Sunburn Shower Guide: Tips for a Pain-Free Cleanse

4 days ago

You just returned from a sun-soaked adventure - sans proper sun protection - and your skin’s now an angry shade of crimson. Between the heat, sweat, and lingering sunscreen residue, you’re desperate for a rinse.

But when every drop feels like a needle, how do you wash away the stickiness without making things worse? Dive into this simple sunburn shower guide to cleanse safely, soothe discomfort, and get back to feeling like yourself.

Tip 1: Don’t Turn Your Shower into a Lava Pit

We know you live for those long, steamy showers that could double as a tropical rainforest. But right now, your skin is more like a blistering desert, so dialing down the heat is non-negotiable.

Aim for lukewarm around 90°F (32°C) - think pleasantly warm, not “boiling ramen” or “molten lava spa.” Blast your burn with hot water and you’ll end up itchier than a cat in a wool sweater, with redness that sticks around longer than an unwanted houseguest.

Ice-cold water might feel dramatic and Instagram-worthy, but unless you’re auditioning for a Polar Plunge challenge, stick to the Goldilocks zone: that sweet spot of about 90°F, soothing without shocking. Your scorched self will thank you - and so will your sanity.

Tip 2: Soap, Yes, But Drop the Loofah

Repeat after us: Drop the loofah. Back away from the scrub glove. No exfoliating mitts, no gritty scrubs, no rubbing your skin like you’re trying to win a genie wish.

Your skin barrier is already begging for mercy. Instead:

Use your hands to lather up.
Pat, don’t rub.
Choose natural soaps and steer clear of heavily scented body washes or anything that sounds like it's packed with a chemistry set.

What we recommend: Tub Therapy’s Soaperstar in Activated Charcoal swoops in with its cape and CBD goodness. It’s gentle, hydrating, and loaded with ingredients your burn will actually like.

Let’s break it down:

Activated Charcoal

Charcoal might sound gritty, but it’s actually a softie. It's known for its ability to draw out impurities - perfect for skin that’s been sweating, sun-screening, and swimming all day long.

And Then There’s CBD...

Dermatologists like Dr. Jeanette Jacknin (a go-to expert in all things cannabinoid skin care) have praised CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, especially for irritated, sensitive, or sun-damaged skin.

In short? CBD helps cool things down - like aloe, but cooler. It’s like sending in the chillest friend to talk your skin off the ledge.

Tip 3: How to Lather Without Aggravating Your Sunburn? Master the “Pat-Pat-Pat” Suds Technique

When it’s time to soap up, ditch the vicious scrubbing and flip the script on your usual routine. Use your hands to gently pat cleansing foam - rubbing will only exacerbate inflammation.

Here’s the pro method:

Rub the soap between your palms to build a light, fluffy lather.
Press and pat that foam onto your skin - no rubbing, no circular scrubs. Simply lay the lather down and give it a gentle “pat-pat-pat.”
Let it chill for 5–10 seconds so the suds can work their magic, cleaning, calming, soothing, and drawing out impurities.

Tip 4: Soap in Peace - Then Rinse on Your Terms

Running water on a sunburn feels like tiny needles. Here’s a trick: switch off the shower while you soap up, then turn it back on to a gentle flow - or scoop lukewarm water by hand - to rinse off the suds without surprise stings.

Option A: Turn the shower back on gently and rinse with a very soft stream at lukewarm temperature.
Option B: Skip the shower head altogether - fill a bucket or your tub halfway with lukewarm water and use cupped hands to scoop and pour water over your body.

Either way, you control the flow and avoid any rogue drips that make you wince. It’s a small step that makes a big comfort difference when your skin’s on high alert.

Tip 5: Keep It Short - 5 to 10 Minutes Max

Even the gentlest, lukewarm shower can start to dry out and irritate sunburned skin if you linger too long. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends limiting showers to about 5–10 minutes to help preserve your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Shorter showers reduce transepidermal water loss, keeping sunburned skin from becoming even drier and more inflamed. So set a timer, enjoy your gentle rinse, then step out and get to that moisturizer ASAP. Your skin will thank you for the quick but soothing refresh.

Bonus Tip: Moisturize Like It’s a Religion

Once you step out of the shower, your scorched skin is crying out for relief - ditch those fragrance-heavy, lab-rat concoctions and summon your dream team: aloe vera and a CBD moisturizing lotion.

You’ll get the best results by layering aloe vera gel first, then following up with a CBD lotion.

Apply pure Aloe Vera gel first. Aloe vera gel is water-based and absorbs quickly, delivering instant cooling and anti-inflammatory benefits right into the skin.
You’ll want to let the aloe vera gel settle before locking it in with lotion - about 2–3 minutes should do it. You’re looking for the gel to feel just slightly tacky (not wet) on your skin. Once it’s no longer glistening, gently follow with the CBD lotion to seal in that soothing hydration. The lotion locks that moisture in, forming a protective barrier to keep your skin hydrated longer.

So gel → lotion → feel the relief!

Tub Therapy After Shower Power CBD and Organic Shea Butter Handmade Body Lotion in Oatmeal Milk & Honey

What we recommend: Tub Therapy’s After Shower Power CBD Lotion in Oatmeal Milk & Honey - it’s lightweight, fast-absorbing, and packed with full-spectrum CBD to help calm inflammation and seal in moisture.

How Do You Apply Lotion to Sunburnt Areas?

Pat dry gently: Blot away excess water with a soft towel - avoid rubbing.
Dispense a small amount: You only need a thin film of lotion to cover each sunburnt patch.
Warm between your palms: Rub the lotion between your hands so it glides on smoothly.
Press and glide: Lightly press the lotion onto your skin, then glide your hands in gentle, downward strokes - no rubbing or circular scrubs.
Cover evenly: Ensure all red areas (shoulders, chest, back, etc.) are coated with a thin, uniform layer.
Let it absorb: Wait a minute before dressing so the lotion can sink in and won’t rub off.

How Often Should You Shower with Sunburn?

You don’t need to go full monk mode, but also don’t be a frequent flyer. Once a day is plenty. If you're feeling extra hot or sweaty, a quick rinse-off can help. Just don't turn showering into a hobby until your skin has calmed down. Too many washes = too much moisture loss = more peeling = sadness.

Our verdict?

Sunburns happen in the summer, but so do sticky sweat and pesky grime. The good news? You can shower. Arm yourself with a natural wash, go soft with a “pat-pat” lather, and stick to a 90°F rinse - freshness without the tears guaranteed.

Next time, treat SPF like your BFF (reapply every two hours) and sip water like it’s your personal lifeline.

And hey, don’t forget this after-shower hack: soothe sun-kissed skin with pure aloe vera and follow up with Tub Therapy’s The After Series CBD Lotions, then keep that water bottle within arm’s reach - hydrate, then hydrate some more.

Here’s to a fun, sun-safe summer!