How to treat sunburn on your face, according to a dermatologist

It isn’t until you settle on your sun lounger, slather on some SPF and open up your new book that you can finally breathe that sweet sigh of holiday relief. Until you fast forward a few hours later and wake up and find vacation’s biggest enemy: sunburn. On your face.

A sunburnt face is incredibly painful and should be treated straightaway. The first thing to do is to get out of the sun as soon as possible.

“It’s amazing how many people will continue to expose a red sunburnt face, waiting for skin to turn brown. Stay out of the sun!” says dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting. “A sunburn is a UVB-induced injury – it’s not a base for a tan, it’s DNA damage. The moment your skin turns red, it’s crying out for help.”

What should I do if my face burns?

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“First, take an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen,” Dr Bunting tells us. “Then cool the skin with cold compresses (note, cool showers and baths will also help). Additionally, avoid dehydration by drinking lots of water, as burns draw fluid from the skin’s surface and the rest of your body.

“Gentle skincare and protection are key while your barrier is compromised. Avoid actives like retinoids or acids and never exfoliate – sunburnt skin is more vulnerable and absorbs products more deeply, increasing the risk of irritation.

“Above all, stay out of the sun while your skin heals,” adds Dr Bunting. “If it’s your body, cover up with densely woven fabric (like denim) if outdoors, especially on areas like the shoulders. For your face, wear a sun hat and sit in the shade.

“As well as drinking lots of fluids, eat antioxidant-rich foods (such as berries, green tea, tomatoes, leafy greens) to aid recovery and internal protection.

“Finally, seek out a soothing, fragrance-free moisturiser with anti-inflammatory ingredients like aloe vera – applied straight from the fridge, this will feel great.”