As summer heats up, spending more time outdoors becomes irresistible, but it also heightens the risk of sunburn. More than one out of every three adults experienced a sunburn last year, according to a survey by the American Academy of Dermatology. Without proper treatment, sunburn can lead to severe skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Angela Rosoff, a San Francisco-based wellness and beauty expert at the face yoga app Luvly, shares seven main remedies to treat sun-damaged skin.
1. Soak Away the Pain
“Should you spend a little too long in the sun, head inside and take a cold shower to wash away any skin irritants, such as chlorine or salt water,” Rosoff advises. Next, she recommends filling a bath with eight to ten black tea bags—or a cup of oats—and waiting for the water to turn dark amber.
“With the water full of natural compounds known for reducing inflammation, a quick soak will make your skin feel better in no time,” Rosoff says.
If that doesn’t work, try green tea, matcha powder, or rice water.
2. Moisturize Constantly
“While your skin is still damp, apply a moisturizer containing aloe vera directly to the burn, allow it to soak in, then seal it in with a layer of fast-absorbing jojoba oil,” Rosoff suggests. Aloe vera is packed full of water and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it a powerful remedy against the aches and pains of sunburn.
“Keep a healthy stock in the fridge during the summer months, and reach for it whenever your skin gets hot, red, or dry,” she advises. “For the intimate areas that can’t be slathered in cream, such as your eyes or lips, don’t underestimate the soothing abilities of the humble cucumber slice.”
3. Ease the Pain
At the first sign of sunburn, the best move is to take an anti-inflammatory pain medication, such as ibuprofen, according to Rosoff. “Not only will it provide immediate relief, but it will help to reduce the swelling to aid your skin’s recovery,” she notes. “Treat your current suffering as a lesson learned.”
4. Stay Hydrated
Sunburn often coincides with symptoms such as a dry mouth, fatigue, or lightheadedness, Rosoff points out. “These are sure signs of dehydration, caused by moisture being drawn out of your body to treat the burns on your skin’s surface,” she explains. “A supply of ice-cold water and the occasional sports drink will help to rehydrate the body and replenish electrolytes, easing your symptoms and speeding up recovery.”
5. Keep Cool
Sweating can make sunburn unbearable, so it’s helpful to throw open the windows and doors to let cool air flood the room. “Wear loose, breathable clothing made from cotton, linen, or silk to let your skin breathe,” Rosoff recommends. If you have access to air conditioning, she advises switching it to the coldest setting and pointing it directly at the burned area for extra relief.
“If it’s too hot inside, you might be tempted to sit out in the open air, but don’t,” she warns. “Even if you’re in the shade, the slightest bit of sun exposure will set your recovery back.”
6. Avoid Peeling and Popping
“Your skin is bound to blister and peel—it’s your body’s way of keeping the healthy skin underneath hydrated while it rids itself of the damaged cells,” Rosoff explains.
“It’s essentially your own natural healing system—so, as uncomfortable as it is, you need to let your body get on with the job.” Popping the blisters will only make the recovery more painful and expose your body to harmful bacteria.
7. Protect Yourself
“Too much exposure can leave you with far worse things to worry about than burns and blisters,” Rosoff warns. “Repeat sun damage can have irreversible ill effects on our skin, causing it to separate from the body’s tissue and sag, and our health, causing skin cancer.” It’s important to protect the skin every time you go outside, incorporating a high-SPF sunscreen moisturizer into your daily skincare routine and wearing clothing that guards against UV rays, Rosoff recommends.
Remember, treating sunburn promptly and effectively is crucial for skin health. Taking these steps can help soothe your sun-damaged skin and prevent future harm.
