Should You Put Ice on a Sunburn?

Act Fast to Cool It Down
Continue to cool the burn with cold compresses. You can use ice to make ice water for a cold compress, but don't apply ice directly to the sunburn.

Why is ice bad for sunburn?

A: No, you should not use ice, or even ice-cold water, on a burn. Extreme cold applied to a burn can further damage the tissue. To properly cool and clean a burn, remove any clothing that covers it. If clothing adheres to the burn, don't peel it away.

Does ice worsen sunburn?

You should also avoid directly applying ice. Although it may look appealing when your skin is burning, it could actually cause even more damage to your extra-sensitive sunburned skin. You can also try hopping in the bath to help cool and soothe your skin.

Elena Rostova

Elena Rostova

Lead Health, Wellness & Medical Journalist

Elena Rostova holds a Master's degree in Public Health Journalism. She covers groundbreaking medical research, holistic wellness trends, mental health awareness, and nutritional science.