How to Turn a Sunburn into a Tan (Plus, Is It Even Possible?)

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The best ways to heal a sunburn and prevent peeling
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After a day in the sun, you return home and notice that your skin is bright red. You came home with sunburn rather than a golden tan! Is there a way to turn your sunburnt skin into the tan of your dreams? Unfortunately, turning a sunburn into a tan isn’t likely; however, there are ways to speed up the healing process and get your skin looking less red faster. Read on to learn how to look after your skin after a sunburn.

Can a sunburn turn into a tan overnight?

No, a sunburn can’t turn into a tan overnight. However, with the proper care (i.e., moisturizing and staying hydrated), you can ease sunburn pain and prevent peeling to create a lasting glow over time.

Section 1 of 6:

Do sunburns turn into tans?

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  1. Even when you tan, your skin is being damaged. When the sun’s UV rays hit your skin, they damage the top layer of skin, and your body releases melanin, the pigment that makes your skin appear darker. [1] Sunburn occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough melanin fast enough, causing it to get red, inflamed, and flakey.
    • For some, recovering from sunburn can ultimately lead to a golden complexion, but that isn’t always the case. Those with lighter skin often burn faster than those with darker skin and have trouble going from a red burn to a golden tan.
    • Melanin acts as a protective layer between the sun and the skin. Although someone may not burn as easily, it doesn’t mean they’re not damaging their skin. [2]
    • Recover from sunburn quickly by cooling, treating, and moisturizing the skin. While a tan after sunburn isn’t guaranteed, following these steps may improve your chances.
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Section 2 of 6:

How to Turn a Sunburn Into a Tan

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  1. The easiest way to calm the burn of a sunburn and promote healing is to apply something cool to the skin. Lay a cool compress (such as a cold wringed-out rag or towel-wrapped ice pack) on the affected skin, or run cool water over the skin slowly. [3]
    • This process may be painful at first, so go slowly and take breaks between applications.
    • Cooling the skin helps reduce redness, swelling, and pain.

    Disclaimer: These tips and tricks won't automatically turn your sunburn into a tan, but they can help speed up and promote healing.

  2. Sunburned skin is extra dry and inflamed, so ensuring your body has a good supply of water can help keep it protected. Stay hydrated inside and out to prevent too much skin from peeling. Experts recommend drinking at least 11 cups (2,600 ml) [4]
    • Water also can help with headaches, which are sometimes caused by sunburns. [5]
  3. Skincare specialist Diana Yerkes recommends that as soon as you have noticed the sun damage, make sure that your skin is hydrated and supple. To put a little life back into dry, sunburned skin, apply a gentle, hypoallergenic moisturizer to the affected areas. You also can try using a few drops of a neutral oil such as baby oil, olive oil, or canola oil.
    • Apply a moisturizer that doesn’t have added fragrances or scents, as they could irritate the skin more.
    EXPERT TIP

    Diana Yerkes

    Skincare Professional
    Diana Yerkes is a Skincare Professional and the Lead Esthetician at Rescue Spa in New York City, New York. With over 15 years of experience, Diana helps others with their skin care needs by incorporating natural and high-performing products and treatments into their routines while providing nutrition insights and educating clients on better skin care habits. Diana is a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) and holds certifications from the Wellness for Cancer and Look Good Feel Better programs. She received her esthetics education from the Aveda Institute, the International Dermal Institute, and the Biologique Research Academy.
    Diana Yerkes
    Skincare Professional

    Avoid exfoliating sunburnt skin. Exfoliating can make the sunburn worse and irritate the skin. Instead, treat your skin like a newborn's skin, giving it a lot of hydration and plenty of nutrients.

  4. Apply aloe vera gel . Aloe is one of the few natural ingredients widely known to provide relief from sunburns. Rub aloe vera gel on the affected skin as soon as you notice redness or feel pain. Repeat several times per day to keep pain and irritation at bay. [6]
    • If you have an aloe plant, slit the leaves down the middle and squeeze them onto your sunburn to get a 100% natural soothing effect. [7]
  5. Steroids are a type of drug that can reduce pain and swelling when they come in contact with the skin. There are many different types of steroid ointments available over-the-counter, such as the most common choice: hydrocortisone . [8] To apply, gently rub a pea-sized amount over the burned skin, reapplying every few hours as needed.
    • Talk to your doctor or primary care physician about which topical cream would work best for you.
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Section 3 of 6:

Home Remedies for Soothing a Sunburn

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  1. Although it may seem like an odd choice, sitting in oatmeal can be a helpful tool for dealing with sunburns. Oatmeal has numerous healing properties, such as normalizing the skin’s pH level and soothing itchy and irritated skin. Simply run a cool bath and mix in 2 to 3 cups (32 to 48 US tbsp) of plain oats. Soak for 20 minutes, and then rinse. [9]
    • Try adding 3 ⁄ 4 cup (12 US tbsp) of baking soda for more moisturizing properties.
  2. Rub coconut oil on the skin . While many natural oils will moisturize and soothe dry skin just as well as commercial lotions do, coconut oil is an even better choice. In addition to providing moisture and giving burnt skin a healthy glow, it also gently exfoliates, removes dead skin, and promotes healing. All you have to do is lubricate the skin and rest. [10]
  3. Milk contains lactic acid and antioxidants that may help gently exfoliate dead skin and cool inflammation. To try this home remedy, fill a bowl with milk and place a clean washcloth inside. Set the bowl in the fridge until the washcloth is cool, and then apply the compress to your skin. [11]
    • Avoid using sugary dairy drinks or yogurts to soothe the skin, as they could cause further irritation.
    • While there’s no evidence backing up this natural remedy, there’s no harm in giving it a try!
  4. Some people claim that a slice of cool cucumber on their skin helped elevate sunburn pain. [12] Simply cut thin slices from a refrigerated cucumber and lay them across the affected area. The wider the cucumber, the better.
    • If you’re having a hard time getting the cucumber slices to stick, try moistening your skin with a little oil or lotion. It acts like a glue.
    • Keep in mind that this is a natural remedy and isn’t endorsed by skincare specialists.
  5. Vinegar can help restore the pH balance of the skin, which may soothe and speed up healing after a sunburn. To try this natural remedy, take a cold shower. Then, fill a spray bottle with vinegar and gently mist the burnt skin. Let the vinegar mixture sit for about an hour, and then rinse off with cool water.
    • Apple cider vinegar is the most commonly used vinegar for this home remedy.
    • Know that this natural remedy isn’t scientifically proven and may cause further irritation, so use it at your own risk. [13]
  6. While it may sound odd, some believe that the starch in potatoes can help rejuvenate your skin and promote healing. To try this natural remedy, grate a potato to form a starchy paste. Rub this mixture on the affected area gently, then wash it off after 20 minutes. [14]
    • Keep in mind that this is a home remedy that isn’t usually endorsed by skincare specialists.
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Section 4 of 6:

