Sunburn is an injury, not a sign that the holiday was successful. Once skin is red and hot, the goal is comfort and protection while it heals.
Cool gently
Move out of direct sun. Use a cool shower or damp cloth, not ice directly on skin. Apply a plain, fragrance-free moisturiser if comfortable and drink water. Avoid picking peeling skin or breaking blisters.
Skip scrubs, acids, retinoids, waxing and strongly fragranced products until skin has recovered. A facial or massage should never be performed over active, painful sunburn.
Know when to get help
Seek medical advice for extensive blistering, severe pain, fever, confusion, dizziness, dehydration, signs of infection or burns affecting a baby or medically vulnerable person. If you are uncertain, contact a qualified healthcare professional.
Plan the next outdoor day
Use broad-spectrum water-resistant SPF 30 or higher, apply enough, and reapply approximately every two hours and after swimming or heavy sweating. Add shade, a hat, sunglasses and clothing. No sunscreen blocks every ray.
Once skin is calm, a gentle customised facial can focus on hydration and comfort, but it cannot reverse ultraviolet damage. Prevention remains the useful part.
Further reading: American Academy of Dermatology sunburn care.