Ah, summer – the season of sun, surf, and… sunburn? We’ve all been there. A day spent basking in the sun can quickly turn painful if you’re not careful. If you find yourself red and radiating heat, don’t worry! Here’s your ultimate guide to alleviating the symptoms and helping your skin heal, so you can get back to enjoying those sunny days.
1. Cool the Skin
Think of your sunburn like a bit of a tantrum your skin is throwing after getting a little too much sun. All that UV zaps the cells, making them inflamed and hot to the touch. To calm things down, a cool (not cold!) shower or bath is your best bet. The lovely cool water will bring your skin temperature down, giving you instant relief from that burning sensation.
If a shower isn’t on the cards, no worries! Just grab a flannel, soak it in cool water, and pat it on the sore bits. This isn’t just about feeling better in the moment, it actually helps reduce inflammation too, stopping your skin from getting even more irritated.
2. Hydrate Your Skin
So you’ve managed to cool down your sunburned skin – great job! Now, let’s talk about hydration. Sunburn draws moisture away from your skin, leaving it dry and damaged. One of the best remedies out there is good old aloe vera gel. It’s known for its soothing properties and does wonders in calming the burn while rehydrating your skin.
If you don’t have aloe vera on hand, a good moisturising lotion can also do the trick. Just make sure it’s alcohol-free and not oil-based. Alcohol can dry your skin out even more, and that’s the last thing you need right now. An oil-based moisturiser would trap the heat, which isn’t good for your sunburn. Keep your skin hydrated to speed up the healing process and reduce peeling!
3. Avoid Sun Exposure
Imagine your skin is a precious painting that’s just been restored. You wouldn’t want it to fade in the harsh sunlight, would you? So, until your sunburn heals completely, try to avoid direct sun whenever possible.
But of course, sometimes being outdoors is unavoidable. When that’s the case, opt for loose-fitting, breathable clothing made from natural fibres like cotton. These fabrics allow your skin to breathe while providing some much-needed protection from the sun’s rays. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are your best friends for shielding your face and eyes.
By being sun-safe during this healing time, you’ll help your skin recover faster and avoid that dreaded peeling stage later on.
4. Avoid Irritating Your Skin
Sunburned skin is fragile, so handle it gently. Think of your skin like a delicate piece of fabric that needs tender care to avoid further damage. Don’t pop any blisters that show up; they’re like natural band-aids for your skin, forming a protective layer over the healing tissue underneath. If you pop them, you could end up with infections and more problems, making the healing process much longer and more painful.
Also, avoid using harsh soaps or scrubbing the sunburned spots; it’ll just irritate your skin more and could cause additional damage. Instead, use gentle, unscented cleansers that won’t aggravate your skin. After cleansing, lightly pat your skin dry with a soft towel – avoid rubbing, as this can be too abrasive for your sensitive, sunburned skin. By treating your skin with the care it deserves, you’ll help it heal more quickly and comfortably.
5. Stay Cool and Comfortable
Lastly, make sure to stay cool and comfy while your skin heals. Swap those tight-fitting threads for some loose, breathable clothing. Think soft cotton or linen that allows your skin to breathe freely. Avoid anything that might rub against your sunburn and irritate it further. Remember, comfort is key!
Make sure to rest – your body needs that time to heal. Don’t do anything too intense that makes you sweat, as it can irritate your sunburn more. Make sure your surroundings are cool and calm to help you heal and feel good. By creating a cool and peaceful environment, you’ll be helping your skin heal faster and feeling much better in no time!