How to Tan Without Burning

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  1. While the best way to avoid sunburn is to not tan at all, we understand why that may not be an option for you! Thankfully, there are some medically-backed ways to still enjoy the sun and be safer: [15]
    • Wear sunscreen that’s at least 30 SPF or higher. [16]
    • Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes.
    • Limit sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV rays are strongest.
    • Change suntanning positions often, such as flipping onto your back or side.
    • Swap tanning with self-tanning products to get a golden glow without damaging your skin.
Section 5 of 6:

Key Takeaways

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  1. There are safer ways to get a tan than with sunburn. At the end of the day, the health of your skin is most important! Protect yourself from sun damage by wearing sunscreen, limiting your sun exposure, and changing your suntanning position regularly. If you do get burnt while trying to tan, make sure to drink lots of water and moisturize to speed up healing. [17]
    • The safest way to tan is not to tan at all! Try using self-tanner to give yourself a gorgeous, beachy glow without the risk of damaging your skin. [18]
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Section 6 of 6:

FAQs

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  1. Sunburns typically go away within a few days. However, the more severe the burn, the longer it’ll take to heal. [19]
  2. Ideally, you want to wait until your sunburn is completely healed before attempting to tan again. This usually takes a few days to a week. [20]
  3. You can tan as often as you like, but it isn’t recommended. Your skin can be damaged in the sun after just 5 minutes in the sun or when exposed to UV radiation. [21] Because of this, it’s recommended to avoid tanning indoors or outdoors and use self-tanning products instead. [22]
  4. Sunburn and tanning can cause lasting long-term effects on your skin. The most prevalent include premature skin again (age spots, wrinkles, etc.), skin cancer, and eye damage. [23]
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      Tips

      • Stay out of the sun until your sunburn has fully faded. If you must expose yourself to the sun, use a high-SPF sunblock to protect yourself.
        Thanks
        Helpful 124 Not Helpful 51
      • For bad sunburns, some peeling may be unavoidable. However, the methods above can help keep pain and irritation to a minimum during the healing process.
        Thanks
        Helpful 104 Not Helpful 55

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • If your scalp got burned, you can part your hair in a different direction to mask some redness and protect the burnt area. In the future, wear a hat to keep from sunburns.
      • Try to stay at home as much as possible to decrease your chance of damaging your skin during the healing process.
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      Warning

      • Avoid using tea bag compresses or seeping in tea to elevate sunburn, as these home remedies could dry out your skin and make the burn worse. [24]


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      References

      1. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/tanning.html
      2. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/tanning.html
      3. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21858-sunburn
      4. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
      5. ↑ https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/for-kids/about-skin/skin-cancer/treating-sunburn
      6. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/burns.html
      7. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12063-burns
      8. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21858-sunburn#management-and-treatment
      9. ↑ https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/bathing/
      1. ↑ https://www.tricitymed.org/2018/08/6-best-natural-ingredients-for-alleviating-sunburn-pain/
      2. ↑ https://www.stlukeshealth.org/resources/do-these-common-sunburn-remedies-actually-work
      3. ↑ https://poloandlifestylemagazine.com/5-natural-sunburn-remedies-you-can-find-in-your-fridge/
      4. ↑ https://famurgentcare.com/blog/does-vinegar-really-help-relieving-sunburn/
      5. ↑ https://www.atlantamedicaldermatology.com/blog/sunburn-remedies/
      6. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21858-sunburn
      7. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5240-sun-damage-protecting-yourself#prevention
      8. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5240-sun-damage-protecting-yourself#prevention
      9. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/surprising-facts-about-indoor-tanning
      10. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21858-sunburn
      11. ↑ https://www.healthpartners.com/care/hospitals/regions/specialties/burn-center/sun-precautions-after-burn-injuries/
      12. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK321117/
      13. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/surprising-facts-about-indoor-tanning
      14. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21858-sunburn
      15. ↑ https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/tips-for-treating-sunburn

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to turn your sunburn into a tan, start by cooling your skin with a cold compress or a cool shower or bath to reduce swelling and redness. You can also apply aloe vera gel to your skin to get the same effects. Once you’ve cooled your skin down, consider using a topical steroid ointment every few hours to help heal your damaged skin. Alternatively, you can fill a spray bottle with vinegar and mist your skin with it to help restore its pH balance. Apple cider vinegar is believed by many to work best. While your skin is healing, make sure to drink plenty of water to keep it hydrated. For more tips, including how to heal your skin with a tea or oatmeal bath, read on!

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