British summers are famously unpredictable, yet the sun intensity can be surprisingly potent when it appears. A weekend picnic, a garden barbecue, or even a cloudy day spent outdoors can leave you with a nasty surprise—sunburn. Many of us think we've applied enough sunscreen or stayed out of direct rays, only to find redness appearing hours later. And we all know what comes next: peeling, itching, and days of discomfort. But here's the good news: a red light therapy panel can support your skin's recovery, helping you heal faster and potentially reducing peeling.
Sunburn damages the outer layer of your skin through overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Your body responds by triggering apoptosis (programmed cell death) to remove damaged cells, which causes peeling. This is a protective mechanism—it reduces the risk of long-term DNA mutations that can lead to skin cancer.
Unfortunately, it also weakens your skin barrier, leaving it dry, tight, and more vulnerable to infection. Peeling usually starts 2–3 days after sunburn and can last over a week.
Red light therapy (RLT) (also known as photobiomodulation) uses wavelengths of red light (typically 630–660nm) to penetrate the skin, stimulating cellular repair. Unlike UV light, it's non-ionising and doesn't cause further damage. Instead, it boosts ATP (cellular energy), accelerates healing, and reduces inflammation, giving your skin the resources it needs to repair itself.
If you own a red light therapy panel, using it correctly after a sunburn can significantly enhance your skin's healing process.
Start red light therapy as soon as you feel redness. The first 12 hours following sun exposure are essential for lowering inflammation and promoting cell repair.
Your panel should emit light in the 630–660 nm range for optimal skin surface healing. Some devices also incorporate near-infrared light (810–850nm), but for post-sunburn recovery, the focus should be on red light.
While red light therapy is powerful on its own, combining it with topical care maximises results. Use hydrating products, such as aloe vera gel or ceramide creams, to support the repair of your skin's barrier. Keep your skin cool and hydrated to assist healing from the inside out.
If your burn blisters or shows signs of infection, consult your doctor before continuing any home treatments. Red light therapy is safe, but medical supervision is advised for severe burns.
Red light therapy targets cytochrome coxidase, an enzyme in your cells' mitochondria, to improve energy production. This increased ATP fuels faster tissue repair and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines, calming redness and swelling.
While red light therapy helps heal sunburn, it's not a substitute for prevention. British summers can still deliver high UV levels, so SPF 30+ sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun (11 am–3 pm) are essential for long-term skin health.
That said, when accidents occur, red light therapy offers a science-backed approach to help your skin recover faster and more comfortably.
When sunburn does happen, a red light therapy panel offers a safe, science-backed way to reduce discomfort and support recovery. Explore Rojo Light Therapy UK's range of medical-grade panels today and invest in smarter after-sun care that works with your body.
