Sunburns are painful, uncomfortable and cause redness around the skin, swelling and sometimes, blisters. So whether you’ve spent too much time at the beach or outdoors without protecting your skin properly, sunburns are common skin issues.

Thankfully, there are different ways to treat sunburn while reducing the pain and discomfort. In this article, we’d focus on the many different ways to cure sunburn based on the determatologist’s advice on what works.

Soothe It with Aloe Vera.

Aloe Vera

If there’s one plant that’s practically made for sunburns, it’s aloe vera. Not only does it cool things down and take the sting away, but it also helps reduce the redness, irritation, and dryness that sunburn comes with. It also helps stop your skin from peeling too much later on.

The Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences has backed this up. Aloe vera contains special compounds that calm inflammation and speed up healing. So it’s not just an old-school remedy, it is science-approved.

How to Use: If you have an aloe vera plant at home, cut a leaf, scoop out the gel, and gently apply it to the sunburned area.

If you don’t have the plant and decide to use a store-bought version, go for one that is pure and free of alcohol because alcohol leads to more dryness. Reapply every few hours to keep your skin feeling refreshed.

Make sure to use a Cool Compress

First things first, if your skin feels like it’s on fire, you definitely need a cool compress. This simple trick will give you instant relief. Cooling your skin helps shrink the blood vessels and reduces that hot, stingy feeling.

According to the Journal of Clinical Dermatology, a cool compress can lower your skin’s temperature and stop further irritation from happening.

How to Use: Soak a soft towel in cool (not icy) water, wring it out, and gently place it on the sunburned area for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Do it as often as you need throughout the day. Do not use ice! It might be tempting, but using it directly on your skin can do more harm than good.

Try a Cool Oatmeal Bath

Oats

You might not have heard of this before, but oatmeal is like a hug for irritated skin. It is soothing and helps with the itching, redness, and all-around discomfort. Think of it as giving your skin a gentle, calming soak.

According to the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, this is because of avenanthramides found in Oats. They are natural anti-inflammatory compounds that calm the skin and fight irritation.

How to Use: Blend plain oats into a fine powder and add it to a lukewarm (not hot) water. Soak yourself in for 15–20 minutes.

Afterward, gently pat your skin dry. Make sure not to rub! And if you’d rather not take a bath, you can use a fragrance-free oatmeal lotion instead.

 Moisturize Like Your Skin Depends on It

After cooling off, your skin needs moisture immediately. A gentle, fragrance-free lotion helps lock in hydration and keeps your skin from peeling. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin, they are all the good nutrients that prevent your skin from drying up.

According to The American Academy of Dermatology, sunburned skin loses a lot of moisture, which is why you end up feeling dry, tight, and flaky. A solid moisturizer helps ease all that.

How to Use: Apply your lotion right after your compress or bath, while your skin is still a little damp. Be gentle, no rubbing. Avoid anything with alcohol or perfume. Your skin is recovering and it needs mild products, not harsh.

Take a Pain Reliever if It Hurts

If your skin is really sore, or you’re dealing with some swelling, don’t suffer in silence. Taking something like ibuprofen or aspirin can make a huge difference, it tackles the inflammation while helping relieve the pain.

According to Dermatology Research Journal, NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) are great for calming inflammation and easing sunburn pain.

How to Use: Just make sure to follow the instructions on the bottle. Don’t go over the dose, and if you have any health issues, check in with a doctor first.

Drink More Water Than You Think You Need

Water

Sunburn is equal to dehydration. When your skin is burned, it loses moisture, not just on the outside, but inside too. So keep sipping water all day long. It helps your body heal faster and keeps your skin from drying out even more.

The Journal of Dermatological Science also mentions that staying hydrated helps your skin repair itself and makes the whole healing process way smoother.

How to Use: Keep a bottle of water nearby and sip often, not just when you’re thirsty. Also try to cut back on alcohol and coffee as they dry you out more.

Don’t Wear Anything That’ll Annoy Your Skin

This one is very important: pit away tight clothes for the time being. Your skin is already sensitive, so let it breathe. Soft, loose cotton clothes are the way to go. Anything too snug or synthetic will just irritate it more.

