How to treat sunburn:
Discover 6 key tips

Discover 6 tips for sunburn care that fit into your everyday routine. Learn about common symptoms, how long sunburn usually lasts, and how you can soothe pain and help your skin heal quickly.

Read Time

5 min

In short:

What is sunburn and what causes it?
6 common sunburn symptoms to watch for
How to help sunburn
NIVEA SUN products
Facts overview
How to avoid sunburn
Summary
FAQs

Sunburn happens when your skin is exposed to too much sun and it starts to burn. Your skin usually turns red, feels sore, and sometimes becomes swollen. Knowing how to care for sunburn is really important. It helps your skin heal faster, so you spend less time feeling uncomfortable. The right skin care also helps reduce the risk of lasting skin damage. When you know how to treat sunburn properly, your skin can recover more quickly after you have spent too much time in the sun.

What is sunburn and
what causes it?

Sunburn is a skin condition that happens when your skin is exposed to too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or from artificial sources like tanning beds. Too much exposure can cause inflammation and damage to your skin cells, which can then lead to your skin peeling. Two main types of UV affect your skin: UVA and UVB. UVB rays are mostly responsible for sunburn, while UVA rays can cause long-term skin damage such as photoageing or premature ageing.

You are more likely to get sunburned if you:

1
Have fair or sensitive skin that burns easily:
If you have fair skin, you usually have less melanin, the pigment that gives some natural protection against UV radiation. This makes you more likely to get sunburned. If you have sensitive skin, you might also react more strongly to sun exposure, even after a short time.

2
Use tanning beds or lamps frequently:
Tanning beds and lamps give off UV radiation, which can damage your skin and increase your risk of sunburn. If you use these artificial tanning methods often, it can cause ongoing skin damage and make it much more likely that you will get burned.

3
Spend time near reflective surfaces like water, snow, or sand:
Be careful when you are near reflective surfaces like water, snow, or sand, because they bounce UV rays back and increase your exposure. Swimming, skiing, or spending the day at the beach can all increase your risk of sunburn because of this reflection. Also, long exposure through a window can still damage your skin and, in some cases, even cause sunburn, as glass does not completely block UV rays.

4
Spend a lot of time outdoors without sun protection:
Whether you are at the beach, hiking, or doing garden work, spending long periods outside without proper protection raises your risk of sunburn. It is important to use sunscreen, wear hats and protective clothing, and look for shade whenever you can.

6 common sunburn
symptoms to watch for

It is important to recognise the symptoms of sunburn so you can act quickly and look after your skin. Common symptoms include:

1
Redness:
Your skin turns noticeably red and feels warm to the touch. This redness is caused by increased blood flow to the affected area as your body tries to repair the damage.

2
Pain:
The sunburned area often feels tender and painful. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, depending on how bad the burn is.

3
Swelling:
Sunburn can cause your skin to swell and feel tight. Swelling is a sign of inflammation as your body responds to the skin damage.

4
Blisters:
In more serious cases, blisters might form on the sunburned skin. These blisters are filled with fluid and can be very painful. It is important not to pop them, as they help protect the skin underneath while it heals.

5
Peeling:
As your skin heals, it often peels to get rid of the damaged cells. This is a normal part of the healing process, although it can get itchy and uncomfortable.

6
Flu-like symptoms:
In extreme cases, sunburn can cause whole-body symptoms such as headaches, fever, chills, and fatigue. These signs point to a more severe reaction and may need medical attention.

Sunburn treatment

How to
help sunburn

If you realise you have a sunburn, taking the right steps straight away can help reduce discomfort and speed up healing. Here is what you can do:

1
Get out of the sun:
The very first step is to get out of the sun to prevent any further damage. Find some shade or go indoors. Try to keep the sunburned skin away from direct sun as much as possible.

2
Cool down your skin:
Take a cool (not cold) shower or bath to help soothe your skin. Avoid hot baths and showers, as hot water can irritate sunburned skin even more.

3
Cold compresses:
Use cold, damp cloths on the sunburned areas for 10–15 minutes at a time. This can help reduce heat and pain. Do not put ice or ice packs straight onto sunburned skin.

4
Stay hydrated:
Drink plenty of water to help your body recover. Damaged skin lets water vapour escape more easily, so you can lose fluid without realising it.

