When the sun gets the upper hand, start with the basics and then layer in smart extras. Cool the skin first: take a short cool shower or apply damp, cool compresses. While skin is still slightly wet, seal in hydration with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or gel that contains aloe vera or soy to calm burning and tightness. Hydrate well, consider an OTC anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen for discomfort, and stay out of the sun until heat and redness subside. These fundamentals come straight from board-certified dermatologists.
Why aloe helps: The evidence isn’t perfect, but clinical reviews and trials suggest aloe vera can modestly shorten healing time and reduce pain in first- and second-degree burns. Aloe’s polysaccharides act as humectants, while compounds such as aloin and aloesin demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity—useful during the post-UV redness and swelling phase. Choose a high-aloe gel with minimal additives and apply liberally two to three times daily on intact (non-broken) skin.
Where CBD may fit: cannabidiol (CBD) engages the skin’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate inflammatory signaling, itch, and pain. Recent dermatology reviews report early—but encouraging—findings that topical CBD can reduce pruritus and inflammation and may aid barrier recovery in select dermatoses and wound-healing models. That promise explains why many people add CBD creams to their after-sun routine. Still, remember CBD products are not FDA-approved to treat sunburn, and product quality and labeling vary widely across the market.
Know the guardrails: the FDA notes there are no approved over-the-counter CBD drugs and warns against unproven therapeutic claims; the CDC likewise reminds consumers that marketed CBD uses may not be FDA-approved and that side effects and drug interactions are possible. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, have liver disease, or take prescription medications, talk with a clinician before using CBD, even topically.
Blend strategy: after your initial cool-down, smooth on an aloe-forward gel. Once absorbed, layer a simple CBD cream or balm over intact skin to support comfort. Look for third-party certificates of analysis (COAs), minimal fragrance, and supportive barrier ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, or colloidal oatmeal. Reapply two to three times daily as needed. Skip products with benzocaine or lidocaine—dermatology and medical guidance warn these “-caine” anesthetics can irritate sunburned skin and, rarely, trigger serious reactions.
Safety notes: topical CBD is generally well tolerated but can still cause irritation; patch-test a pea-sized amount on the inner forearm for 24 hours before wider use. Keep both CBD and aloe off open blisters or broken skin, and never pop blisters. Short courses of 1% hydrocortisone on intact “hot spots” may help inflammation; major public-health guidance also supports cool soaks, oral NSAIDs as needed, extra fluids, and strict sun avoidance during healing. Seek medical care for fever, extensive blistering, severe pain, or signs of infection.
Bottom line: cool it, moisturize with aloe, add a clean CBD cream for comfort, protect the barrier, and keep UV off your skin while it recovers. A thoughtful, gentle routine is your best after-sun medicine.