Buzz
Handling the pain and irritation caused by sunburn is no easy task. To begin the healing process, it's crucial to drink plenty of water. Apply a soothing lotion or gel, such as aloe vera, directly to your skin. Taking painkillers can provide relief as your skin recovers. Additionally, sitting in a cool bath or applying cool compresses to the sunburned areas can help. To prevent sunburn, remember to apply sunscreen and listen to your body's signals.
Steps
Healing and Concealing Sunburn
Drink plenty of water. Aim to drink at least 10 glasses of water daily for a week after getting sunburned. This helps replenish your body and supports the healing process. Drinking water while outdoors in the sun can also help prevent heatstroke and other heat-related health issues.
- Additionally, it's best to avoid alcoholic beverages while recovering, as alcohol can dehydrate your body and make your skin drier.
Apply Aloe Vera. This traditional remedy is highly effective for treating sunburns. Aloe vera gel has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can accelerate healing when applied directly to the sunburned skin. You can buy aloe vera gel from stores, but it's best to use fresh gel straight from the plant.
- To extract the gel, break off a healthy leaf of the aloe vera plant. Slice the leaf lengthwise, separate it, and scoop the gel with a spoon or your fingers. Apply the gel to your skin 2-3 times a day.
- For added soothing, you can freeze the aloe vera gel in ice cube trays and use the frozen cubes to gently massage the sunburn. Always wrap the cube in a thin cloth before applying it to your skin. Additionally, you can apply aloe vera gel to your face overnight as a nourishing mask.
Make a Baking Soda Mixture. Prepare a small bowl and mix baking soda with cornstarch in a 1:1 ratio. Add cold water until the mixture reaches a thick consistency suitable for applying to the skin. Both ingredients help reduce the redness caused by sunburn. Clean the mixture and reapply as needed to soothe your skin.
Use Witch Hazel. Witch hazel leaves and bark can help treat sunburns. The tannins in witch hazel help fight bacteria and promote skin healing. You can buy witch hazel extract at natural food stores. Use a cotton ball to apply the extract to the affected areas.
Apply Apple Cider Vinegar to Sunburned Skin. You can pour apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle and spritz it directly onto your skin to relieve sunburn pain. Alternatively, soak a cotton ball in vinegar and apply it to the affected areas. Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties that can help speed up the healing process.
- Be cautious, as some individuals may have a negative reaction to apple cider vinegar. It's best to test a small amount on the back of your hand (using a cotton ball) before applying it to larger areas. This allows you to observe how your body reacts on a smaller scale and avoid potential negative reactions.
Place Potato Slices on Sunburned Skin. Many natural therapy experts believe potatoes can help reduce pain and inflammation. Take a few potatoes and slice them thinly. Place each slice on the sunburned skin. Gently rub each slice until you feel relief.
- You can also dice or grate the potatoes and blend them in a food processor. Apply the mashed mixture to your skin (be careful with the potato juice).
- Be sure to wash the potatoes thoroughly before slicing or dicing them.
Apply Probiotic Yogurt. You can try this method, although its effectiveness is not very high. The coolness of yogurt can help soothe the skin. Prepare a cup of plain probiotic yogurt and use a cotton ball to apply a thin layer of yogurt to the sunburned area. Leave it for about 5 minutes, then wipe it off with a damp towel.
Wear Loose, Dark-Colored Clothes. Wearing cotton, light, and loose clothing is the best choice while your skin is healing. These clothes allow the skin to breathe, stay cool, and reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, opt for dark-colored clothing to divert attention away from the sunburned skin. Avoid wearing white or neon colors as they contrast with the redness, making the sunburn more noticeable.
Use Makeup to Conceal Redness. Apply a green-tinted primer to the sunburned area to neutralize the redness. Avoid using blush as it will make your face appear even more flushed. However, remember to apply makeup lightly to avoid irritating your skin.
Relieving Pain and Discomfort
Take Pain Relievers. As soon as you’re out of the sun, take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory like Aspirin. Take the recommended maximum dose within 24 hours to help kickstart the healing process. Continue taking the medication until the discomfort from the sunburn subsides.
- Even if the pain is intense, you must follow the recommended dosage (for both prescription and over-the-counter medications). Taking too much medication can lead to severe harm, such as liver damage. Always read the label for the correct dosage and frequency.
- Be mindful of potential side effects or drug interactions. Side effects or interactions are typically listed on the medication bottle, or you can consult with your doctor if you have any concerns. For example, people with bleeding issues should avoid taking Aspirin.
- You can prepare a small bowl, add 1-2 Aspirin tablets, and crush them into a paste (adding a bit of water if necessary). Apply this paste to the most affected sunburned area. Wipe it off after a few minutes. However, for safety, you should not crush and apply more than the recommended dosage or use this paste while actively taking pain relievers.
