How Long Does a Sunburn Last?
A sunburn almost always looks worse the next morning — then sticks around longer than you'd like. Here's how long it really lasts by severity, and how to move it along.
⚡ Quick answer
A mild sunburn lasts 3–5 days. A moderate one takes about a week, often with peeling. A severe, blistering burn can last 1–2 weeks. Redness usually peaks 12–24 hours after exposure.
The sunburn timeline by severity
| Severity | What it looks like | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | Pink, warm, mild tenderness | 3–5 days |
| Moderate | Red, sore, then peeling | ~1 week |
| Severe | Deep red, swelling, blisters | 1–2 weeks |
Why it peaks the next day
Sunburn is delayed inflammation. The UV damage happens while you're in the sun, but the redness and pain build over the next 12–24 hours as your body responds — which is why you can feel "fine" leaving the beach and wake up lobster-red. By then the damage is done, so prevention beats treatment every time.
💡
Peeling usually starts a few days in and means your skin is shedding the damaged top layer. Keep moisturizing and don't pick — and remember, a burn that peels takes your tan with it.
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How to speed it up
Cool the skin, hydrate, apply aloe, take an anti-inflammatory, and moisturize as it heals. Full steps in how to get rid of sunburn fast. And see a doctor for severe blistering, fever, or chills.
The bottom line
Plan on 3–5 days for a mild burn and up to two weeks for a bad one. It always peaks before it fades — so the real win is timing your sun so it never starts.
Know your burn limit before you go out
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