Sunburn Remedies Every Tropical Traveler Needs, According to a Dermatologist

Picture this: You’ve just spent an amazing day exploring ancient ruins, lounging on the best beaches in the world, or wandering through vibrant local markets during your tropical getaway. However, despite your best intentions, you’ve ended up with that telltale red glow that signals you might have enjoyed a bit too much sun. And while a sunburn might seem like an inevitable part of tropical travel, the truth is that, depending on severity, what seems like a slight inconvenience can actually turn into a pretty serious vacation-ruining situation if you’re not careful.

Despite what you might think, sunburns aren’t just about temporary discomfort — they’re actually a form of radiation damage that can have lasting effects on your skin. This is especially true if you’re traveling in tropical destinations, where the combination of stronger UV rays, longer days spent outdoors, and unfamiliar environments can catch even the most skin-conscious travelers off guard. Throw in the challenge of trying to find the right product in a foreign pharmacy where brand names and ingredients might be completely different to what you’re used to, and you have a recipe for a vacation disaster.

Don’t worry, though — there’s still hope! To help travelers better understand how to both prevent and treat sun damage while exploring tropical destinations, Explore spoke with Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist at Kopelman Hair Restoration. With extensive experience treating sun-damaged skin, Dr. Kopelman emphasizes that, beyond prevention, having the right knowledge and products can easily transform a potentially painful experience into a manageable one. “When it comes to treating sunburn, cooling and hydration are key,” she explains, noting that the right approach can significantly speed up recovery time — and get you back outside to enjoy the rest of your trip.

When a sunburn strikes, the way you react (and how quickly you do it) can make a massive difference in both your comfort level and healing time. Dr. Kopelman explains, “I recommend applying a fragrance-free aloe vera gel or lotion to soothe inflammation — just make sure it doesn’t contain alcohol, which can dry out the skin”.

For more stubborn redness and discomfort, Dr. Kopelman suggests that “non-prescription 1% hydrocortisone cream can help reduce redness and discomfort if used sparingly for a few days.” Along with that, she also notes that “oral anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen can also relieve pain and swelling.” This combination approach — which essentially treats both the surface symptoms and internal inflammation — often provides the most comprehensive relief.

However, effective treatment doesn’t stop there. Along with topical applications, the key to successful sunburn treatment also lies in proper aftercare. “Staying well-hydrated and avoiding further sun exposure while your skin heals is critical,” Dr. Kopelman emphasizes. Your damaged skin is particularly vulnerable during the healing process, which means that a second layer of sun damage when you haven’t fully healed from the first can actually be more severe and longer-lasting than the original burn.