Apply a Cool Cloth to Sunburned Skin. Take a soft cotton cloth and dip it into cool water (avoid freezing cold water). Wring out the excess water, then gently press it onto the sunburned area. Re-dip the cloth and apply again if needed. Alternatively, you can soak the cloth in cold milk. The cold milk helps to enhance the cooling and healing effect of Vitamin D.
Take a Cool Bath. Turn on the faucet to fill the bathtub with cool water. Soak in the tub for a while. To enhance the effect, place 2 cups of raw, uncooked oatmeal in a clean sock and tie it up. Place the sock in the tub and squeeze it to release the water. The polysaccharides in oatmeal will help soothe and protect your skin.
- You can also add raw oatmeal directly to the tub, but cleaning it afterward can be tricky.
- Avoid using soap or body wash, as these will dry out the skin and delay the healing process.
Soothing Skin with Cucumber. Add a few cucumber slices to water to boost the moisturizing effect on your skin. Place thin slices of cucumber on the sunburned areas. Alternatively, you can blend cucumber into a paste and apply it as a mask for your face or other sunburned spots. These methods help maximize the antioxidant properties of cucumbers.
- Mixing cucumber with aloe vera gel can speed up the healing process.
Drink Tea. Brew a cup of green tea to drink directly or soak a cotton ball in the tea and apply it to your skin. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of the tea help reduce redness and swelling, aiding the healing process.
Avoid Ice Pack Applications. You might be tempted to grab a few ice cubes from the freezer and apply them directly to your skin, but the extremely cold temperature can actually harm your skin and destroy healing cells. If you do decide to use ice, always wrap the cubes in a clean, soft cloth before applying them to the sunburned area.
Do Not Peel the Burned Skin. Never touch or peel off the scabs from a burn. The dead skin will naturally fall off on its own, and no action is needed. Peeling off skin too soon can lead to scarring or infection. This is especially true for burns in raised or painful areas.
- Once your skin has returned to a near-normal color and is no longer painful, you may gently exfoliate using a soft bath sponge or a stiff brush.
Consult a Doctor. You should see a doctor if sunburn leads to blisters or noticeable swelling. If pus starts draining from the burn, it may be a sign of infection. Additionally, if the sunburn causes significant discomfort and home remedies are ineffective, medical consultation is advised.
- Depending on the situation, a doctor may prescribe corticosteroid creams. If there are signs of infection, antibiotics may also be prescribed.
Preventing Sunburn
Apply Sunscreen Before Going Outside. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Opt for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50, though higher is better. Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before heading outdoors, so it can take effect before sun exposure, preventing sunburn.
- In addition to selecting sunscreen brands, consider the activities you'll be doing and choose a sunscreen accordingly. If you'll be in the water, select a water-resistant sunscreen. If you'll be hiking, consider a sunscreen that also repels insects.
Reapply Sunscreen Regularly. It's essential to reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes at a minimum. This interval should be shortened if you're sweating excessively or swimming. Take your time to apply sunscreen thoroughly to your entire body.
- For each application, estimate the amount by using a coin-sized amount for your face and about two small cups for your body.
Wear a Hat. Since it's almost impossible to apply sunscreen to your scalp and the area is prone to sunburn, wearing a hard hat is essential when spending long hours outdoors. The hat will also help protect your face from sun exposure.
Listen to Your Body's Signals. Your body will tell you when it's had enough sun. Pause your activities and check your skin. Is it feeling warm? Are you starting to feel a slight sting? Does it hurt? If the answer is ‘yes’, it’s time to head inside.
Ask a Friend to Check for You. If you're outdoors with friends, ask them to keep an eye on you. However, keep in mind that the reflection of sunlight on your skin can mask signs of sunburn, making it hard for your friends to assess accurately, especially if you're facing directly towards the sun.
Be Careful During the Recovery Process. It may take up to six months for your skin to fully recover from sunburn. If you get sunburned again during this time, the healing process can be delayed. Therefore, while your skin is healing, be extra cautious and limit your sun exposure.
Advice
- Over-the-counter moisturizers are not effective for treating sunburn. Instead, choose a moisturizer with water and store it in the refrigerator for a cooling effect. Applying this moisturizer to your skin can be helpful.
- Be patient as your skin heals. Most sunburns show noticeable improvement within less than a week.
- If you want to speed up the healing process, consider trying LED light therapy. This treatment helps accelerate skin healing and can be performed right after sunburn.
Warning
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe swelling, high body temperature, dizziness, nausea, or headaches along with sunburn. You may be suffering from sun poisoning.
- Certain medications, such as antibiotics, can make your skin more sensitive to the sun and increase the risk of sunburn.
