After an enjoyable day outside, a sunburn can be the unwelcome result for those who didn't adequately protect themselves from the sun. Even those who think they might have escaped the sun's harsh effects may be surprised later, as a sunburn sometimes takes up to 24 hours to manifest. While the most severe sunburns may not respond to efforts at treatment and may simply require waiting it out until they go away, you may be able to stop the peeling from mild sunburns if you act quickly.
Step 1
Keep the area moisturized and cool. Lay a cool, wet washcloth or towel over the sunburned area to keep it cool and from drying out. You can also rub ice over the area, if you desire.
Step 2
Use aloe vera to moisten the deeper layers of the skin. Use a spray-on version of aloe instead of a gel to avoid rubbing the affected area with your hands, which could irritate the skin and cause peeling.
Step 3
Apply some apple cider vinegar to the area daily, with a cotton ball or gauze compress. This folk remedy, according to the Health 911 website, is said to reduce peeling.
Step 4
Use your aloe, even if your skin does begin to peel. You may be able to halt further peeling or make it less severe if you can't prevent it entirely.
Tips and Warnings
- To avoid future sunburns, always use sunscreen, hats or other sun protection when going outside. A tan will not protect you from the ultraviolet rays that burn skin, so don't rely on a previous tan for protection.
- See a doctor is your sunburn is severe or over a large area of your body. Headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness or a fever that accompany a severe sunburn are other reasons to seek assistance from a medical professional. Do not use butter or other thick creams or ointments on a sunburn. These can cause infections.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth or towel
- Aloe vera spray
- Apple cider vinegar
