oxygen, Carbon, and Mole Rat Burrow. “Sodium Bicarbonate: Miracle Medicine or Quack Treatment?.” ↩︎
5. Jeon, S. E., et al. “Dietary supplementation of (+)‐catechin protects against UVB‐induced skin damage by modulating antioxidant enzyme activities.” Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine 19.5 (2003): 235-241. ↩︎
6. Bernasqué, Antoine, et al. “Transport of hydrocortisone in targeted layers of the skin by multi-lamellar liposomes.” Journal of Liposome Research (2023): 1-14. ↩︎

Last Updated on July 29, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology