Does moisturiser help heal sunburn?

Despite our best efforts to cover ourselves in sunscreen, find refuge in the shade, and don all manner of layers and hats, seeking reprieve from the unrelenting Aussie sun, sometimes we still get sunburnt. 

Although you could turn to dramatics and curse the burning ball of fire in the sky with a Shakespearian flair, we'd suggest trying to soothe your burn as soon as possible with the right products. 

Naturally, as Australians, we all have a bottle of aloe or menthol-infused after sun products stashed away in our medicine cabinets for such occasions. But what if you don't have an after sun gel or an aloe plant to dissect to soothe your sunburn? 

Can you turn to other skin care products in your possession? Like a moisturiser, perhaps? 

The curious creatures we are, BEAUTYcrew decided to explore the realm of after sun care with the help of a professional skin expert and Cosmetic Doctor, Dr Yalda Jamali. 

Can moisturiser heal sunburn?

To put it simply, yes, moisturisers can help with sunburn, says Dr Yalda.

"They can support the healing process," she tells BEAUTYcrew.

"Sunburnt skin can be very dry and dehydrated, and moisturisers can help replenish the lost moisture and prevent further excessive water loss," she explains.

However, it is important to note that as over the counter moisturisers are not a magical cure all, nor do they have any therapeutic properties, and they can't 'numb' or 'kill' the pain typically associated with sunburn. If you are experiencing severe symptoms such as blistering, fatigue, nausea and extreme pain and discomfort then you should seek medical assistance immediately. 

Does moisturiser help sunburn peeling?

Yes, it can! Hydrating the skin can help to support the skin through the peeling process, minimising any appearance of flaking and speeding up the shedding of old skin. Just remember to be gentle when you are applying moisturiser to any peeling skin to prevent it from ripping or pulling away from the new skin, which can cause damage, dark marks and uneven skin tone.

What ingredients in moisturiser help with sunburn?

"It is important to note that moisturisers can vary," says Dr Yalda.

"The formulation may have added ingredients such as aloe vera, zinc and menthol which can also help to soothe and reduce inflammation," she explains.

"Moisturisers that include occlusives such as petroleum jelly, silicone and lanolin can also create an occlusive protective barrier that promotes healing by maintaining a moist environment," the skin expert tells BEAUTYcrew.

As for ingredients to avoid? We'd recommend steering clear of alcohol and fragrance where possible as they can tend to irritate fragile skin.

2024's top 3 best moisturisers for soothing sunburn

1/ Bioderma Cicabio Crème 
from $10.15 at Amazon Australia

This soothing cream forms a breathable film over the skin to improve comfort and protection, plus, it's infused with Antalgicine™ technology, which helps to regulate skin's reactivity, and minimise itchiness and discomfort.

Key features:

Contains antibacterial agents (copper-zinc)
Antalgicine™ technology relieves discomfort and itchiness
Moisturising active ingredients create a breathable film to protect and comfort skin
Proven to soothe skin by 95 per cent
Suitable for all skin types and all ages

Available at:

• $10.15 from Amazon Australia
• $13.39 from Chemist Warehouse
• $14.39 from Look Fantastic

2/ CeraVe Healing Ointment
from $22.05 at Amazon Australia

Non-greasy and lanolin-free this ointment is formulated with petrolatum, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to help soothe very dry and dehydrated skin. It also offers temporary relief to chafed, chapped, or cracked skin.

Key features:

Formulated without lanolin, dyes, preservatives, and fragrance
Contains petrolatum, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides
Non-greasy
Soothes dry and dehydrated skin
Temporary relief for chafed, chapped, or cracked skin

Available at:

• $22.05 from Amazon Australia

3/ Ego QV Ceramides Cream
from $20.99 at Chemist Warehouse

A richly restorative cream, this ceramide-enriched formula helps to support the skin's protective barrier, leaving the skin hydrated and radiant.

Key features:

Enriched with ceramides
Rich and restorative texture
Supports the skin barrier
Enhances hydration and radiance
Suitable for all skin types

Available at:

• $20.99 from Chemist Warehouse
• $23.99 from Priceline
• $26 from Woolworths

Main image credit: @lirisaw

You may not have eczema, but sunburned skin can still benefit from a gentle body wash that's technically for eczema-prone skin.