Face peeling from sunburn: what to know

Sunburn inflames the outer skin and injures cells exposed to ultraviolet radiation. As that surface recovers, loose flakes may appear with redness, tenderness, tightness or itching. Peeling can affect the nose, cheeks, forehead, lips or other exposed areas. It does not mean the skin is ready for scrubbing, exfoliating acids or retinoids. Picking can create small breaks that become irritated and may leave darker marks. See more about [Sunburn](/conditions/sunburn/) and [Peeling Skin](/symptoms/skin-peeling/).

Rinse with cool or lukewarm water and use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser if needed. Apply a plain moisturiser or an emollient while the skin is slightly damp; [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) can help support comfort. Leave flakes in place and avoid hot water, scrubs, fragranced products and further sun exposure. Wear a broad-brimmed hat and use suitable sun protection once the skin tolerates it. Do not apply steroid creams to the face without professional advice; [Topical Corticosteroids](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-corticosteroids/) require careful selection for facial skin.

Seek prompt medical advice for extensive blistering, worsening swelling, severe pain, fever, chills, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, eye pain or vision changes. Urgent assessment is also sensible when blisters involve the eyes or lips, or when the area looks infected with spreading redness, pus or increasing warmth. [Skin Blisters](/symptoms/skin-blisters/) and [Skin Redness](/symptoms/skin-redness/) may help you describe what you are seeing.

Ask whether the burn needs examination, which moisturiser suits your skin, when to restart active products, and how to protect the affected areas during healing.