Buzz
Sunburn marks are flat brown spots on the skin caused by prolonged and direct exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. These spots can appear at any age and are generally harmless. Individuals with fair skin are more prone to them, but anyone can develop sunburn marks. While these marks are not dangerous, there are numerous treatment options available, including over-the-counter creams, natural home remedies, and medical procedures for permanent removal.
Steps
Use Over-the-Counter Products
Apply topical retinoid creams to fade sunburn marks. Wash your face before applying the retinoid cream. Wait 20 minutes, then squeeze a pea-sized amount onto your finger. Gently rub the cream onto sunburn marks on your face, neck, arms, and hands. Retinoids, derived from vitamin A, are excellent for lightening sunburn marks. Apply the cream once daily until the marks fade.
- Retinoid creams containing vitamin A as an active ingredient tend to be more effective.
Apply hydroquinone cream to lighten stubborn sunburn marks. Hydroquinone is another over-the-counter cream used to treat dark or widespread sunburn spots. Wear latex gloves before application. Dab a small amount of the bleaching cream directly onto each sunburn mark and use a gloved finger to gently massage it into the skin. Apply daily or as directed on the packaging until the marks lighten significantly.
- Hydroquinone works relatively slowly. You may need to use it for 8-12 weeks before noticing results.
- If you experience stinging or burning after applying hydroquinone, rinse your face immediately and discontinue use.
Brighten sunburn spots with kojic acid products before bedtime. Many popular over-the-counter creams contain kojic acid, a compound derived from fermented rice water proven to fade sunburn marks. About 30 minutes before sleeping, apply a small amount of the cream to sunburn marks on your face, hands, and arms, then massage it into the skin. Since the product works gradually, you may need to use it for several weeks or even months to see results.
- Look for kojic acid in skincare products like lotions and moisturizers, typically with concentrations ranging from 1% to 4%. These are often found in the skincare section of major stores.
- Kojic acid may cause irritation, redness, or inflammation for sensitive skin. If these symptoms occur, stop using the product immediately.
Medical Treatments
Consult a dermatologist if over-the-counter treatments are ineffective. Some sunburn marks are stubborn and do not respond well to topical creams or other non-prescription products. If you wish to remove or lighten these marks for cosmetic reasons, visit a dermatologist for an evaluation. Inform them about how long the marks have been present and the treatments you’ve already tried.
- In some cases, you may need a referral from a general practitioner to see a dermatologist.
Ask your doctor about laser skin resurfacing for sunburn marks. Laser resurfacing can be performed at a doctor’s office or hospital. This procedure removes the top layers of skin, including sunburn marks, using concentrated light beams. While costly and often not covered by insurance, it effectively removes thin layers of skin. Recovery can take up to 3 weeks.
- You’ll receive mild anesthesia during the procedure. However, it’s an outpatient treatment, so you can leave the clinic or hospital afterward.
- Before the procedure, your doctor will review your medical history and current medications to confirm that the dark spots are indeed sunburn marks and not caused by another skin condition.
Use chemical peels to remove the top layers of skin affected by sunburn marks. A mild acid will be applied to your face if your doctor determines that chemical peels are suitable for you. The treated skin, which typically includes sunburn marks, will peel away, revealing fresher, healthier skin underneath. Chemical peels can be performed at certain dermatology clinics or hospitals.
- The treated area may remain red for several days afterward. The procedure can cause a burning sensation, so your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or cold compresses for a week.
Target sunburn marks with cryotherapy to freeze and remove them. If you prefer not to treat your entire face but focus only on sunburn marks, cryotherapy might be the right choice. During this procedure, doctors typically use nitrous oxide to freeze the dark spots. These spots will scab over and fall off within a week, leaving behind clearer skin.
- Unlike chemical peels, cryotherapy is usually painless. Unless liquid nitrogen is used, the procedure takes about 5 minutes and requires no special aftercare.