5
Apply moisturising cream:
Once your skin has cooled down after a cool shower or bath, apply a gentle moisturiser or after-sun lotion to keep your skin hydrated and help prevent peeling. Depending on how severe your sunburn is, it might be a good idea to chat to a health professional before you apply any products to your skin.

6
Consider medical treatment:
If you are in pain, over-the-counter painkillers from a pharmacy may help. If you notice serious symptoms such as large blisters, extreme pain, signs of infection, or a high temperature, you should see a doctor straight away.

NIVEA Moisturisers

NIVEA Sun UV Face Specialist
Triple Protect SPF 50+

The NIVEA Sun UV Face Specialist Triple Protect SPF 50+ offers advanced protection for your skin. This lightweight formula shields your face from harmful UV rays, pollution, and blue light damage, helping to prevent sun-induced ageing and pigmentation.

Enriched with Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and algae extract, it helps to hydrate and moisturise while protecting your skin from environmental stressors. Ideal for daily use, it provides high-performance care without clogging pores, leaving your skin feeling comfortable, radiant, and smooth.

Facts overview

How to care for sunburn

Causes of sunburn: UV rays from the sun damage skin cells, which leads to redness, pain, and swelling.

Risk factors: Your risk of sunburn is higher if you spend time outdoors without protection, have fair skin, use tanning beds, or are near reflective surfaces like water or snow.

Key symptoms: Watch for redness, pain, swelling, blisters, peeling, and flu-like symptoms so you can act quickly.

Treatment tips: Get out of the sun, cool your skin, use after-sun moisturisers, and drink enough water to stay hydrated. If blisters appear, avoid piercing them. If they are extensive, or in any other serious cases, chat to a doctor.

Sunburn prevention

How to
avoid sunburn

Avoiding sunburn is all about protecting your skin from too much sun exposure. Here are some simple steps to help you stay safe and enjoy the sun more comfortably:

CHECK THE UV INDEX

The UV index measures how strong the sun’s rays are on a certain day. Check the UV index before you go outside. A higher number means a greater risk of sunburn, so take extra care on those days.

USE SUNSCREEN

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Cover all exposed skin, including your ears, neck, and feet. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating. You can also explore the NIVEA Protect & Moisture Spray, which offers immediate UV protection while keeping your skin moisturised for up to 48 hours*

^{*Instrumental test, 50 volunteers}

APPLY SUNSCREEN CORRECTLY

Use around 35 ml (or about seven teaspoons – one for each main area of your body) of sun cream for your whole body. Do not forget to apply it to easy-to-miss spots like the back of your neck, the tops of your ears, and the parting in your hair.

SEEK SHADE

Stay in the shade as much as you can, especially during the peak sun hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is when the sun’s rays are strongest and your risk of sunburn is higher.

USE EXTRA PROTECTION FOR SENSITIVE AREAS

Your face is one of the most exposed areas to the sun and can easily get sunburned. Use a higher SPF on these areas, such as the NIVEA SUN Triple Protect 50+ Sun Care, which is specially developed for delicate facial skin. It helps protect your skin from the outside against UVA/UVB rays and the effects of high-energy visible light, which are responsible for skin damage and premature ageing.
Putting on lip balm is also important, not only to boost the hydration of your lips but also to give a layer of protection against environmental damage such as UV rays. Consider using the NIVEA Sun Protect Lip Balm SPF 50 or NIVEA Hydro Care Lip Balm with SPF 15 to moisturise your lips while giving them light UV protection.

OTHER TIPS TO AVOID MAKING SUNBURN WORSE

Avoid certain products: Avoid products with petroleum jelly or a high fat content, as they can trap heat and make sunburn feel worse.
No tight clothing: Wear loose, soft clothing so you do not rub or irritate the sunburned areas.

Summary

Sunburn happens when your skin gets too much UV radiation, which causes redness, soreness, and swelling. With the right skin care, your skin can heal faster and you can reduce the risk of long-term damage. Effective sunburn care includes cooling your skin, using an after-sun moisturiser, and drinking enough water to stay hydrated. To help prevent sunburn in the first place, apply sunscreen regularly, seek shade, and wear protective clothing whenever you can.