Janhvi Kapoor shares mirror selfie showing sunburnt back; experts share common mistakes to avoid

Hydration is key—drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich fluids to help your skin heal from the inside out.

New Delhi | February 8, 2025 05:29 PM IST

3 min read

Janhvi Kapoor crushes it at the gym (Source: Instagram/@janhvikapoor)

Janhvi Kapoor’s 2025 has started off with a beachy getaway, spent lazing around in the sun. Now that she’s back in Mumbai and working out at the gym, a mirror selfie showed a hint of her sunburnt back—courtesy of the beach. Sunburn is a common issue many of us experience under harsh sunlight, and beyond the visible red patches, the pain that comes with it makes the ordeal even tougher.

Janhvi Kapoor flaunts her sunburnt back (Source: Instagram/@janhvikapoor)

As usual, internet hacks and DIY treatment advice from well-meaning friends and family often add to the problem and delay recovery. Indianexpress.com consulted dermatologists to identify common mistakes to avoid so the affected area heals faster.

“Start treatment immediately—cool the skin with a cold shower or compress (never ice directly) to reduce inflammation. Skip hot showers, scrubbing, or exfoliating as they strip moisture, irritate sensitive skin and worsen peeling. Stick to gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and let peeling happen naturally,” said Dr Mikki, medical director at Bodycraft Clinics and Salons, Bengaluru and Gurugram.

“Hydration is key—drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich fluids to help your skin heal from the inside out,” she said.

According to her, wearing tight or synthetic fabrics can worsen irritation, so choosing loose, breathable clothing like cotton or bamboo is essential. “If you must go outside, avoid further sun exposure—wear loose protective clothing and apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen once peeling subsides. Also, stay away from home remedies like vinegar, toothpaste, or lemon juice, as these can cause further irritation or chemical burns,” she said.

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Dr Shareefa Chause, dermatologist at Dr Shareefa Skincare Clinic, Mumbai, said that applying a generous amount of aloe vera-based or fragrance-free moisturising lotion can help soothe the skin. She advised against picking at peeling skin or popping blisters, as this increases the risk of infection and scarring. If the burn is severe, painful, or accompanied by fever or dizziness, she recommended seeking medical attention immediately.

“Sunburn healing takes about five to seven days, but prevention is always best. Next time, apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours to keep your skin safe,” said Dr Chause.

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