How to Get Rid of Peeling Skin—Steps to Take After Sunburn

Even when we try to do all the right things with our skin, sunburns can still happen. Whether you overestimated the strength of your sunscreen or you missed a spot when you were first applying it, your peeling skin is now the unfortunate result.

If you’re tired of feeling like a lizard molting its skin, there are things you can do to speed up your skin’s recovery time and make the healing process easier. Here are three things you need to know about getting rid of peeling skin without causing yourself any unnecessary pain:

1. Taking a cool bath can relieve any lingering pain and ease dryness.
2. Apply nourishing moisturizers with calming ingredients to soothe and nourish dehydrated skin.
3. Avoid the sun as much as possible and wear sun protection when you need to go outside.

Step #1: Take a Cool Bath

While it may not be as pleasant as a hot bath, taking a cool bath can benefit your peeling skin in several ways. Hot water tends to dry out the skin and may be irritating to your peeling, sunburned skin.

Cold baths can also boost your immune system, potentially helping to speed up the healing process to shed your peeling skin faster. According to a 1996 study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology, researchers found that cold water immersion could activate the immune system by increasing white blood cells in the body (see claim: “cold water immersion…increase in the proportions of monocytes, lymphocytes with expressed IL2 receptors…”)

If you have any lingering pain from your sunburn, taking a 10 -15-minute soak in cold water can help cool down your body temperature and reduce any swelling or inflammation.

Step 2: Apply a Nourishing Moisturizer

After getting out of your cold bath, it’s time to apply a nourishing moisturizer to your peeling skin. This will add a protective layer and seal in moisture to soothe dehydrated skin.

The best moisturizers for sunburned skin are ones that contain calming ingredients which reduce redness and swelling. Seek out ingredients such as Calendula Extract which calms red, angry skin.

Plantain Extract is another beneficial skin care ingredient for peeling, sunburned skin. According to a 2013 study published in Advances in Dermatology and Allergology, Plantain Extract contains emollient and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the skin (see claim: “The material has…emollient and soothing properties due to the content of the mucus and anti-inflammatory properties…”)

Step #3: Stay Hydrated

Your peeling skin could also be making you dehydrated and potentially slowing down your recovery time. But before you start chugging water, keep in mind that drinking more than the recommended amount (about eight 8-ounce cups daily) probably won’t heal you any faster. While dehydration has been shown to slow down the skin’s healing processes, there is a lack of evidence to suggest that drinking more than the recommended amount is beneficial to your skin.

Step #4: Avoid the Sun

If you don’t want to make your peeling skin any worse, take care to avoid the sun in the days following your sunburn. Not only can the heat from the sun dehydrate your skin further, but your new skin is more sensitive the sun’s UV rays.

To prevent another sunburn and worsening your peeling skin, try to stay indoors as much as possible until your skin is fully healed. If you need to go outside, always wear sunscreen and protective clothing to reduce your risk of sun damage.

Step #5: Let Your Skin Peel Naturally

You’ve done all you can to speed up the peeling process. Now, let it shed on its own time.

We know that it’s insanely tempting to pick at your peeling skin. But no matter how satisfying it may be to peel away huge tracts of dead skin, it could result in scarring if you aren’t careful. It can potentially increase your risk of infection as well, so it’s best to let it fall off naturally.

Know When to Seek Medical Attention

Usually, peeling skin from sunburns is nothing too concerning. You probably won’t know the true extent of the sun damage until later in life.

The problem is when your peeling is accompanied by fever, dizziness, confusion and severe swelling or discomfort. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to see a medical professional right away.