The British Journal of Dermatology confirms that breathable clothes help minimize irritation and allow your skin to heal without more friction.

How to Use: Choose soft, loose outfits made of cotton or similar fabrics. Stay away from stuff that traps heat like polyester. If it rubs, it’s a no.

 Hydrocortisone Cream Is Your Backup Plan

Hydrocortisone Cream

If your sunburn is looking serious:  extra swollen, red, or painful you might need a little extra help. Hydrocortisone cream can calm things down quickly. It’s a low-dose steroid that reduces inflammation and helps you heal faster.

The Journal of Clinical Dermatology says hydrocortisone is great for calming irritated, inflamed skin and speeding up the healing process.

How to Use: Use a tiny amount, just a thin layer on the affected skin once or twice a day. Don’t go overboard with it, and if things still look bad after a couple of days, talk to a doctor.

 Stay Out of the Sun While You Heal

You might want to go back out once the burn starts to fade, but your skin needs time. Any extra sun exposure on already damaged skin will only make it worse. More peeling, more pain, and possibly even long-term damage.

The American Journal of Dermatology warns that continued sun exposure after a burn slows healing and ups your risk for scarring and complications.

How to Use: Stay indoors or in the shade as much as possible. And if you absolutely must go out, wear sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), a wide-brim hat, and long sleeves to protect your skin.

 Know When It’s Time to Call the Doc

Know when to call the doctor

If you start getting big blisters, a fever, chills, or feel dizzy or weak, that’s your body telling you this sunburn isn’t just a mild case. In that situation, you need to see a doctor. It could be a second-degree burn or worse.

The British Journal of Dermatology points out that severe burns can cause long-term skin damage and may require medical treatment to prevent complications.

How to Use: If you’re feeling really off or if the sunburn looks scary, don’t wait, seek medical care. They might give you prescription-strength creams or pain relief that works better than over-the-counter stuff.

Conclusion

Sunburns aren’t the best thing, but with a little care and patience, you’ll be okay. Cool it down, keep it hydrated, give it moisture, and protect it from further damage.

Your skin is healing, so baby it for a few days. And next time? Sunscreen before you even step out!

ALSO SEE: How to Find Your Signature Scent

Dubai’s summer isn’t just hot—it’s a full-on skin challenge. With temperatures soaring past 38°C, sticky humidity from the sea, and frequent dust and sandstorms, your skin takes a daily beating. Even when you escape indoors, the blasting air-conditioning dries you out even more. Without a smart skincare routine, you’re looking at dehydration, irritation, sun damage, and those stubborn dark spots no one wants.

Protect, Hydrate and Repair

Core Steps To Protect During Summer in Dubai:

Protect, Hydrate, Repair.

Sunscreen ritual:
This should be your number one priority before stepping outdoors.

• Use broad‑spectrum SPF 30–50 daily. Apply generously especially to areas often-neglected: ears, neck, lips, scalp, hands, and feet. Reapply every two hours—or after sweating or swimming  .
• Choose water-resistant formulas with minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide: they reflect UV and don’t require absorption time.

Gentle Cleansing:

This is another routine that is very effective for your skin routine.

• Cleanse twice daily with a sulfate‑free or foam cleanser to remove sweat, dust, and pollution without stripping oils.

Light Effective Hydration:

• After cleansing, the next is to apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer or hydrating gel with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, or aloe vera. It hydrates the skin, prevents moisture loss, soothes irritation, and preps your face for sunscreen or make up.

• Don’t skip heavier creams at night, it helps rebuild your skin barrier.

Antioxidants & Serums:

• Morning Vitamin C helps combat free radicals, shields from UV damage, and brightens pigmentation.
• Add niacinamide if your skin is oily or acne-prone, this balances sebum and strengthens the barrier.

Exfoliate and Mask Weekly :

• Use gentle chemical exfoliants (AHAs/BHAs) 1–2 times weekly to clear congested pores and dead skin—no harsh scrubbing .
• Touch Base with hydrating masks or cooling gels (aloe, cucumber, chamomile) to nurture inflammation and dryness .

