How Long Does a Sunburn Last? Tips for Soothing Your Skin

The Stages of a Sunburn

Just a few hours in the sun can result in a sunburn, and while you may not notice anything immediately, your skin will soon start to turn red, hot, and tender. “Redness can ensue anywhere from three minutes to hours [after sun exposure], followed by pain, itching, swelling, and blistering for days,” says Dr. Adisa. Your skin will also feel tight—that’s your skin reacting to UV damage. Over the following days, expect skin to deepen in color and feel itchy. If your sunburn is more intense, blisters might pop up too. (Resist the urge to pop them!)

The dreaded peeling stage happens around days three to five, and you’ll want to seriously moisturize to nourish your damaged skin. After that, the healing process usually calms down, though more severe burns will take longer to fully heal. Recovery time will vary based on the severity of your sunburn, how well you treat it, and even your skin type. “Lighter skin types tend to burn more easily and take longer to recover,” explains Dr. Adisa. “Dark skin types show less redness, but hyperpigment easily and for a longer duration of time.” Meanwhile, older skin heals more slowly.

A sunburn lasts anywhere from three days to up to two weeks, says Dr. Adisa. Most mild sunburns disappear within a week, unlike moderate sunburns. “Severe sunburns usually cause more skin damage, taking longer to heal and having a higher tendency to scar,” Dr. Adisa adds. As your sunburn heals, make sure to stay hydrated, avoid more sun, and slather on some aloe vera (a gentle, unscented moisturizer works too).

How to Speed Up Sunburn Recovery

So the damage has been done—now what? According to Dr. Adisa, you’ll first want to cool the skin off, which you can do by immersing your skin in cool water or applying a cold compress (try chilling a damp washcloth in the fridge). Follow up with aloe vera or a bland moisturizer, like this cica-infused moisturizer from MZ SKIN, and reapply regularly to prevent skin from drying out. To really speed up the healing process, look for formulas including ingredients like calendula, chamomile, and hyaluronic acid, which help soothe irritation and support repair. With this Calendula Juicy Cream from AROMATICA, damaged skin will soon be a thing of the past. 

“Consult with a board certified dermatologist if there’s no improvement,” advises Dr. Adisa. “To help with the symptoms of pain, itching, swelling, and discomfort, take anti-inflammatory ibuprofen and/or topical medication as needed.” Don’t forget to hydrate either, since drinking water helps your skin recover from the inside out. 

Preventing Future Sunburns

Skip the pain and peeling by preventing future sunburns. When outside, stay in shaded areas and apply broad spectrum sunscreen with at least 30+ SPF, like this 50+ SPF Premium Mineral Sunscreen from EVEREDEN. (You can also check out our guide to the best sunscreens of 2025.) “Apply sunscreen to all sun-exposed areas, and reapply regularly—especially after sweating or swimming,” says Dr. Adisa. “Use around two to three layers of sunscreen, and apply 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure.” Don’t forget easy-to-miss spots like your ears, hairline, and the tops of your feet. Dr. Adisa recommends reapplying sunscreen every two hours.

Sunburns aren’t just inconvenient: They cause long-term effects to skin cells, which is why it’s so important to prevent them. Not wearing sunscreen increases your risk of wrinkles, sun spots, and skin cancer, and the risk increases with the more sunburns you get. Five or more severe sunburns in a lifetime can make you at least twice as likely to develop some form of skin cancer, so think twice before skimping on sunscreen. Take extra care if you’re outside in high altitudes, and if you’re exposed to the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Final Thoughts

Sunburns are never fun, but knowing what to expect—and how to treat them—can make the healing process a whole lot smoother. Depending on the severity of your sunburn, it can fade within a few days to a week, though you’ll find relief faster with cool compresses and nourishing moisturizers. Try to prevent the burn altogether by applying SPF daily, reapplying often, and covering up in the sun. A tan isn’t worth totaling your skin. 

Want to upgrade your sun-care routine? Check out IPSY’s skincare picks for sunscreens, soothing after-sun gels, and hydrating must-haves that’ll keep your glow going without the burn.