Have you ever enjoyed a sunny day at the beach or park, only to return home with skin that’s red, tight, sore, and hot to the touch? If so, you're not alone. Sunburn can develop quickly and often catches people off guard, even on cloudy days. While it might appear to be a minor inconvenience, sunburn is actually a visible sign of cellular damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

But how long does sunburn last? And more importantly, how long does sunburn pain last, and when can you expect relief from peeling and itching? In this guide, we’ll walk you through how sunburn develops, how long it takes to heal depending on its severity, and what you can do to ease discomfort and speed up recovery.

Key Highlights

• Sunburn typically lasts between 3 to 14 days, depending on its severity, your skin type, and how quickly aftercare is started.

• Effective recovery includes cooling the skin, hydrating inside and out, and using gentle, barrier-supportive skincare.

• Ingredients like Squalane, SYRICALM™, and PEACHCALM™ help soothe inflammation, reduce redness, and restore moisture.

• Avoid further sun exposure during healing, and protect sensitive areas like the face and shoulders with SPF 50+ once peeling subsides.

• Seek medical advice if your sunburn involves blistering, severe pain, or does not improve after a few days of home care.

What is Sunburn?

Sunburn is an acute inflammatory response caused by overexposure to UV radiation, most commonly from the sun. UV rays penetrate the outer layers of the skin and damage the DNA within skin cells, prompting the body to respond with inflammation [2]. This results in redness, swelling, warmth, and pain associated with sunburn.

If sunburn occurs repeatedly, the cumulative damage can lead to long-term skin issues, including premature aging, persistent pigmentation, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

Why Does Sunburn Happen?

Your skin naturally produces melanin, the pigment responsible for your skin tone and a key defense against UV radiation. Melanin helps absorb and scatter UV rays, offering some level of protection. However, this protection has limits. When sun exposure exceeds what melanin can handle, UV rays penetrate deeper, damaging skin cells.

This triggers the immune system to repair the damage, causing the skin to flush with increased blood flow. That’s why sunburned areas feel hot, tender, and may later peel as the damaged skin sheds and regenerates [3].

Sunburn Timeline: Stages and Severity of Sunburn

Sunburn varies in intensity based on several key factors, including the duration of UV exposure, the strength of the sun at the time, your individual skin type, and whether or not adequate sun protection was applied.

Understanding the different degrees of sunburn can help you recognize what stage you’re in, anticipate symptoms such as pain, itching, or peeling, and determine how long it may take for your skin to fully heal. This will also guide you in choosing the right skincare approach to support healing and minimize the risk of further irritation or lasting damage.

Mild Sunburn

Mild sunburn, or first-degree sunburn, often presents as red, warm, and sensitive skin that may feel dry or tight [4]. You might experience mild discomfort or itching, especially on the second and third days. So, how long does peeling last after sunburn? Typically, mild sunburn lasts about 3 to 5 days, and peeling usually starts around day 3 as your skin begins to shed damaged cells and regenerate.

Moderate Sunburn

Moderate sunburn indicates a deeper level of skin damage. Symptoms include increased redness, swelling, and sometimes the formation of small, fluid-filled blisters. The pain tends to be more intense, and the skin may feel stretched or hot to the touch. Moderate sunburns can take 5 to 10 days to heal. The peeling and sensitivity may continue for a full week or longer, depending on aftercare.

Severe Sunburn

Severe sunburn, classified as a second-degree burn, causes significant damage to deeper layers of the skin [5]. The skin may blister extensively, swell dramatically, and feel painful even with the slightest touch. This level of sunburn is also more likely to lead to complications like infection, scarring, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. In terms of duration, severe sunburn can last up to two weeks or longer, and you may experience lingering tenderness and skin discoloration. Medical evaluation is strongly recommended in such cases.

How Long Does Sunburn Last by Severity?

To help you understand how long until a sunburn goes away and what to expect, here’s a breakdown of the sunburn timeline and how long different levels of sunburn typically last:

Duration of Sunburn Healing by Severity

Whether you're dealing with sunburn on your back, shoulders, or wondering how long does sunburn last on the face, the timeline often follows the same pattern, though facial skin may peel sooner due to its thinner, more delicate nature. Similarly, how long does sunburn peeling last depends on the severity of damage and your skin’s ability to heal, but peeling can extend 3 to 7 days after redness subsides.

What Affects Sunburn Healing Time?

