Although we all apply (and reapply) sunscreen with diligence, sunburn can still happen. And when you’re left with itchy, red, and peeling skin, you want to get rid of it fast. We know that aloe sprays and a cold showers can help soothe your skin, but can some products make it worse? In the days after a sunburn, you’ll want to tweak your beauty routine so your skin can heal.
Unsurprisingly, your skin is especially sensitive after a sunburn. You should put your normal skincare regimen on pause until the burn is healed, says Sonya Kenkare, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist based in Chicago.
“I would proceed carefully and test a small area first with a new or familiar product to see how your skin tolerates it before putting on your routine products everywhere,” says Dr. Kenkare.
Products containing alcohol will sting, which is one of the main ingredients in chemical sunscreens, explained Dr. Kenkare. Physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are best tolerated after a burn. Products with fragrance can also be irritating, even if you usually tolerate them, she says.
You should also avoid scrubs, and harsh acids like citric acid, glycolic acid or retinoic acid, says Rebecca Baxt, MD, MBA, FAAD, a New Jersey-based dermatologist. When you use a product that’s irritating, or something you’re allergic to, not only will it hurt, but it can also delay healing, adds Dr. Kenkare.
It could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for your sunburn to heal, says Dr. Baxt, depending on the severity of your sunburn. The best treatment is mild moisturizers, ice, cold compresses, and products like hydrocortisone cream and aloe vera gel. If it blisters, she suggests a topical antibiotic creams.
But the biggest thing Dr. Baxt says to avoid? More sun exposure.
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I recently attended QVC's Master Beauty Class, and one thing immediately caught my attention: Nearly every skincare brand was spotlighting a cleansing balm. From luxe, spa-like formulas to minimalist, skin-first options, these oil-based cleansers are clearly having a moment. As someone who’s tested my fair share of face washes (gel, foam, cream, et al), I wanted to understand why cleansing balms, in particular, are surging in popularity right now.
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Naturally, I turned to board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, FAAD, for the scoop. According to Dr. King, cleansing balms aren’t just a trendy alternative to your standard face wash—they’re an effective, skin-loving way to cleanse, especially for those dealing with skin concerns (read: me, especially this winter).
While some traditional cleansers contain ingredients that can strip the skin, cleansing balms take a gentler approach, dissolving makeup and impurities, she says. Rooted in the principle of "like dissolves like," their oil-based formulas bind to excess sebum, sunscreen, and long-wear makeup, melting everything away without compromising hydration.
Opening a cleansing balm jar for the first time can feel a little intimidating—I know I was confused by the solid texture at first, but they’re surprisingly easy to use. "Apply a small amount of balm to dry skin," Dr. King says. "Massage gently in circular motions all over the face, then add warm water to emulsify and continue to massage. Rinse with cool water and pat dry."
And while cleansing balms have long been a staple in double-cleansing skincare routines (hello, Korean beauty enthusiasts), they’re now earning their place as standalone cleansers, thanks to innovative formulas that rinse clean without any greasy residue left behind. Whether you have sensitive skin, love a good makeup melt moment, or simply want a more nourishing way to cleanse, there’s a balm with your name on it. If you’re ready to hop on the cleansing balm bandwagon, these three standout picks from QVC belong in your cart ASAP.
If your skin throws a fit every time the weather changes (or, you know, seemingly just to annoy you), this soothing cleansing balm is the one to reach for, according to Dr. King. Packed with antioxidant powerhouses like ginger and turmeric, it can help temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while melting away makeup and excess oil. Plus, it’s spiked with nourishing avocado and jojoba oils to leave skin feeling soft and balanced—not tight or stripped—and smells *amazing*. “I also like that this formulation contains lactic acid and azelaic acid to gently exfoliate the skin,” Dr. King says. Consider this your new skin-soothing security blanket.
For those whose skin has, ahem, seen things (think: stress, over-exfoliation, winter winds), this non-irritating balm is here to save the day. Formulated with Japanese indigo extract, which Dr. King says is known for its calming properties, it works to soothe redness and improve the skin barrier while effortlessly washing away whatever your skin faced that day. Bonus: The silky texture melts in like butter but rinses off clean—no greasy residue left behind, just happy, hydrated skin.
A spa day in a jar (and a travel-friendly mini to match), this fan-favorite balm is beloved for a reason. Infused with a blend of nine essential oils—including lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus—it transforms your nightly cleanse into a full-on aromatherapy experience. ”The formulation contains multiple humectants like glycerin and hydrolyzed collagen to hydrate the skin, as well as emollients like sweet almond oil, triglycerides, shea butter, and jojoba seed oil to [help] support the skin barrier, and occlusives like beeswax and coconut oil to lock in moisture,” Dr. King says. It starts as a rich balm, melts into an oil, then emulsifies into a milky cleanse that lifts away impurities like a dream. Whether you’re at home or on the go, this duo keeps your skin feeling fresh, plump, and oh-so-glowy.
Note: Prices taken at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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