Summer is associated with a lot of fun activities like going to the beach, backyard barbecues, and hiking, just to name a few. Unfortunately, being out in the sun while unprotected can lead to another not-so-fun part of summer – sunburns. That’s why you need to know how to prevent it and what to do if it happens.
If you’re sunburnt, it’s important to cool your skin down right away. Doing this will ensure that the burns don’t get any worse. Cool skin also lays the groundwork for any other soothing remedies you want to apply. Once you get out of the shower, pat yourself dry but leave some water on your skin to promote moisture absorption.
Sunburns pull moisture from the body, which is why it’s so easy for people who are dealing with them to get dehydrated. While you’re cooling down your skin, be sure to keep hydrated. It’s best to drink water instead of sweetened drinks.
Even though you’ve cooled your skin down, the sun has still done some damage that can cause your skin to still feel hot and itchy. Apply a cool cloth for 10-15 minutes several times throughout the day can help.
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Once your skin is cool, aloe vera can help soothe and moisturize the affected areas. If you don’t have the actual plant, moisturizing products that contain aloe vera can be just as good. Whichever you choose, it’s best to apply it when your skin is still wet.
Another way to soothe a sunburn is to take a bath in oatmeal and baking soda. Both of these ingredients have been shown to ease irritation and promote healing. To use this option, place a cup of oatmeal and three to five teaspoons of baking soda in a bathtub of cool water. You should stay in it for 10 – 15 minutes and don’t scrub your skin. Pat yourself dry when you get out.
Cucumber has a cooling quality that is good for sunburnt skin. It can also help retain moisture and relieve pain. You should mash cool cucumbers in a blender and then apply it to your skin.
It’s said that apple cider vinegar supports healing so a cup or two in your bathwater may help. If you’ve ever had skin irritation from exposure to vinegar, though, this treatment might not work for you.
Essential oils like peppermint, lavender, chamomile, and tea tree oil can reduce the inflammation caused by sunburns. However, the undiluted oils can be irritating so it’s recommended that you use carrier oils such as almond oil or olive oil.
Chamomile isn’t just good for soothing your stomach. If you brew the tea, let it cool, and use a cloth to apply it to your sunburnt skin, you’ll get some relief.
The menthol in shaving cream can help to soothe sunburns. If you’re using this, you should rub a thin layer onto the affected areas of your skin, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then rinse it off.
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A characteristic of sunburns is that the skin will look bright red. This might not be as apparent in those with darker complexions. Some of the other signs you can look out for include darker patches of skin, the affected areas feeling hot or painful, and slight swelling. The sunburnt skin might also look extra dry or cracked.
While it’s possible to soothe mild sunburn easily, it’s better to prevent it altogether. This is because continuous sun damage can lead to skin cancer. Whenever you’re going outside, make sure to wear cool clothing, wear a hat, and wear sunscreen. You should stay in the shade as much as possible when outside as well.
It may seem that sunburns are inevitable during the summertime but that’s not the case. If you take the necessary steps to protect yourself, you’re less likely to get burnt. In the event that it still happens, use these tips to soothe your skin at home.
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