You've spent too much time tanning without sunscreen (oops), and now your skin is red, it's hot, it's tight... In short, the sunburn is there , and you can feel it fading. But deep down, you're wondering: How can I repair my skin after sunburn? Is it too late? Will it peel?
Rest assured, it's not irreversible—but you'll have to be gentle, patient, and choose your skincare wisely. This article guides you step by step to soothe, moisturize, repair, and most importantly, prevent future damage. And if you're looking for gentle and effective products for all skin types , we've also got some tips from Holy Skin , our Korean skincare boutique with personalized routines (with a free diagnostic if you don't know your skin type!).
Sunburn: What's Really Happening to Your Skin 🔎

Sunburn is often discussed lightly, but did you know that it's actually a first-degree burn (sometimes a second-degree burn if blisters occur)? When you go out in the sun without sunscreen, UVB rays penetrate the epidermis and cause acute skin inflammation . The result: redness, pain, heat, peeling... and sometimes even fever or chills if the affected area is large.
And that's not all. The sun also destroys the hydrolipidic film, dries out the skin, slows cell regeneration, and boosts the production of free radicals—the sworn enemies of collagen and elasticity. In the long term? Premature aging, pigment spots, fine lines, and loss of radiance.
Step 1: Soothe inflammation… right away! 🚨
Is your skin red and burning? Before you even think about moisturizing, you need to cool it and calm the inflammation . Here's what we recommend in the first few hours:
- Run the burned area under warm to cool (but not ice-cold!) water for several minutes.
- Then apply a soothing thermal mist or calming toner.
- If possible, use a product made with natural ingredients such as chamomile , green tea, aloe vera or centella asiatica.
- Avoid essential oils and scented shower gel: they aggravate irritation .
Step 2: Moisturize intensely to prevent peeling skin 🚿
After soothing the inflammation, it is crucial to rehydrate your skin to prevent peeling:
- Benton - Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel for non-greasy hydration
- SKIN1004 - Madagascar Centella Soothing Cream to boost regeneration
- Round Lab - Birch Juice Moisturizing Serum on slightly damp skin
- Anua - Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream to nourish and soothe without clogging
Step 3: Repair the epidermis with targeted treatments 🌿
Once soothed and hydrated, your skin needs a little boost to speed up its regeneration and prevent marks . That's where some restorative treatments come in.
Some key assets to prioritize:
- Centella Asiatica : a K-Beauty essential for healing, strengthening the skin barrier and calming redness
- Propolis : natural antibacterial that helps purify without irritating
- Ceramides : perfect for repairing dry, damaged or uncomfortable skin
- Panthenol (provitamin B5) : repairs tissues and soothes deeply
Step 4: What next? We avoid classic mistakes ❌
The days following a sunburn are critical. Your skin is more vulnerable than ever. Here's what you absolutely must avoid:
- Exfoliation: no scrubbing , neither chemical nor mechanical. Let the skin regenerate on its own.
- Alcohol- or perfume-based products: these can cause secondary burns.
- Occlusive makeup: thick foundation, compact powders... let your skin breathe !
- New exposure to the sun, even with an SPF 50 cream: wait at least a week.
FAQ – How do I repair my skin after sunburn? 💬

Will my skin peel after sunburn?
Most likely, yes. Peeling is the body's natural mechanism for removing dead skin cells burned by UV rays. It's not pretty, sure, but it's normal. The important thing is to avoid manually removing dead skin , as this can cause micro-lesions or even pigmentation spots. Instead, moisturize intensely with an aloe vera gel or a cream enriched with hyaluronic acid to help your skin gently regenerate.
Can you apply oil to a sunburn?
Not immediately. During the first 24 to 48 hours , the skin is still inflamed, and the oil could trap heat in the epidermis, slowing healing. Once the burning sensation has disappeared, you can introduce gentle vegetable oils such as jojoba or sweet almond, always mixed with a cream or fluid milk.
Should I see a doctor after sunburn?
Yes, in some cases. If your skin has large blisters , or if you have a fever, nausea, or chills , it is a severe sunburn (second-degree burn). In these situations, consult a healthcare professional promptly to avoid skin complications or heatstroke.
What is the best after-sun cream?
The best after-sun cream is one that contains:
- Soothing agents (centella asiatica, aloe vera)
- Powerful moisturizing active ingredients (ceramides, hyaluronic acid)
- And no alcohol or perfume to avoid further irritation.
How to repair sun-damaged skin?
Sun-damaged skin needs a comprehensive repair plan:
- Soothing tonic lotion
- Repairing serum
- Nourishing cream with antioxidants
- Hydrating fabric mask twice a week
- And of course, daily sun protection
How to remove dead skin from sunburn?
No immediate exfoliation! Wait until the redness disappears. Then, use a gentle enzymatic scrub . This gentle alternative helps remove dead skin cells without damaging the skin.
In summary: your skin can recover, but with the right actions 😎
With the right routine— soothing, moisturizing, and restorative —your skin can regain its suppleness, radiance, and even elasticity. And to prevent this from happening again, rely on daily sun protection .
For all your post-sun needs, discover the Holy Skin routines: designed by skin type, enriched with plant-based active ingredients... and enjoy 15% off the entire store during the summer sales!