Sunburn happens even when we’re careful. The key to healing quickly is knowing what to avoid. Some common habits may feel soothing in the moment but can actually make your sunburn worse.

Before you reach for the wrong remedy, read this. Here are five things you should never do after a sunburn, plus what to do instead.

“The wrong remedy can turn sunburn into skin stress. Choose calm.”

1. Don’t Apply Petroleum Jelly or Oily Lotions

Oils and occlusive balms trap heat in your skin, slowing the cooling and healing process. Petroleum jelly, while hydrating, can make sunburn feel worse and increase inflammation.

Instead: Use a light, water-based gel like Afterburner with hypochlorous acid. It helps calm inflammation without sealing in heat.

2. Don’t Take Hot Showers or Baths

Hot water can strip your skin of moisture and irritate already-damaged areas. It can also intensify redness and discomfort.

Instead: Take a cool or lukewarm shower. Gently cleanse, pat dry, and apply a calming gel immediately after.

3. Don’t Pop or Peel Blisters

Blisters form to protect your skin as it heals. Popping them can lead to infection, scarring, and more discomfort.

Instead: Let them heal naturally. If a blister opens, gently clean the area and apply Afterburner to reduce bacteria and support skin recovery.

4. Don’t Skip Moisturizing

Some people think moisturizing makes sunburn worse. In truth, dry, sunburned skin needs hydration to repair the barrier and avoid peeling.

Instead: Use a fragrance-free, non-drying moisturizer or a gel spray like Afterburner, which delivers hydration and soothing relief in one step.

5. Don’t Go Back in the Sun Right Away

Some people think moisturizing makes sunburn worse. In truth, dry, sunburned skin needs hydration to repair the barrier and avoid peeling.

Sunburned skin is highly sensitive and prone to deeper damage. Re-exposure can make symptoms worse and slow the healing process.

Instead: Stay in the shade, wear loose clothing, and continue applying Afterburner daily to calm, tone, and support skin repair.

Support Your Skin with Smart Aftercare

Sunburn recovery starts with knowing what not to do. Avoiding these five mistakes can shorten your healing time and reduce long-term damage.

Afterburner by Factor 14 is a clean, clinically balanced HOCl gel spray designed to soothe sun-damaged skin and support natural recovery fast, safe, and non-toxic.