Can You Put Sunscreen on a Sunburn?

If you’re already burned and wondering, can you put sunscreen on a sunburn?—you’re definitely not the first. Sunburns happen, even when we try our best to avoid them, and once your skin is red and tender, the last thing you want to do is make it worse. Applying sunscreen can help prevent further damage to sunburned skin. The truth is yes, you can put sunscreen on a sunburn, but it’s important to choose the right kind and apply it the right way to protect your healing skin from further sun exposure and avoid further damage from additional sun exposure. Using sunscreen is crucial for protecting sunburned skin from further damage. 

What Is a Sunburn? 

A sunburn is basically your skin’s SOS after too much UV exposure. When the sun damages skin cells, your body responds with inflammation—that’s the redness, pain, and heat you feel. A first degree sunburn affects only the outer layer of the skin, causing redness and mild pain. 

Depending on how long you were exposed, burns can range from mild pinkness to more severe redness. A second degree sunburn can cause deeper skin damage, where blisters form and the skin may become blistered. 

Pain from sunburn occurs because the damage can reach nerve endings, and in some cases, this leads to severe pain. First degree sunburns are mild, while second degree sunburns are more severe and may require special care. 

Should You Put Sunscreen on a Sunburn? 

Yes, you should put sunscreen on a sunburn. Once your skin is burned, it’s extra vulnerable to more UV damage. Going back out into the sun without SPF only makes things worse. That said, not all sunscreens are created equal when it comes to soothing a burn. It’s important to choose a broad spectrum sunscreen that offers UV protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for gentle, fragrance-free, mineral-based sunscreens with ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and select sunscreens with an appropriate sun protection factor (SPF) and broad spectrum coverage. These sit on top of your skin and reflect UV rays, protecting against the sun's UV rays, including UVB rays, instead of being absorbed, which makes them less likely to sting. When you apply carefully, make sure to use enough sunscreen and to reapply sunscreen as directed, especially if spending time outdoors. 

Benefits of Applying Sunscreen to a Sunburn 

Prevents Additional Sun Damage 

Burned skin is already injured and more sensitive. Sunscreen provides a protective barrier to prevent more harm while your skin works to heal. 

Helps Prevent Scarring 

By shielding your skin from further UV exposure, sunscreen helps reduce the risk of long-term discoloration or scarring that can happen with repeated sunburns. 

Soothes Skin 

Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide aren’t just protective, but they can also feel cooling and calming on inflamed skin, offering some much-needed relief. 

Aids in Skin Cancer Prevention 

Every sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer later on. Using sunscreen consistently, even after a burn, helps lower that risk over time by blocking future UV damage. 

How Sunscreen Works on Sunburned Skin 

When you apply sunscreen to healthy skin, it either absorbs or reflects UV radiation before it penetrates deeper layers. On sunburned skin, mineral sunscreens form a gentle shield that sits on the skin's surface to provide UV protection, which is especially helpful since your skin barrier is already compromised. These sunscreens reflect UV radiation, helping protect against the sun's ultraviolet rays. The key is to apply carefully, avoid rubbing too hard, and reapply as directed if you’re outside. 

Alternatives to Sunscreen for Sunburned Skin 

If your sunburn is too painful to tolerate any product at all, there are other ways to protect it until you heal. Using sun protective clothing, such as long sleeved shirts and wide brimmed hats, can help shield your skin from direct sunlight during time outdoors. 

UV-Protective Clothing 

Cover the area with lightweight, breathable fabrics designed with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor). A wide-brim hat, rash guard, or long-sleeve top can save you from further exposure. 

Environmental Protection 

Seek shade, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest. Even an umbrella or beach tent gives your skin a break while it recovers.