Top 10 Ways To Remedy A Sunburn

Summer brings the heat. Literally, this means that despite our best intentions, the season of the sun might bring us closer to our arch-enemy - the sunburn. However, we can cool down the burning with items we might already have lying around.

Before we get into that, let's quickly revisit a couple of sunburn prevention methods. Make use of broad-spectrum sunscreen (protects against both UVA and UVB rays) of SPF 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Then reapply your sunscreen every two hours to increase its efficiency.

However, chances are that you are super uncomfortable right now and need the solution. Well, there are a couple of ways to relive them, but we've rounded up the top ten ways to remedy a sunburn.

Cold Compress

You want to start by cooling yourself first. As per the American Academy of Dermatology, please stay away from bath oils, soap, or bubble baths as they could dry your skin they could cause dryness. However, make sure your water is tepid and not cool.

The main hack here is to use a cold compress on the sunburned areas. One great way to do this is through a 'clothsicle.' Put a cloth drenched water in the freezer and for a few hours before you put it on the affected area. If you have a large area make sure to prepare a couple of clothsicles.

Moisturizer

Another thing you want to avoid is dry skin when battling a sunburn. Opt for a soothing, alcohol-free moisturizer formulated with vitamin E or aloe. Next, apply your moisturizer all over your body to soothe and seal in hydration to allow the skin to regenerate.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is known for its healing capabilities, but it does much more. The gel eases discomfort and moisturizes the skin. Also, the ist healing capabilities are pretty fast. To treat yourself at home, split a plant leaf and apply the gel-like sap directly.

You can also purchase a pure aloe vera gel at the drugstore and use that instead. However, like many substances, test it on a patch of your skin to investigate any allergens.

Honey

Honey has some delicious properties, but this does not mean that it only works in your teas or smoothies. It is an ancient topical burn salve used since Egyptian days. Studies even suggest that it may work even better than antibiotic cream at reducing infection and minimizing pain. However, please do not use it on children less than 12 months.

OTC Hydrocortisone Cream

Hydrocortisone cream is more efficient than just bug bites. It is anti-inflammatory, so it'll calm your skin. So if you have an itchy sunburn, hydrocortisone cream is your best bet.

Pour On Milk

Soak a cloth in milk and put it on your burn to help in the healing process. Milk is packed with vitamins A and D, which help repair damaged cells. It also contains lactic acid, which is a gentle exfoliating acid that helps dead skin peel off.

Oatmeal Bath

Aside from milk showers, fill your tub with lukewarm water and include cups of oats. Oatmeal battles inflammation perfectly and will soothe your skin. How about combining milk and oats to get the benefits of both and for a fancy bath.

Hold Off the Skincare

While it may seem like applying your skincare on your sunburned face may help, it's counterproductive. We are talking, exfoliators, toners, face masks, acne medications, and anti-aging products.

Sun damage makes skin extra sensitive, so your fave routine could leave you with rashes and blisters. Also, products that contain lidocaine or benzocaine. These are numbing agents, but they make the sunburned skin flare-up.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

If there is ever a time to ditch snug clothes for looser ones, it's definitely when you've been sunburned. Tight clothing will chafe and result in painful blisters on your damaged skin. Focus, at least until you heal, on wearing loose clothing.

The same goes for bras. Go strapless and choose synthetic polyester and nylon blends. They are moisture-wicking and won't contribute to chafed skin, will keep your skin cool, and won't cling to it.

Do Not Pick

Leave the satisfying scab picking to the professionals on YouTube. The temptation might be strong to pick at your scabs but trust us; it's not worth it. Picking and peeling flaky sunburned skin is only going to cause discoloration or scarring when your skin is healed.