How Long Do Sunburns Last? Plus, Tips To Soothe The Pain

Spending time in the sun can be enjoyable, but at times, a few hours later, your skin may turn red, sore, and bruised. Sunburn is one of the most common forms of skin damage, but not many people know how much time it actually takes and what exactly the recovery process looks like.  

Unlike safe burns, which may heal in a matter of days, severe burns can take weeks and are painful and sensitive during the healing process. Awareness of the typical sunburn recovery time span enables you to be realistic about the process.  

What is more important, it could be beneficial to learn what can be used to help you relax during the healing process and keep your skin safe. Proper aftercare, including cooling, moisturizing, maintaining hydration, and exposure to sunlight, can aid in the natural healing process of your body and reduce long-term damage.  

Let’s discuss how long sunburn actually lasts, elements that influence recovery, and the care of your skin. 

How Long Do Sunburns Last? 

The intensity of the sunburn effects determines how long do sunburns last and also the time it takes to heal. 

• Mild Sunburns: It involve reddening and slight discomfort, typically taking 3-5 days to heal. Exfoliation may occur, but the intensity of the pain is low, and you can continue with your normal routine without any serious inconvenience. 

• Moderate Sunburn: It is more painful. The skin becomes hyper red, sore and swollen. The average time of recovery is approximately 7 days, and common symptoms include peeling or sensitivity. Although moderate burns are not necessarily serious, proper aftercare should be taken seriously to prevent further harm and pain. 

• Severe Sunburns: It is characterized by blistering, excruciating pain, and, in some instances, may be accompanied by other effects such as fever, chills, or nausea. The duration required for recovery is 10-14 days or more, and medical attention may be necessary to prevent complications. 

Stages of Sunburn Over Time 

Knowing more about the development of sunburn might help you cope with pain and keep track of the progress: 

• First 24 hours: The skin becomes warm and appears red (erythematosus). Light swelling can also occur, indicating that your skin is reacting to UV damage. 

• Days 2-4: The period when it is likely to be at its peak is during days 2-4, particularly in cases of moderate burns. In more severe instances, peeling can begin when the outer layer of damaged skin starts to peel off. 

• Days 5-7: Mild burns begin to heal, and redness begins to go away. In cases of moderate sunburn, peeling can persist, but the pain usually subsides. 

After more than a week, the severe burns are still in the healing stage. The skin can also be sensitive to the sun or touch even after the redness and peeling have subsided, and the skin may remain red for several days. 

Factors That Affect Healing 

Several factors affect the speed of your sunburn recovery:  

• Skin Type: Fair skin can burn more easily, and it can take longer to heal.  

• Intensity of Sun Exposure: The longer the exposure or the intense the sun rays, the more severe the burn.  

• Aftercare: Proper cooling, moisturizing, and avoiding additional sun exposure can help the skin heal quickly.  

• Age and Health: As skin ages, the healing process can be slow. 

Tips to Soothe Sunburn Pain 

Sustainable treatment can greatly minimize pain and help skin to heal:  

• Don’t go out in the sun to avoid more harm.  

• Use cold compresses or have short, cool showers that relieve heat and swelling.  

• Apply fragrance-free moisturizers or aloe vera gel to soothe and hydrate irritated skin.  

• If using oils, avoid applying heavy oils or petroleum jelly, as they can hold heat and exacerbate discomfort.  

• Hydrate to re-hydrate the fluids lost to inflammation.  

• Peeling skin should be allowed to fall; it should not be picked or scratched to prevent infection.  

• Wear loose, breathable clothing to reduce friction and irritation.  

• Consult a doctor if you have severe blistered burns, fever, or reddening. 

Prevention Is the Best Strategy 

It is easier to prevent sunburn than to cure it. To defend your skin, do the following:   

• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF30 or higher) 15-20 minutes before outdoor activity. 

• Reapply sunscreen after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.  

• Wear protective clothing: hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses.  

• Avoid exposure to sunlight when it is at its highest (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).  

• Avoid the use of tanning beds as they expose your skin to harmful UV radiation. 

Knowing the levels of sunburn, the different phases that are involved in the healing process, and making efforts to protect and attend to your skin, you can heal as comfortably as possible and avoid the probability of suffering permanent harm. 

Bottomline 

Sunburn is not only temporary redness, but it is also an indicator of skin damage that requires care. Mild burns could take a few days, whereas moderate and severe burns can take one to two weeks, depending on the type of skin you have and the care you take.  

Being cooled, moisturized, hydrated, and not going out in the sun are the main ways to help reduce discomfort and shorten the recovery time. Prevention is better than cure.  

You can embrace outdoor activities without the agonizing cost of sunburn by using sunscreen, putting on protective attire, and practicing smart sun habits that will ensure your skin stays healthy, safe, and comfortable.