Does a Hot Tub Help with Sunburn? What You Need to Know

After a long, sunny day outdoors, slipping into a hot tub might sound like the perfect way to unwind. But if you’re dealing with a painful sunburn, is it safe—or can it actually make things worse?

While hot tubs are great for relaxation, they may not be the best option for sunburned skin. The combination of heat and water can increase discomfort, worsen symptoms, and delay healing.

So, does a hot tub help sunburn, or should you treat it differently? This guide explains what to avoid, how to treat sunburn pain, and what really helps your skin recover.

What Happens to Your Skin When You Get a Sunburn

Sunburn is more than just a surface issue, it’s a sign that your skin has been damaged by too much ultraviolet (UV) exposure. When UV rays penetrate the skin’s surface, they injure the cells and trigger an inflammatory response. That’s why sunburned skin becomes red, warm, and painful to the touch.

The body reacts by increasing blood flow to the affected skin, raising your body temperature and causing swelling or heat. Over time, the damaged skin begins to peel as it heals.

Common Signs of Sunburned Skin:

• Redness and warmth
• Peeling or flaking
• Swelling and tightness
• Sensitivity to touch
• Affected skin feeling hot or itchy

This reaction shows that your body is working hard to repair the burned skin, but it’s also a sign that your skin is vulnerable and needs gentle care.

Can a Hot Tub Help a Sunburn? The Truth Behind the Myth

It’s a common question: Does a hot tub help sunburn? The short answer is no. Soaking in hot water may feel soothing in other situations, but it’s usually a bad idea for sunburned areas.

Heat from a hot tub causes blood vessels to dilate, which can exacerbate inflammation and worsen pain. Rather than promote healing, the heat may increase skin irritation and delay recovery.

Some people believe that soaking in warm water "draws out" the burn, but this is a myth that often leads to more harm than good.

Why Hot Water Might Do More Harm Than Good

Hot water may feel comforting, but when it comes to sunburned or damaged skin, it can actually make things worse. Heat causes blood vessels in the affected skin to expand, which increases inflammation, swelling, and overall discomfort.

Hot showers and warm water strip away moisture and natural oils, making skin irritation more likely. This can slow the healing process and intensify the pain. Even rubbing the skin with a towel afterward can cause additional harm.

Risks of Using Hot Water on Sunburned Skin:

• Dilates blood vessels, worsening redness and swelling
• Increases skin irritation and burning sensations
• Causes dryness that slows healing
• Makes the affected skin more vulnerable to infection

To avoid further damage, opt for cool or lukewarm water and avoid scrubbing or rubbing the skin. Let healing happen gently.

Soothing Alternatives That Actually Work

Instead of using heat, choose remedies that cool, soothe, and reduce inflammation. Dermatologists recommend gentle, natural treatments that help your skin heal without causing further damage.

The goal is to calm the burn, restore moisture, and support the body’s anti-inflammatory response. These home remedies can offer real pain relief and promote healing when used correctly.

Proven Sunburn Relief Options:

• Aloe vera or aloe gels – Hydrates skin and delivers anti-inflammatory effects
• Cool compresses – Instantly soothe hot, red areas
• Cold water or cool showers – Help lower skin temperature and reduce pain
• Baking soda soak – May relieve itching and irritation
• Milk compresses – Coat the skin with proteins that ease discomfort
• Black tea or tea bags – Contain tannins that may reduce inflammation
• Ibuprofen – Taken orally, helps ease internal swelling and pain

Notice how your skin responds to these remedies. If redness or pain worsens, stop and consult a healthcare provider. Keep skin hydrated and avoid re-exposure to sun during recovery.

Already Used a Hot Tub With a Sunburn? Here’s What to Do Next

If you’ve already soaked in a hot tub with sunburned skin, don’t panic. While heat may have worsened the damage, there are steps you can take to support healing and minimize further irritation.

