When your skin is sunburned, the top layer of skin cells has been damaged by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. As your body works to repair the damage, new skin cells form and push up from below. At the same time, the damaged top layer of skin cells begins to die and peel off. This process can take several days or even longer, depending on how severe the sunburn is. Peeling skin is one of the most common and uncomfortable symptoms of a sunburn, but it is also a sign that your body is working to heal the damage.
How do I ease discomfort from sunburns?
There are some things you can do to help ease the discomfort of sunburned skin and speed up the healing process. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and applying moisturizer regularly. Avoid picking or scratching at your skin, as this can cause further irritation and even lead to infection. And finally, take care to protect your skin from further damage by staying out of the sun and wearing protective clothing when you do go outside.
How can I protect my skin from sunburns in the future?
With proper care and treatment, your sunburned skin will eventually heal, and the peeling will stop. However, it’s important to remember that once your skin has been damaged by UV rays, it becomes more susceptible to future damage. So be sure to take steps to protect your skin from the sun in the future by wearing sunscreen, staying in the shade, and avoiding peak hours of sunlight.
What can I do to keep my skin healthy?
There are many ways in which patients can keep their skin healthy, hydrated, and protected from damaging sunlight that can contribute to sunburns and even skin cancer. Our team at the Skin and Beauty Center in California provides evaluations, education, and even skin cancer screenings to ensure that your skin is healthy. We have six convenient office locations throughout California and provide care for patients who are new or established in our facility. We invite you to call our office for an evaluation and to discuss skincare solutions for yourself and your family.