How Long Does a Sunburn Last? A Day-by-Day Healing Timeline

The quick answer

Most sunburns last 3 to 7 days. A mild burn usually clears in 3–5 days, a moderate burn in about 7 days, and a severe, blistering burn can take up to 2 weeks to fully heal. The redness doesn’t appear all at once — it peaks 12–24 hours after you leave the sun, then settles over the following days, often with peeling around day 3–5.

Why a sunburn keeps getting worse after you go inside

Sunburn is an inflammatory reaction to UV damage in the skin, and that reaction takes time to build. You can come indoors looking only slightly pink, then wake up the next morning much redder and sorer. That’s normal — the burn is still developing. It’s also why you can’t judge how much sun you’ve had by how your skin looks in the moment. The damage is set by your UV exposure, so the most useful step is preventing the next burn: check the live UV index and your personal limit in the tanning time calculator before you head back outside.

Day-by-day sunburn healing timeline

Everyone heals at a slightly different pace depending on burn severity, skin type and care. This is a typical timeline for a mild-to-moderate burn.

Hours 2–6: it starts to show

Skin begins to look pink and feel warm and tight. This is the early stage — and if you spot it while still outside, get out of the sun immediately, because it will keep intensifying.

Hours 12–24: the peak

Redness, heat and tenderness reach their worst. The skin may feel hot to the touch and sting when touched or showered. Pain relief and cooling matter most here.

Days 1–3: the worst eases

The fiery feeling starts to calm and the redness slowly fades from bright to dull. Mild burns are often comfortable again by the end of this window. Itching may begin as the skin dries out.

Days 3–5: peeling begins

This is when most people see flaking and peeling as the body sheds the damaged outer layer. It can be itchy. Resist picking — let the skin come off naturally and keep it moisturised.

Days 5–7 (and up to ~14 for severe burns)

For mild and moderate burns, colour and texture return close to normal. Blistering or severe burns continue healing into the second week, and the new skin underneath stays more sun-sensitive for a while, so keep it covered.

How long each severity lasts

• Mild (first-degree): pink, warm, no blisters — about 3–5 days.
• Moderate: deeper red, sore, some swelling, light peeling — about 7 days.
• Severe (second-degree): blisters, significant pain or swelling — up to 2 weeks, and worth a doctor’s assessment.

What helps you heal more comfortably

You can’t undo UV damage or make the burn vanish overnight, but good aftercare keeps you comfortable and prevents complications. For the full routine, see our guide on how to treat a sunburn.

• Cool it down. Cool (not ice-cold) showers, baths or damp compresses ease heat and pain.
• Moisturise often. Aloe vera or a fragrance-free, gentle moisturiser soothes and limits peeling. Apply while skin is still slightly damp.
• Hydrate. A burn draws fluid to the skin’s surface, so drink extra water for the first few days.
• Ease the inflammation. An over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen can help with pain and swelling if it’s suitable for you.
• Leave blisters alone. Don’t pop them — the skin on top protects against infection. If one breaks on its own, clean it gently and cover it loosely.
• Stay out of the sun. Keep the burn fully covered until it heals; re-exposing burned skin slows recovery and adds damage.
• Skip harsh products. Avoid petroleum jelly on a fresh burn, “-caine” numbing sprays, and exfoliating or alcohol-based products while healing.

When it’s not healing — see a doctor

Most sunburns heal on their own. Get medical advice if you notice any of the following:

• The burn covers a large area or is severely blistered.
• Signs of heat illness or “sun poisoning”: fever, chills, headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion, or a rapid pulse.
• Signs of infection: spreading redness, increasing swelling, warmth, pus, or red streaks from a blister.
• The burn isn’t improving after about 2 weeks, or pain is getting worse rather than better.

If symptoms are severe — extensive blistering, fainting, or confusion — treat it as urgent and seek care promptly.

Stop the next one before it starts

The only burn that never needs healing is the one you don’t get. Find your skin type, watch the UV index, and use the tanning time calculator to stay inside your safe limit. The SPF calculator helps you plan how much protection and how often to reapply, and our guides on choosing the right SPF and tanning safely without burning cover the rest.