Sunburned? A Celeb Esthetician’s Secret to Prevent Peeling

Aug 12, 2026 - 04:09

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Sunburned? A Celeb Esthetician’s Secret to Prevent Peeling

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We all know how important it is to slather on SPF when you’re heading outdoors, especially in the summer. But everyone makes mistakes, and sometimes, those mistakes leave us with a gnarly sunburn.

Your first instinct is likely to douse your hot-to-the-touch skin in aloe vera. And while it feels like instant relief, there’s more you can be doing for your damaged skin.

We asked Dr. Hadley King for the ultimate after-sun routine, including her secret to prevent peeling.

Best for Head-to-Toe Hydration: Lubriderm Daily Moisture Body Lotion
Best Barrier Repair Cream: Prequel Skin Face Moisturizer Peptide Cream
Best Soothing Mist: Bioelements Soothing Reset Mist

How to Keep Your Sunburn From Peeling

The temptation to pick at your skin might be overwhelming, but you can’t succumb, says Dr. King. While you can’t completely prevent peeling, you can minimize discomfort and dryness.

Instead, after a cooling shower, Dr. King advises applying a moisturizer onto slightly damp skin. Because UV exposure can also weaken the skin barrier, cause dehydration, dryness, sensitivity, and inflammation, this step

She says to “Look for gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers and ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, squalane, colloidal oatmeal, and soothing botanical ingredients."

If there’s one thing you should not do, it’s exfoliate. Dr. King calls it the “most important thing” to avoid when treating sunburns.

She says to steer clear of “exfoliating acids, retinoids, scrubs, brushes, and other potentially irritating products until the skin has completely recovered.”

Fruit of the Earth 100% Aloe Vera Gel

With over 13,000 5-star ratings, this 100% aloe vera gel gives hot, sunburned skin instant relief thanks to its soothing and cooling effect.

Bioelements Soothing Reset Mist

"This is a nice first layer after cleansing or cooling the skin," says Dr. King. "It contains aloe vera and chamomile, which are soothing, along with silver ear mushroom, a hydrating ingredient that helps support the skin barrier."

Lubriderm Daily Moisture Body Lotion

To prevent peeling, it's crucial to apply a fragrance-free moisturizer multiple times a day. This one includes esthetician-approved ceramides to aid in strengthening the skin barrier.

Osea Hyaluronic Body Serum

A combination of hyaluronic acid and peptides gives your skin an instant moisture boost while strengthening the skin barrier. It's lightweight and fast-absorbing.

Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment

"A colloidal oatmeal bath can also be very soothing" says Dr. King. Aveeno is a classic choice for anyone experiencing skin irritation, from sunburns to eczema. It has 23,300+ 5-star ratings.

Prequel Skin Face Moisturizer Peptide Cream

Packed with peptides, glycerin, and ceramides, this rich moisturizer helps prevent transepidermal water loss to keep skin hydrated.

Bioelements Really Rich Moisture

"For very dry, flaky skin, Bioelements Really Rich Moisture is another option," recommends Dr. King. "It's formulated with emollient oils including olive, safflower, jojoba, and avocado oils plus shea butter."

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Ideal for sensitive skin, you can use this barrier-repair cream on your face and body. It's formulated with colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, and squalane.

Jergens Soothing Aloe Body Lotion

Infused with soothing aloe vera and cucumber extract, this body lotion relives dry, tight, and flaky skin by delivering long-lasting moisture.

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