How to Care for Sunburned Skin? This Will Really Help You
Sunburns are a common result of prolonged sun exposure, and while it’s always best to prevent them, it’s important to know how to treat your skin properly if you get one. Fortunately, taking a few simple steps can significantly improve the healing process and help you avoid further complications. Let’s first look at some effective ways to prevent sunburn, and then we’ll dive into how to care for sunburned skin.
Preventing Sunburn
To prevent sunburn, there are several easy and effective rules to follow:
Timing is Key:
The safest times to be in the sun are between 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and after 5:00 PM. Between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM, the sun’s rays are the strongest, and even a short amount of time can result in sunburn.
Stay in the Shade:
If your shadow is shorter than your height, it’s an indication that the sun’s rays are too strong for safe exposure. In this case, it’s best to stay in the shade, as it’s too early to be in direct sunlight.
Protective Clothing:
During peak sunlight hours, it’s essential to wear closed clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses that offer protection from UV rays. Sunglasses with glass lenses are preferable over plastic, as they provide better protection for your eyes and prevent damage caused by UV rays.
What to Do if You Get Sunburned?
Even if you follow the above precautions, sometimes sunburn is unavoidable. If you’ve already suffered from sunburn, here are the steps you need to take for the best recovery:
Seek Shelter and Change Into Comfortable Clothing:
As soon as you notice that you’ve been sunburned, go inside a cool, shaded area. Change into loose, lightweight clothing made of natural fabrics, such as cotton, which will allow your skin to breathe and heal.
Take a Cool Shower:
Immediately take a cool (not cold) shower. Avoid hot water, as it can irritate your skin further. Afterward, don’t rub your skin dry with a towel; instead, gently pat your skin to absorb excess water. This helps retain moisture and prevents further dryness.
Assess the Severity of the Burn:
Carefully examine the sunburn. If you experience severe pain, your body temperature rises, or you notice large fluid-filled blisters, it’s important to seek medical attention. These symptoms could indicate a second-degree burn, which requires professional treatment.
Special Attention for Face and Neck Burns:
If your face or neck is sunburned, be extra cautious, as these areas are more sensitive. Swelling and difficulty breathing can sometimes occur, particularly in severe cases. If this happens, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional, especially if a child is involved.
Alleviate Itching and Burning:
To soothe the burning and itching sensation, try bathing in cool water mixed with 3–4 tablespoons of baking soda or a mild apple cider vinegar solution. You can also apply cold, damp towels to the affected areas. This will help to reduce inflammation and provide relief.
Stay Hydrated:
Sunburn dehydrates your skin, so it’s essential to drink plenty of water to replenish lost fluids. Avoid alcoholic beverages, as they can worsen dehydration and prolong the healing process.
Use Pain Relievers:
For pain relief, you can take regular painkillers like ibuprofen or aspirin to reduce inflammation and discomfort. Always follow the recommended dosage.
Home Remedy to Treat Sunburned Skin
There are several remedies you can use to promote healing and reduce discomfort from sunburn. Here’s a simple but effective natural remedy that can help:
Ingredients:
¼ cup of honey: Honey has natural anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, making it perfect for treating sunburn. It helps to keep the skin hydrated and promotes healing.
1 tablespoon of coconut oil: Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids and has soothing properties that help repair damaged skin and keep it moisturized.
1 tablespoon of aloe vera: Aloe vera has been used for centuries to treat sunburn and skin irritation. It cools the skin, reduces inflammation, and speeds up healing.
Preparation:
Combine the Ingredients:
In a bowl, mix the honey, coconut oil, and aloe vera together. You can use a hand mixer to blend the ingredients thoroughly for a smooth consistency.
Clean the Affected Area:
Gently clean the sunburned area with cool water, and pat it dry with a soft towel.
Apply the Mixture:
Take a small amount of the mixture and apply it directly to the sunburned skin. Gently massage it into the skin using circular motions.
Cover with a Bandage:
After applying the remedy, you can cover the treated area with a bandage or clean cloth. This helps keep the skin protected and allows the mixture to work more effectively.
Storage:
Store any leftover mixture in a container at room temperature. Do not freeze or refrigerate it, as both coconut oil and honey solidify when cold. Keeping it at room temperature allows for easy application when needed.
How It Works:
Honey helps to lock in moisture and promotes healing by acting as a natural humectant.
Coconut oil provides the necessary fats to repair damaged skin while keeping it smooth and hydrated.
Aloe vera cools the skin and reduces inflammation, while also providing a mild analgesic effect to reduce pain.
Additional Tips for Sunburn Care
Avoid Scratching: Sunburned skin can itch, but scratching can worsen the irritation and cause further damage. If the itching becomes unbearable, try applying a cool compress to the area or using calamine lotion.
Moisturize Regularly: Keep your skin hydrated by applying a gentle, alcohol-free moisturizer throughout the day. This will help your skin retain moisture, promoting faster healing.
Avoid Further Sun Exposure: Once you’ve been sunburned, try to stay out of the sun until your skin heals. If you need to go outside, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen regularly.
Avoid Tight or Rough Clothing: Tight clothes or rough fabrics can irritate your sunburned skin. Opt for loose, soft fabrics like cotton that won’t rub against the sensitive areas.
Conclusion
Sunburns are uncomfortable and can be painful, but with the right treatment, they can heal effectively. The key is to stay hydrated, use soothing remedies, and protect your skin from further damage. By following these simple steps and using the honey-coconut oil-aloe vera mixture, you can significantly reduce discomfort and speed up the healing process. Always remember that prevention is the best cure—be sure to protect your skin before heading out into the sun!
