You planned to get a glow… not a burn. Whether it happened at the lake, in the garden, or just from running errands without SPF (we’ve all been there), sunburns are no fun.
The good news? With the right aftercare, you can soothe a sunburn, support your skin barrier, and maybe — just maybe — skip the dreaded peeling phase altogether.
Let’s walk through the spa-approved steps to cool down and heal up.
1️⃣ Get Out of the Sun (and Stay Out for a Bit)
As soon as you notice your skin is turning pink or feeling hot, it’s time to call it a day. More sun = more damage.
☂️ Grab some shade, throw on a lightweight cover-up, and let your skin rest. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still sneak through, so keep it covered until the burn calms down.
2️⃣ Cool It — But Don’t Shock It
Forget ice packs or freezing showers. They can actually worsen the burn by constricting blood vessels and causing irritation.
✅ Instead, go for:
- A cool (not cold) shower
- Soft cloth compresses soaked in cool water
- A chilled sheet mask or soothing aloe-based facial mask
✨ Pro Tip: Pop your moisturizer or gel-based products in the fridge for extra relief.
3️⃣ Hydrate — Inside and Out
Sunburn pulls moisture from your skin and body. It’s not just about the redness — it’s dehydration at a cellular level.
Drink plenty of water, and lock hydration back into your skin with lightweight, calming moisturizers or oils.
👉 We love Bioelements Dewluxe for Body — it glides on silky and absorbs instantly (no greasy film), making it a great post-sun hydrator.
4️⃣ Be Gentle With Your Skin — No Scrubs Allowed
This is not the time for exfoliation, actives, or anything labeled “tingly.” Even washing your face with a harsh cleanser can feel like fire.
Stick to:
- Creamy, fragrance-free cleansers
- Gentle mists or hydrating toners
- Barrier-protecting moisturizers with ceramides and squalane
🙅♀️ Avoid:
- Retinol, AHAs/BHAs, and vitamin C
- Scrubs, peels, or aggressive masks
- Hot water or steam rooms
5️⃣ Resist the Urge to Peel or Pop
As the sunburn fades, your skin may flake or blister. Let it do its thing.
Pulling or scrubbing off dead skin slows healing and can lead to scarring or infection.
💛 Instead:
- Keep moisturizing (Dewluxe and Barrier Fix are perfect)
- Apply cool compresses to itchy areas
- See an esthetician if you need a little post-sun rehab — our facials can help reset your skin
6️⃣ Protect Your Skin Going Forward
After a sunburn, your skin is extra sensitive and prone to long-term damage. The top layer was damaged, and it takes time to fully recover.
Always use SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days — and especially on burned or healing skin.
👉 We carry sensitive-skin-friendly sunscreens here at Fancy’s. Ask us which one fits your skin type and lifestyle best.
🧖♀️ Feeling the Burn? We’ve Got You Covered
At Fancy’s, we’ve seen every type of sunburn aftermath — and we know how to help your skin bounce back gently and beautifully.
📅 Book a calming post-sun facial to help:
- Soothe inflammation
- Rehydrate parched skin
- Support healing (and minimize peeling!)
💬 Not sure what’s right for your skin right now? Just ask! We’re happy to recommend products and treatments that won’t make it worse.
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