Hydrate Internally:

•  Drink at least 2 Liters of water daily and consider electrolyte or coconut water, or even a pinch of Himalayan salt, to replenish key minerals.
• Combat air-conditioning by using indoor humidifiers—especially at night.

Fun places in Dubai

Some Interesting Places to Visit This Summer and Your Skin Care Routine Prep

Dubai Butterfly Garden (Dubailand): A cool, air-conditioned escape from the Dubai heat, perfect for a relaxing stroll among vibrant butterflies. Still, make sure you don’t skip your light SPF—plus bring a face mist and hydrating moisturizer to freshen up once you step back outside.

Dubai Textile Souk (Bur Dubai): This charming, shaded market with breezy wind towers is great for exploring local fabrics and culture. Dress smart with light clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses—and don’t forget to top up your sunscreen as you go.

Dubai Spice Souk (Deira): A lively, fragrant spot full of colors and culture—but also a bit dusty. After your visit, give your skin a gentle cleanse, then apply a light hydrating serum and sunscreen to keep it calm and protected.

Dubai Mall (Downtown): The ultimate indoor escape with everything from shopping to ice skating. It’s a great place to cool off, sip some water, refresh your sunscreen, spritz a face mist, and keep your skin moisturized while on the go.

Dubai

Wrapping Up

Dubai’s intense heat doesn’t have to be a beauty battle—only a smart one. Prioritize sun protection, light  nourishing hydration, gentle exfoliation, and smart escape to cooler spots like the Butterfly Garden or Dubai Mall. Match specific skincare to each locale, and you’ll not only survive the summer but glow through it.

check this: The Most Elegant Sunscreens for Every Skin

Imagine yourself soaking up the warm sunshine, enjoying the glow of the season, carrasing your skin without the fear of getting sunburned. Sounds like a dream come true, right? This is what happens when you use the best SPF product for your skin.

But what does SPF really mean? How does it benefit your skin and how accessible is it?

WHAT DOES SPF REALLY MEAN?

SPF means Sun Protection Factor. This determines how well a sunscreen protects the skin against UV rays. Now, when choosing an SPF product, it is best to go for one which contains natural ingredients. This is to help protect your skin against allergies and reactions that come from using chemicals.

In essence, a natural SPF product is a type of sunscreen that uses natural ingredients to protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Ingredients Always Present in Natural SPF Product

• Organic and Plant based Ingredients: These include natural ingredients and extracts like essential oils, antioxidants, botanical extracts and more.
• Mineral active ingredients: This protects the skin against UV rays and contains zinc oxide.
•  Avoidance of Harsh Chemicals: SPF products often avoid harsh chemicals, and artificial fragrances that affect the skin.

The BEST SPF Product for Natural Skincare 

1. Kinfield Sunglow SPF 35:

A vegan sunscreen with a illuminating effect, providing sun-kissed radiance without harsh chemicals or glitter. It contains nourishing jojoba oil, softening sunflower seed oil, and hydrating glycerin.

2. Well People Daygleamer Mineral Sunscreen Serum SPF 34:

This offers an EWG-verified formula with non-nano zinc oxide, niacinamide, and aloe leaf juice to enhance radiance and deeply moisturize the skin.

3. Cocokind Daily SPF 32:

Suitable for blue light protection, this sunscreen contains zinc oxide and the blue phytoplankton to combat damage caused by blue light exposure and environmental pollution.

4. Forah Everyday Mineral Sunscreen:

Perfect for sensitive skin, this SPF 30 sunscreen features non-nano zinc oxide, nourishing antioxidants, and soothing oils .

5. ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint:

Offers high-SPF protection in 40 shades, with hyaluronic acid, plant-based squalane, and shea butter derivatives for smooth and moisturized skin.

With the right SPF product, you can enjoy the warmth of the sun and feel revitalized by it. No need to worry about sunburn—just let your natural beauty shine through.