How Long Does Sunburn Last? What to Expect Day by Day

Sunburn does not peak and resolve in a single day. The redness, heat, tenderness, and eventual peeling follow a predictable sequence over 3–7 days depending on severity. Knowing what to expect at each stage helps you manage the healing process correctly — and recover your skin faster. This guide gives you a day-by-day sunburn timeline and the most effective recovery strategies for each phase.