Health & Healing
How long does sunburn last?
Estimated wait
~7 days
Based on published sources
Timeline guide
- Faster cases~6 days
- Average cases~7 days
- Slower casesUp to 14 days
Blistering signals a more severe burn that heals more slowly and should be assessed if extensive. Healed surface skin does not undo the underlying UV damage.
Mild sunburn — redness and tenderness — generally heals within about a week, with peeling starting a few days in as the skin recovers (NHS: "usually gets better within 7 days"). Sunburn severe enough to blister takes longer, commonly one to two weeks.
More details
Peeling is part of normal healing, not a fresh injury or infection.
Sources
Last updated: 4 Jul 2026
Information is for general knowledge only.