Immediate Steps to Soothe and Recover:

• Apply cool compresses to reduce body temperature and soothe the skin
• Use products with anti-inflammatory properties (like aloe or hydrocortisone)
• Drink plenty of water to support internal hydration
• Avoid tight clothing and rubbing the skin
• Reapply moisture regularly to help the skin heal
• Stay in the shade and protect the affected area from further sun exposure

If you develop signs of infection, such as pus, spreading redness, or fever, contact a healthcare provider. Quick action can help reduce inflammation and provide much-needed sunburn relief.

Expert Advice: What Dermatologists Say About Hot Water and Sunburn

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Healthcare professionals strongly advise against using hot water on a sunburn. The Mayo Clinic explains that heat can increase inflammation, worsen symptoms, and delay healing. Instead, they recommend cool water, gentle lotions, and avoiding further irritation to help the skin promote healing.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises avoiding hot baths and showers altogether. They emphasize the importance of using cool showers, moisturizing while the skin is still damp, and avoiding the sun as your skin heals and recovers.

To protect your health, always follow expert advice—your skin will thank you.

How to Relax Without Making Things Worse

You don’t have to give up relaxation just because you’re sunburned. There are plenty of sunburn-safe ways to unwind that won’t irritate your skin or delay healing.

Sunburn-Friendly Ways to Relax:

• Soak in lukewarm water (not hot!) to cool the body gently
• Rest in the shade with a book or calming music
• Use a fan or cool towel to reduce skin heat and irritation
• Apply a light, fragrance-free moisturizer to lock in moisture
• Stay hydrated, drink water regularly to help your body heal

Also, remember to protect your skin from further damage by wearing loose clothing and applying sunscreen once the burn has calmed. These small steps can reduce pain and help you rest without harming your recovery.

O-Care: Gentle on Skin, Tough on Hot Tub Bacteria

At O-Care, we understand that your skin, especially when it's sensitive or sunburned, deserves gentle, thoughtful care. That’s why our hot tub water treatment system is designed to be soft on your skin while remaining highly effective against bacteria.

Unlike harsh chemical-heavy alternatives, O-Care uses a natural, mineral-based approach that helps protect the skin’s barrier and reduce irritation. It’s a smart choice for those who enjoy their hot tub regularly but want to soak without compromising skin health.

Whether your skin is recovering from the sun or simply sensitive by nature, O-Care makes relaxation safer, cleaner, and more comfortable.

Ready to simplify your hot tub care? Access our store locator to find O-Care near you or download the O-Care app to streamline your maintenance routine.

Final Thoughts

Sunburned skin needs care, not heat. While hot tubs offer relaxation, they aren’t the right choice when your skin is inflamed, peeling, or in pain. Instead, use cooling remedies, stay hydrated, and protect your skin as it heals.

When you're ready to return to your hot tub, make sure the water is clean and gentle on your skin. O-Care helps you do just that.

To get started, check our store locator to find a retailer near you, download the O-Care app for easy product guidance, or read our blog for more answers for all your hot tub questions.

FAQ: What Else Do People Ask About Hot Tubs and Sunburns?

Can I use a hot tub with a mild sunburn?

Even a mild sunburn involves damaged skin, so it’s best to wait until the redness and irritation subside before soaking.

Does warm water help sunburn heal faster?

No. Warm water can feel soothing but often exacerbates inflammation and strips away skin moisture, slowing down the healing process.

What temperature water is safe for sunburned skin?

Use cool water or lukewarm water—never hot. This helps reduce pain and supports your body’s natural recovery.

What’s better: a cold shower or cool compress?

Both help. A cool compress is better for small areas, while a cold shower offers quick full-body relief.

Can sunscreen irritate a sunburn?

Yes, some formulas can. Choose fragrance-free, gentle sunscreen and apply only after the skin has cooled and started to recover.

How long should I wait before using a hot tub again?

Wait until there’s no more peeling, redness, or pain—typically 3–7 days, depending on severity.

Do home remedies like black tea or milk really work?

Yes, both have soothing properties. Black tea can help reduce inflammation, while milk proteins may ease discomfort.