Summer brings along its own set of joys—sunshine, beach days and vacations—but unfortunately, it also comes with the inevitable risk of sunburn. No matter how careful you are, sometimes you might forget to reapply sunscreen or stay out in the sun a little too long, only to end up with a painful, red, irritated skin condition. While sunscreen works wonders as a preventative measure, we often forget to take care of our skin once it’s already been sunburned.
Sunburn is a common skincare concern for many, but fortunately, there are effective steps you can take to soothe your skin and speed up recovery. In this blog, we’ll cover what to do (and what to avoid) when you’ve gotten sunburned and how you can treat it effectively at home.
What Is Sunburn?
Before diving into the treatment, let’s first understand what sunburn actually is. Sunburn occurs when your skin is exposed to UV (ultraviolet) radiation for a prolonged period. The skin reacts by becoming inflamed, red and irritated. In some cases, you may even develop blisters. It’s the body’s response to cellular damage from the sun and while it's often painful, it typically heals over time with proper care.
Now that we know what sunburn is, let’s move on to the dos and don’ts when treating sunburn.
5 Things to Take Care of While Treating a Sunburn
1. Avoid Using Petroleum Jelly on Sunburned Skin
Petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) is a popular go-to product for soothing dry, cracked skin. However, when it comes to sunburned skin, petroleum jelly is a big no-no. While it might seem like a good idea because it provides a thick, moisture-sealing barrier, it actually traps heat in your skin. This prevents your skin from cooling down properly and can even make your sunburn worse by blocking your pores and sweating, which is a natural way for your skin to release excess heat.
Instead of petroleum jelly, look for lightweight moisturizers or aloe vera gel. These will help hydrate your skin without locking in heat.
2. Keep Ice Packs Away from Your Sunburned Skin
Ice packs are a quick fix for cooling down the body when you’re feeling overheated, but they should never be applied directly to sunburned skin. The cold temperature of ice can cause skin irritation and may further dry out your sunburned area, which in turn could aggravate the pain and lead to more flakiness as it heals.
Instead, try cool (not icy) compresses or cool showers to soothe the burn. This will help to reduce inflammation without drying out your skin or hindering the healing process.
3. Do Not Pop Any Blisters
If your sunburn is severe enough to cause blisters, resist the urge to pop them. While it might seem tempting, breaking open a blister can lead to infection and slower healing. Blisters act as a protective barrier to the skin underneath, helping it heal, so popping them exposes raw skin, making it more vulnerable to bacteria.
Instead, keep the area clean and apply soothing treatments like Xheal Aloe Vera gel or cool compresses to relieve pain. If the blisters break on their own, be sure to keep the area clean and avoid rubbing it to prevent irritation.
4. Avoid Tight or Non-Breathable Clothing
When your skin is sunburned, the last thing you want is to wear tight, non-breathable clothing. Fabrics like polyester, spandex, or anything too tight can cause friction against your sunburned skin, which can intensify the pain and irritate the affected area even further. Moreover, tight clothing doesn’t allow the skin to breathe, which can make it harder for the burn to heal.
Opt for loose-fitting, lightweight clothing made from natural, breathable fabrics like cotton. These fabrics won’t rub against your skin, and they’ll allow air to circulate, promoting faster healing.
5. Steer Clear of Skin Irritants
When treating a sunburn at home, it’s important to avoid products that could irritate your skin further. This includes benzocaine-based products, which are often found in over-the-counter sunburn relief creams. These can cause allergic reactions in some people and may actually increase skin irritation. Always read the ingredients of any product you're using and avoid harsh chemicals that can hinder the healing process.
Instead, stick to gentle, hydrating products like Xheal Aloe Vera or Xheal Cally Soft Calamine Lotion that soothe the skin without causing further irritation.
Fabulous Tips to Treat Sunburn at Home
Now that you know what to avoid, let’s talk about what you should do to treat your sunburn effectively. Here are some home remedies and practices that will help alleviate pain and support the healing process:
1. Stay Indoors in a Cool Environment
When you’re sunburned, it’s essential to avoid further sun exposure to prevent your skin from becoming more damaged. Stay indoors, preferably in an air-conditioned environment or at least a cool room, to allow your body to recover.
2. Cool Baths or Showers
Taking a cool bath or shower can help relieve the pain and reduce inflammation. Avoid using hot water, as it can dry out the skin and make the burn worse. After the bath or shower, pat your skin dry gently with a towel—never rub, as it can irritate the skin.
3. Apply a Lightweight Moisturizer
After bathing, it’s essential to apply a lightweight moisturizer. Look for products that are designed for sensitive skin and help to lock in moisture. Aloe Vera-based lotions or gels are particularly effective at soothing the skin and providing instant relief from discomfort.
4. Use Aloe Vera Gel
Xheal Aloe Vera Gel from Healing Pharma has been used for a while now as a natural remedy for sunburns. Its anti-inflammatory and cooling properties make it the perfect choice for treating sunburned skin. Simply pump and apply pure Aloe Vera gel directly to the affected areas for instant relief. This will help reduce redness, inflammation and promote faster healing.
5. Hydrate with Water
Sunburn can lead to dehydration, so it’s important to drink plenty of water to rehydrate your body and support the skin’s recovery. Coconut water or electrolyte-rich drinks are also great options for replenishing lost fluids and preventing dehydration, which can slow down the healing process.
When to See a Doctor?
While most sunburns heal on their own with proper care, if you experience severe blisters, fever, nausea, or intense pain, it’s important to consult a specialist. These could be signs of a more serious sunburn that may require medical attention. Additionally, if you notice peeling skin, don’t force it off—let your skin shed naturally to avoid scarring.
Conclusion
Sunburn is a painful and inconvenient result of overexposure to the sun, but with the right care, you can treat it effectively at home. Remedies like Xheal Aloe Vera Gel and Sunroof Sunscreen Lotion with SPF 50 can help in dealing with sunburn issues during summer. By following these simple dos and don’ts, you’ll help your skin recover faster and minimize discomfort. Buy these summer skincare essentials online at up to 20% off from Healing Pharma Online and get them delivered to the doorstep.