Tip: Unlike chemical peels, cryotherapy is generally painless. Unless the doctor uses liquid nitrogen, the procedure takes only 5 minutes and requires no special post-treatment care.
Consider microdermabrasion if other treatments are ineffective. Microdermabrasion is a more intensive treatment for sunburn marks, so consult your doctor before proceeding. During the procedure, a specialized device is used to remove the outermost layer of skin, eliminating sunburn marks and revealing new skin underneath. The treatment can be performed at a clinic or hospital.
- Fortunately, the procedure is painless and can be completed in about 60 minutes. Your skin may feel tight afterward, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help if you experience discomfort.
Try Natural Remedies
Apply aloe vera gel twice daily to heal sun-damaged skin. Aloe vera is renowned for its healing properties and serves as a natural remedy for sunburn marks. If using aloe vera cream, generously apply it to your face, arms, and other sunburned areas once in the morning and once at night. For fresh aloe vera, extract about 2.5 cm of the gel from the leaf and apply it directly to the affected areas.
- Aloe vera gel can be found at health food stores, homeopathic remedy sections, or pharmacies, often near sunscreen and skincare products.
- If you prefer growing your own, visit a local nursery to purchase an aloe vera plant.
Take vitamin E capsules twice daily to reduce sunburn marks. Vitamin E is proven to lighten dark spots, including sunburn marks. Take one capsule in the morning and another at night to fade the marks. You can also incorporate vitamin E-rich foods like citrus fruits, papaya, spinach, broccoli, and tomatoes into your diet.
- Vitamin E capsules and liquid gels are available at most pharmacies.
Tip: You can puncture a vitamin E capsule and apply the gel directly to sunburn marks. Apply the gel before bed and leave it on overnight.
Use fresh lemon slices directly on sunburn marks. Cut a large lemon into quarters and apply a slice to the marks for 10-15 minutes daily. The mild acidity in lemons helps lighten dark spots. With consistent daily use, you’ll notice visible improvement after about two months.
- Store unused lemon slices in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for future use.
- Daily lemon application also helps remove dead skin cells from your face, arms, and shoulders.
Rub a red onion slice on sunburn marks. Slice a large red onion into 6-8 pieces. Rub one piece on the marks for 30 seconds. The natural acids in onions help lighten dark spots. Since the acid is mild, you’ll need to continue this treatment for several months to see results.
Tip: The effectiveness of red onion in lightening sunburn marks and brightening skin has been supported by medical research. If applying onion directly to your skin is unappealing, look for creams containing dried red onion peel as an alternative.
Preventing Sunburn Marks
Avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. This is when the sun's rays are strongest and most direct. Prolonged exposure during these hours increases UV exposure, darkening existing sunburn marks and causing new ones. Schedule outdoor activities for early morning or after 3 p.m. to minimize risk.
- If you already have sunburn marks, avoid tanning beds entirely. Tanning beds not only pose general risks to skin health but also worsen existing sunburn marks.
Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 15 when going outdoors. Sun exposure is the primary cause of sunburn marks. To protect your skin, apply high-SPF sunscreen to exposed areas like your hands, neck, face, and arms if you’ll be outside for more than 15 minutes. Sunscreen also prevents existing marks from darkening further.
- If your skin is already sun-damaged, using sunscreen helps it heal naturally over time.
Wear hats and protective clothing when outdoors. Even with sunscreen, additional protection is essential. Opt for loose, sun-protective clothing in light colors and tightly woven fabrics to deflect harmful UV rays. Avoiding direct sunlight helps fade existing marks and prevents new ones from forming.
- Carrying a lightweight umbrella for shade is another effective option.
Tips
- Consult your doctor to determine if any prescribed medications contribute to dark spots. Certain drugs, such as antibiotics and birth control pills, can cause skin pigmentation.
- If you regularly wear makeup, opt for products containing sunscreen. These can provide UV protection while serving their usual cosmetic purpose.
- When using lemon juice to treat sunburn marks, ensure you wash it off before sun exposure. Leaving it on can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and potentially darken the marks.