Not everyone heals from sunburn at the same pace. The question of how long sunburn lasts or how long sunburn pain, peeling, or itching may persist depends on a range of internal and external factors. Here’s what can either delay or accelerate your recovery:

• Skin Type: Fair-skinned individuals are more prone to sunburn and may take longer to heal compared to those with more melanin-rich skin.

• Severity of the Burn: A mild sunburn may resolve in a few days, but a bad sunburn with blistering or second-degree damage can last two weeks or more.

• Age and General Health: Older adults or those with conditions that impair wound healing may experience a prolonged recovery time.

• Hydration and Nutrition: Drinking enough water and eating foods rich in antioxidants (vitamins A, C, and E) can significantly improve your skin's ability to repair.

• Aftercare: Cooling the skin, moisturizing regularly, and protecting it from further UV exposure are critical to supporting a faster recovery.

• Repeated Sunburn: Chronic sun exposure damages your skin’s ability to heal efficiently, increasing the risk of long-term changes like sunspots, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation.

Dermatologist-Approved Healing Tips for Sunburn

Whether you're dealing with a mild sunburn or wondering how long does a bad sunburn last, timely at-home care can make a noticeable difference in how quickly you recover and how long sunburn pain or peeling may linger. Below are effective, expert-backed remedies:

Cool the Skin Gently

Reducing inflammation early can help minimize pain and damage:

• Apply cool compresses or soft cloths soaked in cold water to affected areas.

• Take brief, cool or lukewarm showers. Avoid hot water, which can intensify irritation.

• Pat skin dry gently with a soft towel instead of rubbing.

Rehydrate from the Inside and Out

Hydration is essential for tissue repair, therefore:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you're sunburned and dehydrated.

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen fluid loss.

• Apply a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer or aloe vera gel. Look for hydrating ingredients like Saccharide Isomerate and Squalane to restore moisture and support the skin barrier.

Relieve Pain and Itching

Wondering how long does sunburn pain last? While it varies, managing inflammation can help shorten its duration:

• Soak in a cool bath with colloidal oatmeal to relieve itching and irritation. Use lukewarm to cool water, soak 10–15 minutes, and avoid soap or scrubbing during the bath.

• Wear soft, breathable fabrics (like cotton) to avoid additional friction on sensitive skin.

Don’t Pop Blisters

If your sunburn has caused blistering:

• Leave blisters intact as they are your body’s natural bandages.

• If a blister breaks on its own, clean the area with mild soap and water, then cover with a sterile dressing to prevent infection.

Protecting Healing Skin from Further Sun Damage

Once your sunburn begins to heal, your skin becomes more delicate and sensitive to environmental stressors, especially UV radiation. Taking the right precautions during this recovery phase not only supports healing but also helps prevent long-term pigmentation, scarring, and chronic sensitivity.

Here’s how to protect your healing skin:

• Avoid direct sun exposure while your skin is red, peeling, or tender.

• If you must go outdoors, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing that covers the affected areas. Add a wide-brimmed hat for additional protection.

• After the skin has stopped peeling and is no longer painful to the touch, begin using a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen to shield newly healed skin from further UV damage [6].

But even well-meaning SPF or after-sun products can sneak in ingredients that clog pores or irritate sun-stressed skin. To help prevent post-sun breakouts or barrier issues, use our free pore-clogging ingredients checker tool to spot hidden triggers in your routine.

These steps not only reduce how long sunburn peeling lasts, but also minimize the risk of complications such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially on sensitive areas like the face, chest, or shoulders.

Nourishing Ingredients to Help Sunburned Skin Heal

Supporting your skin with advanced, dermatologist-recommended ingredients can significantly enhance recovery, especially if you’re dealing with dry, tight, or peeling skin. The right actives can replenish hydration, calm inflammation, and reinforce the skin barrier.

Here are some standout ingredients to include in your post-sun routine:

Saccharide Isomerate

This plant-derived moisture magnet binds to the skin’s surface and provides continuous hydration for up to 72 hours. It helps reduce tightness and supports long-term repair, especially during the peeling phase when skin feels rough and flaky.

Squalane

Squalane is a lightweight, non-comedogenic emollient that mimics your skin’s natural oils. It deeply hydrates, softens dry patches, and protects newly healed skin from oxidative stress, making it ideal for sun-damaged skin.

SYRICALM™ 

SYRICALM™ is designed to reduce redness, sensitivity, and discomfort. It helps regulate the skin’s response to external stressors and is especially beneficial for soothing the heat and tenderness that lingers after sunburn.

