How can you prevent skin peeling after a sunburn?

The best strategy to prevent skin peeling after a sunburn is prevention. Once keratinocytes are damaged and engaged in apoptosis, it is difficult to prevent desquamation. That is why limiting the initial UV assault is so important. Prevention relies on two pillars: protecting the skin by applying a sunscreen and adjusting one’s behavior in the sun.

How can one prevent skin peeling?

Indeed, the first step is to regularly apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, covering both UVA and UVB rays. The sunscreen filters act like a shield that absorbs UV light and converts it into heat, limiting its penetration into the skin and the activation of inflammatory pathways. Moreover, it is important to apply the sunscreen cream, stick, or lotion in sufficient quantity to achieve the level of protection indicated on the packaging. Another essential point: reapply the sunscreen product every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.

Beyond sunscreen, preventing skin peeling also involves managing sun exposure. Between 12 PM and 4 PM, UV radiation reaches its peak intensity, increasing the risk of sunburn and thus peeling. Prioritizing shade, wearing long, lightweight clothing, and donning a wide-brimmed hat are simple yet effective measures. This clothing-based photoprotection works in synergy with sunscreen filters to reduce the UV dose reaching keratinocytes.

How should you react when your skin peels after a sunburn?

If it’s too late and the sunburn has already occurred, you should take certain measures to repair your skin and prevent excessive peeling. First, we recommend that you apply twice daily an after-sun treatment. This type of product, often enriched with humectants such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid, promotes water retention in the epidermis and alleviates sensations of tightness. After-sun formulations also contain soothing active ingredients like aloe vera, bisabolol, or panthenol, which help calm inflammation and support cellular repair, thus limiting the severity of peeling.

Another intervention to consider is to protect fragile skin. Hot showers should be avoided as they exacerbate skin dryness and redness and slow the skin’s recovery. It is preferable to use lukewarm water and, of course, use gentle cleansers. Similarly, rubbing the skin with a towel or picking off flakes—even though it can be tempting—is discouraged because these actions increase the risk of irritation and interrupt the skin’s natural repair process.

For the same reasons, while the desire to quickly remove dead cells is common, it is preferable to wait one to two weeks before resorting to a scrub, whether mechanical or chemical. This interval allows the epidermis to regenerate and strengthen its barrier function. Exfoliating too early can exacerbate peeling and compromise skin healing.