Whether you fell asleep on the beach, forgot to reapply SPF, or didn’t realize how strong the sun was; sunburn happens. And let’s be honest, it always feels way worse at night. Your skin is hot, itchy, tight, and sleep is nearly impossible.
The good news? You can soothe sunburned skin overnight with the right techniques, products, and a little TLC. This guide will ease the sting and inflammation so you can sleep better and heal faster.
- What Happens During a Sunburn?
- Step-by-Step: How to Soothe Sunburned Skin Overnight
- 1. Get Out of the Sun Immediately
- 2. Take a Cool (Not Cold) Shower or Bath
- 3. Apply 100% Pure Aloe Vera Gel
- 4. Lock in Moisture With a Ceramide-Rich Cream
- 5. Soothe with Green Tea Compresses
- 6. Drink Tons of Water
- 7. Sleep Smart: Choose the Right Clothing & Bedding
- 8. Use OTC Pain Relief (Optional, But Helpful)
- What NOT to Do
- Optional (But Lovely): DIY Soothing Masks
- What to do the Next Morning
- Final Thoughts
- Product Recommendations
What Happens During a Sunburn?
Sunburn is your skin’s inflammatory reaction to UV radiation damage. It causes:
- Redness & warmth
- Tight, dry skin
- Pain, itching, and peeling
- In more severe cases: blisters, swelling, chills
The earlier you intervene, the better. That’s why a targeted overnight routine is so important, it gives your skin uninterrupted time to heal.
Step-by-Step: How to Soothe Sunburned Skin Overnight
1. Get Out of the Sun Immediately
Even after you’ve left direct sunlight, your skin can continue to “cook.” Head indoors or into the shade as soon as you notice signs of sunburn.
2. Take a Cool (Not Cold) Shower or Bath
A short cool rinse can lower your skin temperature, reduce inflammation and help ease that burning sensation. For an added boost:
- Add colloidal oatmeal, baking soda, or apple cider vinegar (¼ cup per bath)
- Avoid soap on burned areas. It strips moisture
🚫 Skip hot showers: they increase irritation and dryness.
3. Apply 100% Pure Aloe Vera Gel
Nature’s after-sun hero. Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that cool the skin and promote repair.
Choose:
- Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel
- Earth’s Daughter Aloe Vera Gel (alcohol- and fragrance-free)
- Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing Gel
Pro tip: Refrigerate it before use for extra cooling.
4. Lock in Moisture With a Ceramide-Rich Cream
Sunburned skin loses moisture fast. Applying a hydrating, fragrance-free moisturizer seals in hydration and strengthens your skin barrier overnight.
Top picks:
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (with ceramides + hyaluronic acid)
- La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 (calming + repairing)
- Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream
Apply a thick layer 10 minutes after aloe gel for deep moisture retention.
5. Soothe with Green Tea Compresses
Green tea contains polyphenols that reduce redness and calm inflammation.
How to use:
- Brew 2–3 green tea bags, let cool
- Soak a soft cloth and apply to sunburn for 10–15 min
- Use before your aloe and moisturizer routine
6. Drink Tons of Water
Sunburn pulls fluid toward the skin’s surface, leaving your body dehydrated. Before bed, drink at least two extra glasses of water. It helps your skin repair while you sleep.
Bonus: Coconut water or electrolyte-rich drinks can replenish lost minerals.
7. Sleep Smart: Choose the Right Clothing & Bedding
Comfort is key. Choose:
- Loose cotton or bamboo PJs
- Silky pillowcases to prevent friction
- Avoid fleece or polyester (they trap heat)
8. Use OTC Pain Relief (Optional, But Helpful)
✔️ Ibuprofen or aspirin – for pain and swelling
✔️ Hydrocortisone cream 1% – for itching (use only for 1–2 days)
🚫 Avoid lidocaine or benzocaine – they can make burns worse
Always patch-test creams and check with a doctor if unsure.
What NOT to Do
Even with the best intentions, these can delay healing:
- ❌ Don’t apply petroleum jelly or thick oils, they trap heat
- ❌ Don’t pop blisters (infection risk!)
- ❌ Don’t exfoliate or use active skincare (AHAs, retinol)
- ❌ Don’t wear tight or synthetic fabrics
- ❌ Don’t use heavily fragranced lotions or essential oils
Optional (But Lovely): DIY Soothing Masks
🥒 Cucumber Yogurt Mask
- ½ chilled cucumber (blended)
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
Apply for 15 min, rinse with cool water. Soothes facial sunburns beautifully.
🧊 Aloe Vera Ice Cubes
- Freeze pure aloe in silicone trays
- Rub gently over skin before moisturizer
What to do the Next Morning
You should wake up with calmer, less red skin. Here’s how to continue healing:
- Use gentle cleanser only (or skip cleansing)
- Reapply moisturizer & SPF
- Keep skin out of direct sun
- Wear UPF clothing if going outdoors
- Keep hydrating!
Recovery takes time. Mild sunburn heals in 3–5 days; deeper burns may take up to 10 days.
Final Thoughts
If it’s severe or if you’re worried always contact your doctor. But in most cases sunburn doesn’t have to ruin your night (or week). A calm, cool overnight routine can make a huge difference. Focus on hydration, inflammation control, and protecting your skin barrier and give your skin a chance to heal while you sleep. Oh, and always wear your SPF!
Product Recommendations
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