What should you know about wrinkles after sunburn?

Sunburn injures the outer skin and can cause heat, redness, tenderness, peeling and dryness. During recovery, fine lines may stand out because the surface is rough or dehydrated; this does not mean a new wrinkle has fully formed overnight. Repeated ultraviolet exposure can gradually damage collagen and elastin, contributing to Sun-Damaged Skin and persistent Wrinkles.

Do not apply strong exfoliants, retinoids or irritating procedures to peeling or tender skin without clinical guidance. The damaged barrier needs time and gentle care.

Cool the skin with a clean damp cloth, use a bland moisturiser, drink fluids and leave peeling skin intact. Avoid further sun until the skin has settled; then use shade, protective clothing and broad-spectrum sunscreen. Delay cosmetic injections, laser treatment and aggressive resurfacing while the area is inflamed. A clinician can advise when treatment for persistent texture is appropriate.

Seek medical care for extensive blistering, severe pain, fever, confusion, faintness, dehydration, eye involvement or signs of infection such as spreading redness and pus. Arrange review for a spot that repeatedly bleeds, crusts or changes after the burn has healed.

Ask when your skin barrier has recovered, which products to pause, how to prevent another burn and whether lingering lines represent dryness, texture change or established photoaging.