Right, so you either forgot to put on sunscreen, or you put too little and fell asleep soaking the sun. Next thing you know, you wake up to sunburns all over your body. Whether mild or severe, sunburns can be painful and red, and even result in skin peeling in a few days.

In this article, I will help you figure out how to get rid of peeling skin from sunburn overnight. But first, let's understand why skin peeling happens in the first place. 

Table of Contents

• Why Is My Skin Peeling?
• Is it Bad If I Peel My Sunburnt Skin?
• How Can I Get Rid of Peeling Skin Fast?
• Try Home Remedies
• Hydration Is Key 
• Otc Pain Relievers & Anti-Inflammatory Creams
• Shower 
• Moisturizers to the Rescue
• Gentle Exfoliation
• Summing it Up

Why Is My Skin Peeling?

Peeling skin is a sign of damage to the outermost layer of your skin called the epidermis. When you are out in the sun for too long, your skin is exposed to harsh UVB rays from the sun. These rays can cause a lot of damage. To prevent that, your body activates its natural defenses. In the process, the epidermis gets damaged, and the dead cells slough off, resulting in peeling skin. 

However, there can also be other reasons for peeling skin, such as a disorder of the immune system. 

Is it Bad If I Peel My Sunburnt Skin?

Yes, it is definitely a bad idea. It may sometimes be tempting to fully peel the already peeling skin. But it can be extremely damaging, and your skin will take longer to heal. Plus, you are setting yourself up for developing infections and scarring. 

Depending on the intensity of sunburns, skin peeling is going to last a few days. There are several things you can do to help your skin heal faster, but intentional skin peeling is not one of them. 

How Can I Get Rid of Peeling Skin Fast?

First things first, you should always ensure to wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or above, regardless of where you are or what the weather is like. As they say, prevention is better than cure. 

Some of the best treatment methods for peeling skin are mentioned below. 

Try Home Remedies

You can massage aloe vera gel, slice cucumbers and put them on the affected areas, use recently brewed green tea bags on the sunburns, or apply generous amounts of yogurt to calm the irritation and inflammation once your skin is peeling. Using these remedies can help in accelerating the body’s natural healing process. 

You can also use a cold compress to further calm the inflammation. 

Hydration Is Key 

Sunburns can drain the water out of your skin, which is why you need to drink a lot of water to replenish and rehydrate your body. This step in the healing process will help your cells to regenerate faster. Drink about 8 to 10 glasses of water every day. 

Otc Pain Relievers & Anti-Inflammatory Creams

It is no surprise that sunburns can be very painful. To relieve the pain, you can take an OTC ibuprofen. Also, there are plenty of creams that can soothe the inflammation and help your skin heal faster. Look for ingredients like aloe vera gel or cortisone in the cream. Avoid using an oil-based cream as it can trap the heat within your skin and make it worse. 

Shower 

Once your skin has healed and starts to peel, the best way to get rid of the dead skin cells is to shower as often as possible. However, ensure that the shower products you use are not full of harsh chemicals – free, gentle and nourishing.

WOW Melon Cucumber & Aloe Foaming Body Wash

WOW Melon Cucumber & Aloe Foaming Body Wash is a cooling and hydrating body wash that will help restore your skin's natural suppleness. It is ideal for peeling skin because it is gentle, but intensely hydrating, which is exactly what you need. Plus, its fruity fragrance is an added benefit. 

Put a generous amount of this body wash on your loofah and use it to gently massage your skin. 

Moisturizers to the Rescue

Need I say more? You need to find yourself a good moisturizer with intense nourishing properties. It will calm the irritation and stop the itchiness that comes with peeling skin. However, you may need to reapply the moisturizer a few times during the day, or when it starts to feel dry. Also, ensure that you moisturize immediately after a shower when your skin is still damp, for better product absorption.

WOW Shea & Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Lotion 

WOW Shea & Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Lotion provides deep hydration, just what you need when you’re recovering from sunburns. It is packed with vitamins & nutrients that will help repair your peeling skin, boost collagen production, and soothe inflammation on regular usage. Plus, it has a fast-absorbing formula so you don't have to worry about massaging it on your skin for too long. 

Take a dollop of this moisturizer and massage gently onto all the affected areas. 

Gentle Exfoliation

Not immediately after the sunburns, but after a few days, when your skin is starting to heal, gently exfoliating is a good idea. Opt for a gentle scrub for your face and body. Also, instead of using your hands, choose a soft microfiber cloth to exfoliate your skin. Avoid rubbing your skin at all costs. Here is my recommendation: 

WOW Ubtan Face & Body Scrub

This truly WOW Ubtan Face & Body Scrub not only protects the skin from the harsh environmental elements, but also helps the skin in the repair process. It is a unique combination of almond, walnut powder, chickpea flour, turmeric, and other vitamin and antioxidant botanicals that support the skin in getting back its natural glow and suppleness. 

Also, it is suitable for all skin types, including for sensitive skin.  

Gently massage the product on your body in circular motions. Do it for a few minutes to get rid of dead skin cells and rinse thoroughly with water. Moisturize your skin immediately. 

Summing it Up

Sunburns and peeling skin can be unpleasant. Fortunately, there are many options you can try at home to help your skin heal faster. Having said that, always ensure that you protect your skin and wear sunscreen, to prevent having to deal with these issues in the first place.