Ready to take the guesswork out of recovery? Rush Hour Serum combines these soothing ingredients into one lightweight, post-sun formula designed to restore your skin after UV exposure. This sensitive skin serum is perfect for calming and restoring without irritation. Made with our proprietary GLOW7™ complex, it hydrates deeply, calms redness, and strengthens your skin barrier without clogging pores. Perfect for the days after sunburn, once active irritation has eased, it helps reduce lingering tightness, flaking, and uneven tone while supporting long-term skin resilience.

How to Prevent Future Sunburns

Prevention is the most effective way to protect your skin and avoid sunburn. With a proactive approach, you can enjoy outdoor activities while keeping your skin safe, smooth, and healthy.

Use Sunscreen the Right Way

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50+ to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply generously to all exposed skin 15–30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours or after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.

Wear Protective Clothing

Wearing tightly woven, long-sleeved clothing made of breathable fabric helps block UV rays. Add a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses to shield areas like the face, neck, and around the eyes, which are particularly susceptible to sun damage.

Avoid Peak Sun Hours

Avoid peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV intensity is highest. Whenever possible, stay in the shade or use umbrellas to limit direct sun contact.

Skin Health Monitoring

Regular self-checks are key to catching early signs of skin damage. Look for persistent redness, irritation or spots that don't heal. If anything seems suspicious, consult a dermatologist for further evaluation.

When to See a Doctor for Sunburn

Most sunburns resolve with home care, but in some cases, professional medical attention is necessary. Seek help if your pain worsens after several days, or if you experience fever, chills, nausea, confusion, or large areas of blistering. Burns on the face, scalp, groin, or hands also warrant a closer evaluation.

Early treatment in such cases can help minimize complications, reduce sunburn healing time, and preserve the long-term health and appearance of your skin.

Did You Know?

The UV index is one of the easiest ways to assess your sunburn risk before stepping outside. On days when the UV index is 3 or higher, unprotected skin can begin to burn in as little as 15 minutes. This is especially true for fair skin and high-exposure areas like the face, shoulders, and chest.  

FAQs About How Long Sunburn Lasts

Here are some of the most common questions about sunburn healing, symptoms, and care:

1. Can sunburn cause permanent skin damage?

Yes. Repeated or severe sunburns can lead to long-term damage, including premature aging (wrinkles, sagging, and sunspots), DNA changes, and a significantly increased risk of skin cancer, especially melanoma.

2. Is it safe to wear makeup on sunburned skin?

It’s best to avoid makeup until your sunburn heals. Makeup can clog pores and irritate already sensitive skin. If you need to wear makeup, opt for non-comedogenic, fragrance-free products made for sensitive skin and skip foundation if the skin is peeling.

3. Why does my sunburn feel hot for several days?

It’s completely normal for sunburned skin to feel hot for several days, especially after a moderate or severe sunburn. This lingering heat is part of your body’s natural inflammatory response to UV damage. When skin cells are injured by UV radiation, your immune system increases blood flow to the area and releases inflammatory mediators like histamines and cytokines. This results in warmth, swelling, and tenderness that can persist for three to five days, or longer in cases of severe sunburn.

4. Can I use natural oils like coconut or olive oil for sunburn relief?

Using coconut or olive oil immediately after a sunburn is not recommended. While these oils may seem soothing, they are occlusive and can trap heat in the skin, potentially worsening inflammation and discomfort during the early stages of healing.

For safe and effective relief, opt for lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizers formulated for sensitive skin. Ingredients like SYRICALM™, Saccharide Isomerate, and PEACHCALM™ help reduce redness, calm irritation, and support barrier repair without clogging pores or overheating the skin.

Takeaway: How Long Sunburn Lasts and What Your Skin Needs to Heal

Sunburn is a visible sign of UV-induced skin damage. So, when do sunburns go away? Depending on its severity, it can last from a few days to over two weeks. Mild sunburn usually heals within 3 to 5 days, while moderate to severe cases, especially those with blistering, may take 10 to 14 days or longer.

The healing process also depends on your skin type, how well you care for your skin, and whether sun protection was used. Sensitive areas like the face often peel sooner and need extra care to avoid irritation or pigmentation.

Speed up recovery by cooling the skin, staying hydrated, and using gentle, barrier-repairing ingredients like Squalane, SYRICALM™, and Saccharide Isomerate. Avoid further sun exposure and always use SPF 50+ once your skin begins to heal.

If symptoms worsen, last longer than expected, or include fever or widespread blistering, consult a dermatologist. Early care can prevent complications and support healthier, stronger skin in the long run.