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By Mask Marie

Sunburn SOS: A Day-by-Day Plan to Calm, Soothe & Rebuild Overexposed Skin

A gentle recovery ritual featuring aloe, cica, hydration heroes—and the best K-beauty masks to rescue your summer skin.

 

You planned to tan, not toast. But here we are: red, hot, stinging skin that’s crying out for help. Whether your sunburn was a surprise or a result of forgotten SPF, you’re not doomed—and you’re definitely not alone.

At Mask Marie, we believe the secret to recovery lies in going slow and gentle, and using the right ingredients at the right time. That’s why we’ve created a day-by-day sunburn recovery plan, featuring our favorite calming Korean sheet masks.

Why Sheet Masks Are the Best Way to Treat Sunburned Skin

When your skin is burned, irritated, or peeling, less is more. Sheet masks are the perfect solution because:

  • They deliver concentrated ingredients without rubbing or irritation
  • They cool skin instantly, especially when chilled
  • They hydrate and soothe deeply, unlike harsh lotions or creams
  • They encourage stillness and rest, which helps your skin heal faster

Think of each mask as a cooling compress loaded with calming ingredients—customized to where your skin is in the healing process.

Days 1–3: Cool It Down with Aloe Vera

Goal: Soothe inflammation, reduce heat, prevent further irritation
Hero Ingredient: Aloe Vera

Aloe is your go-to for the first 48–72 hours post-burn. It hydrates, cools, and calms with zero stickiness or sting.

Use once or twice daily, chilled in the fridge.

Mask Marie Recommendations:

Days 3–5: Soothe & Repair with Centella Asiatica (Cica)

Goal: Calm redness, strengthen skin barrier, prevent peeling
Hero Ingredient: Centella Asiatica (aka cica)

As the burning fades, cica steps in to repair and soothe. It’s gentle, anti-inflammatory, and safe for sensitive skin.

Mask Marie Recommendations:

Days 4–6: Strengthen with Madecassoside

Goal: Boost healing, reduce inflammation, rebuild skin
Hero Ingredient: Madecassoside

Now that your skin is cooling down, madecassoside helps rebuild what the sun stripped away.

Mask Marie Recommendations:

Days 5–7: Deep Hydration with Hyaluronic Acid

Goal: Replenish moisture, reduce peeling, restore elasticity
Hero Ingredient: Hyaluronic Acid

After sunburn, your skin is dehydrated. Hyaluronic acid helps your skin retain moisture and recover its healthy, plump texture.

Mask Marie Recommendations:

Optional: Use Tea Tree for Breakouts

Goal: Clear up post-sun acne without irritating sensitive skin
Hero Ingredient: Tea Tree Extract

Once your skin is no longer hot or raw, you may notice breakouts. Tea tree helps reduce inflammation and clear pores without being harsh.

Mask Marie Recommendation:
Mediheal Tea Tree Essential Mask


After Recovery: Brighten & Rebuild with Vitamin C

Goal: Fade sunspots, brighten dullness, support collagen
Hero Ingredient: Vitamin C

Once your skin is fully healed (no sting, no flakes), it's safe to bring in vitamin C to address any sun-induced discoloration and dullness.

Mask Marie Recommendations:

What Not to Do:

  • Do not exfoliate, scrub, or use retinoids
  • Avoid hot showers and tight clothing on burned skin
  • Skip makeup while healing
  • Stay out of direct sun until fully recovered

What To Do:

  • Use sheet masks daily (especially aloe and cica in the first stages)
  • Keep skincare products cool, stored in the fridge
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Let your skin rest and repair itself naturally

Explore our full Summer Edit Collection for all your sunburn recovery essentials, carefully curated to calm, hydrate, and restore.

With calm skin and better beach days ahead,
The Mask Marie Team

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