Do cold showers help sunburn?

Author: Isobel Cassin  |  Last update: Monday, December 15, 2025

Frequent cool or cold showers are a great way to relieve sunburn discomfort, but they may also dry out your skin. When you get out of a cold shower, make sure to gently pat your skin dry instead of rubbing the rough towel against it.

How to heal a sunburn fast?

Try these self-care tips for sunburn relief:
  1. Take a pain reliever. ...
  2. Cool the skin. ...
  3. Apply a moisturizer, lotion or gel. ...
  4. Drink extra water for a day. ...
  5. Leave blisters alone. ...
  6. Treat peeling skin gently. ...
  7. Take an anti-itch drug. ...
  8. Apply a soothing medicated cream.

How to draw heat out of sunburn?

How to ease sunburn yourself
  1. get out of the sun as soon as possible.
  2. cool your skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel (take care not to let a baby or young child get too cold)
  3. apply aftersun cream or spray.
  4. drink plenty of water to cool down and prevent dehydration.

Do cold things help sunburn?

Often sunburn doesn't appear on the skin for hours after we have been out in the sun. A slight pink tinge could turn into a nasty red and blistering burn four hours later. Moving into a cool area and placing a cold, damp towel on your skin for 10 to 15 minutes will help take some heat out of the skin.

Do sunburns turn into a tan?

In fact, once a sunburn heals, it usually turns into a tan. With a bad one, your skin will peel and you'll have to start over. The skin underneath will not be tanned. But mild sunburns will fade to a tan after a few days.

Doctor explains HOW TO TREAT SUNBURN | Top 5 things to do & avoid to help your skin

What color is a bad sunburn?

A second-degree sunburn, which is more serious, causes the skin to become severely red, swollen, and blistered because the dermis, a deeper skin layer, and nerve endings have been damaged. This type of sunburn is more painful and could take about two weeks to heal.

How to tan if you burn easily?

How To Tan Faster Without Burning This Summer
  1. Exfoliate Before Tanning. ...
  2. Apply & Reapply SPF for a Faster Tan! ...
  3. Use a Tan Accelerator to Tan Faster Without Burning. ...
  4. Gradually Increase Sun Exposure. ...
  5. Tan Faster, Not Longer - Remember that More Isn't Always More.

Is it OK to put cold water on sunburn?

Dos: Home remedies that can help sunburn.

Run cool or room-temperature water over the burn to soothe the pain. Keep the skin clean using soap and water. Moisturize the burn area using non-dyed, non-perfumed lotions, such as Aquaphor or Aveeno.

How do you cool a sunburn ASAP?

Use a cool, damp compress

Simply apply this cold compress to the affected area to help numb pain, alleviate itchiness, and provide instant sunburn relief. However, while a cold compress can help heal the effects of a sunburn, you should not apply ice directly to your skin as it can cause further damage and pain.

Is it bad to take a cold shower after being in the sun?

After extensive sunbathing, it is advisable to first go into the shade or take a shower. Lukewarm water is best. Hot or cold water shocks the skin and can delay recovery. To avoid irritation, be careful not to rub the skin dry, but rather gently pat it dry with a towel.

What is hell's itch?

Hell's Itch is an inciting dermatologic reaction that can occur after sun exposure and is often characterized by symptoms such as intense pain, itching, paresthesia, and suicidal ideation.

How to sleep with a sunburn?

Opt for a sleeping position that avoids putting pressure on the sunburned areas. Sleeping on your back or using extra pillows for support can help reduce contact with the affected skin.

What is the finger test for sunburn?

The fingertip test. Fingertip test for checking that skin blanches which is a normal skin reaction. Skin that does not blanch when gently pressed is damaged. Remove finger and there should be a blanched (pale) area where the finger was.

What does a 2nd degree sunburn look like?

Second-degree burns (also known as partial thickness burns) involve the epidermis and part of the dermis layer of skin. The burn site appears red, blistered, and may be swollen and painful.

Does a hot shower help sunburn?

Hot showers, baths and hot tubs

But even when your sunburn pain subsides, hot water can still be too drying. As your skin recovers from a burn, it needs to maintain all the natural moisture it can. There's no need to take cold showers. A lukewarm or cool shower will do.

Does Aftersun work?

Benefits of Aftersun on your skin

Aftersun products provide immediate relief as well as several long-term skin benefits. They work immediately to reduce redness and inflammation caused by sun exposure, providing a soothing sensation. This rapid response aids in the relief of sunburn discomfort.

How do you pull the heat out of a sunburn?

Sunburn Basics: Take The Sting Out Of Sunburn
  1. Get out of the sun. If you're burned already, get out of the sun to prevent further sun damage. ...
  2. Apply a cold compress. Make these by soaking a clean cloth in a bowl with equal parts ice cubes and water. ...
  3. Get some meds. ...
  4. Slather on moisturizer. ...
  5. Take a lukewarm bath. ...
  6. Drink up.

Do sunburns turn into tans?

“A sunburn is the result of acute damage to the skin due to immediate overexposure to UV rays and does not transition into a tan. A tan is a more gradual process that develops as the skin responds to UV and tries to shield it from further harm. ”

What does severe sunburn look like?

A person with second-degree sunburn may notice the following symptoms : deep redness or other skin color changes, which can be easy to detect on light skin but more subtle on dark skin. swelling and blistering over a large area. wet-looking, shiny skin.

What takes the sting out of sunburn?

Take frequent cool baths or showers to help relieve the pain. As soon as you get out of the bathtub or shower, gently pat yourself dry. Apply a moisturizer that contains aloe vera or soy to help soothe sunburned skin. Do this while your skin is still damp from a bath or shower and whenever you feel discomfort.

Does itchy sunburn mean it's healing?

If your sunburn is peeling, that means it is healing. This can be an itchy, somewhat painful process—but in some rare cases, the itch can be taken to a whole new level. This is known as hell's itch, or the devil's itch, which can feel like a deep, painful, throbbing itch that lasts for a few days after sunburn.

Why don't I tan or burn?

Genetics play a significant role in how our skin responds to sun exposure. Certain genes influence melanin production and skin color, affecting whether you tan or burn. People with fair skin have less melanin and are more prone to burning, while those with darker skin have more melanin and are more likely to tan.

Can I tan if I'm pale?

Fair skin can tan under the sun, but only with care. Start with short, consistent exposure, about 10-15 minutes a day during safer times like early morning or late afternoon. Always wear sunscreen (yes, even when aiming for a tan) and reapply it as directed.

Do you tan faster in water or laying out?

You don't necessarily tan faster in water or laying out. This is because water reflects UV rays, so you may not be getting as much exposure as you think if you're actually in the pool.

What foods make you more tanned?

Papaya: Like carrots, orange fruits and vegetables, such as papaya, help to enhance your tan naturally thanks to its high beta-carotene levels. Melon: This refreshing fruit, rich in antioxidants and beta-carotenes will help you to keep your golden skin tone.

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