Sunburn Remedies
As the long summer days invite us to spend more time outdoors, it’s more important than ever to remember the importance of sun protection. Unfortunately, sunburns can still occur despite our best efforts. When they do, knowing how to soothe the burn effectively is essential. Here are some quick tips and remedies to help you soothe sunburn and get back to enjoying the sunny weather.
Understanding Sunburn
Sunburn is a form of skin damage caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Symptoms typically appear a few hours after exposure and can include redness, pain, swelling, and, in severe cases, blistering. Over time, repeated sunburns can increase the risk of skin cancer and accelerate skin aging.
Quick Tips to Soothe Sunburn
- Cool Down Immediately
- As soon as you notice signs of sunburn, get out of the sun and seek shade or go indoors.
- Take a cool (not cold) shower or bath to lower the skin temperature. Avoid hot water as it can further irritate the skin.
- Hydrate Your Skin
- Sunburn draws fluid to the skin’s surface and away from the rest of the body, so drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Apply a moisturizer to damp skin to help trap moisture. Opt for fragrance-free and alcohol-free products to avoid further irritation.
- Use Aloe Vera
- Aloe vera is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply pure aloe vera gel or a product containing high concentrations of aloe to the affected area.
- Over-the-Counter Relief
- Consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
- Hydrocortisone cream can also help alleviate itching and swelling.
- Oatmeal Baths and Calamine Lotion
- To relieve discomfort, you can also apply calamine lotion, place a cool, damp washcloth on the affected area, or take a colloidal oatmeal bath
- Stay Out of the Sun
- While your sunburn heals, avoid further sun exposure. If you must go outside, wear protective clothing and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
Long-Term Sunburn Care
- Monitor for Severe Symptoms
- If you experience severe blistering, dizziness, or fever, seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms could indicate a more serious burn or sun poisoning.
- Avoid Peeling Skin
- As your sunburn heals, your skin may start to peel. Resist the urge to pick at peeling skin, as this can cause more damage and increase the risk of infection.
- Moisturize Regularly
- Continue to moisturize your skin daily as it heals. Look for products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin to keep your skin hydrated and promote repair.
- Protect Your Skin
- Once your sunburn has healed, make sun protection a priority. Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, seek shade during peak sun hours, and wear protective clothing and hats.
Prevention is Key
While these remedies can help soothe sunburn, prevention is always the best strategy. Apply sunscreen generously and frequently, especially after swimming or sweating. Remember to cover all exposed skin, including often-forgotten areas like the ears, back of the neck, and tops of the feet. And most importantly, enjoy the sun safely to maintain healthy, beautiful skin.
At Simply Dermatology, we offer a range of skincare products designed to protect and repair your skin from sun damage. From our Sheer Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen to our soothing Simply Cream®, our products are formulated to keep your skin healthy and radiant.
Soothe Sunburn and Enjoy Your Summer
Sunburn doesn’t have to put a damper on your sunny days. By following these tips to treat and soothe sunburn, you can maintain clear, healthy skin all season long. Enjoy your summer with confidence and radiant skin!
If you’re interested in learning more or scheduling a skin check click here!
Other blogs you might like to check out: summer-friendly facials and treat and prevent summer acne.
-Dr. Papantoniou