How long does a sunburn last?

The severity of sunburns depends on their extent, intensity, location, as well as the age of the individual. The healing time varies depending on the degree of the burn. We distinguish three types of sunburns :

• First-degree sunburns:

  This type of sunburn is characterized by the presence of bright red and painful lesions on the surface of the epidermis and the absence of blisters. Subsequently, a more or less significant peeling is observed. The healing time is 2 to 7 days without leaving any spots or scars, provided that the skin is properly cared for.

• Superficial second-degree sunburns:

  The symptoms are identical to those of a first-degree burn, including the presence of blisters filled with a clear fluid (phlyctenae) on the epidermis. General manifestations such as headaches and fever may also be observed. These symptoms could indicate heat stroke or dehydration. In such cases, the healing process will be longer and will take 1 to 2 weeks with a risk of spots and scars that may be slow to fade.

• Deep second-degree sunburns:

  This is the most severe case. The blisters appear pale due to the destruction of blood vessels. Unlike the other two types of sunburn, here the pain is minimal because the nerve fibers have been burned. Healing will take 1 month with a risk of persistent scarring.

Note : Do not hesitate to consult your dermatologist for optimal care.

• Firstly, it is necessary to cool the burn area in order to alleviate the pain and prevent it from spreading further. If you do not have a fever or chills, take a cool shower or bath for 15 minutes. If the affected area is small, you can apply wet compresses for 15 to 30 minutes.

• Next, apply a moisturizing cream or gel. Our moisturizing gel soothes the skin and deeply hydrates it thanks to the aloe vera gel and bisabolol. Its cooling effect is ideal for calming the skin after sun exposure and thus preventing itching. It also contains anorange blossom flower hydrosol , which is a powerful antioxidant. It will help protect the skin and promote its regeneration.

• Avoid any further prolonged and repeated exposure to the sun's rays during the healing period.

• Apply a sunscreen suitable for your skin type daily, even in the absence of sunlight! Our sunscreens provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Additionally, sunscreens dedicated to the face moisturize and soothe the skin thanks to the aloe vera and hyaluronic acid.

• Wear covering clothing in order to protect the affected area.

• Rehydrate your body. Indeed, drinking water proves to be crucial in the event of a sunburn. Hydration contributes to faster healing. Therefore, it is essential to drink more than usual (at least 2 liters).

• Let the regeneration take its course. After a sunburn, the skin will naturally regenerate. Therefore, avoid popping blisters (risk of infection) or scratching peeling skin to remove it.