Dr. Jaliman's Sunburn Recovery Tips: Best Aftercare Advice for Fast Healing

Sunburn Recovery 101: Expert Tips from Dr. Jaliman

Getting a sunburn is an all-too-common summer mishap—and it’s more than just a temporary inconvenience. If you're dealing with red, painful skin after sun exposure, you're not alone. Fortunately, Dr. Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist, shares proven sunburn recovery tips to help soothe skin, reduce pain, and accelerate healing.

From cooling gels to hydrating treatments and sunburn prevention strategies, this comprehensive aftercare guide offers everything you need to bounce back from too much sun.

Quick Sunburn Relief Tips

1. Hydrate to Heal

One of Dr. Jaliman’s first recommendations? Drink plenty of water—at least 8 to 10 glasses a day. Sunburn dehydrates your skin and body, so internal hydration is key to speeding recovery.

Incorporate hyaluronic acid in your skincare to boost skin hydration from the outside in.

2. Soothe Skin With Aloe Vera and Cool Compresses

For soothing sunburned skin, nothing beats aloe vera gel. Apply a thin layer multiple times a day, and for extra relief, keep the product in the fridge. Pair it with cool compresses to reduce heat and swelling.

• Use cold milk compresses or white vinegar diluted in water for added anti-inflammatory benefits.
• For severe burns, adding baking soda to your compress helps balance the skin's pH.

Alleviate Pain and Itchiness

3. Use Non-Prescription Pain Relievers

To reduce inflammation and pain:

• Take ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve).
• Avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol), as it lacks anti-inflammatory benefits.

Dr. Jaliman recommends anti-inflammatory meds for faster healing and symptom relief.

4. Try Oatmeal Baths

Add finely ground colloidal oatmeal to lukewarm bath water. This calms irritation and supports your skin’s natural barrier.

After-Sun Skincare: Best Moisturizers for Recovery

5. Moisturize Frequently

Sunburn strips your skin of moisture. Rehydrate using fragrance-free, deeply moisturizing creams with healing ingredients:

Apply a moisturizer while your skin is still damp to lock in moisture.

Natural Home Remedies for Sunburn Relief

6. Aloe Vera

Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly from the plant or use a store-bought gel with minimal additives.

7. Greek Yogurt

Cold plain Greek yogurt contains lactic acid, which soothes and hydrates sunburned skin. Leave on for 15–20 minutes before rinsing.

8. Cold Milk Compress

Protein and fat in milk can soothe skin and reduce inflammation. Soak a cloth in cold milk and place it over affected areas.

9. Witch Hazel

This natural astringent reduces inflammation and redness. Apply using a cotton pad for localized relief.

10. Honey

Raw honey has antibacterial and healing properties. Apply a thin layer and let it sit before rinsing off gently.

Using Cooling Products Correctly

• Look for aloe vera- or menthol-based cooling sprays.
• Refrigerate products for extra relief.
• Apply regularly throughout the day for consistent hydration and comfort.

Let aloe gel air dry after application to maximize its anti-inflammatory benefits.

Prevent Peeling and Long-Term Damage

• Use calamine lotion to calm itching.
• Avoid scratching or peeling flaking skin.
• Stay out of the sun until your skin is fully healed.
• Wear loose, breathable clothing to avoid further irritation.

Dr. Jaliman’s Sunburn Prevention Tips

1. Apply Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen (SPF 30+) Daily

• Use sunscreen even on cloudy days.
• Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure.
• Reapply every 2 hours, or after swimming/sweating.

You can find Dr. Jaliman's recommended Suncreen products here: www.dermatologist-nyc.com/sunscreen/

2. Wear Sun Protective Clothing

• Use UV-blocking sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and long sleeves.
• Seek shade between 10 AM – 4 PM when the sun is strongest.
• Learn more about avoiding skin cancer here: www.dermatologist-nyc.com/skin-cancer-screening/.

3. Antioxidants Help Repair Skin

Dr. Jaliman recommends applying Vitamin C serum daily to neutralize free radicals and accelerate recovery.

Medications That Increase Sun Sensitivity

Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing your risk of sunburn.

Photosensitizing Medications Include:

• Antibiotics: Doxycycline, Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin
• Antidepressants: Amitriptyline, Sertraline
• Antihistamines: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• NSAIDs: Ibuprofen, Naproxen
• Diuretics: Hydrochlorothiazide
• Retinoids: Isotretinoin (Accutane), Tretinoin
• Antifungals: Griseofulvin
• Oral contraceptives

Important: If you’re taking any of these medications, use extra sun protection including high-SPF sunscreen, protective clothing, and limit time in direct sunlight.

Final Thoughts: Heal and Protect Your Skin

Following one of NYC's top dermatologists, Dr. Debra Jaliman’s expert sunburn aftercare tips can make all the difference in how quickly and comfortably your skin recovers. By combining hydration, cooling remedies, moisturizing products, and preventative care, you can soothe discomfort now and protect your skin in the future.

For optimal skin health, treat every sunburn seriously—and let it be a lesson to double down on sun safety moving forward.