You got a sunburn. It’s a bummer, but it isn’t the end of the world in most cases. Most redheads will experience sunburn at some point or another. A sunburn is a form of skin damage, but it is essential to treat it properly to avoid further damage.
Here are DO’s and DONT’s to minimize any more skin damage:
DO try to cool the skin
To soothe the burn, take cool (not cold) baths or showers. Applying a cool, damp cloth can also help.
DO apply aloe
The best at-home treatment for sunburn is aloe vera gel. Aloe vera helps post-sunburn by soothing and hydrating the skin, reducing inflammation, and promoting faster healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. You can cool the aloe in your fridge but don’t freeze it. Aloe can help heal the skin while soothing pain and redness.
DON’T apply anything with alcohol
Products containing alcohol will irritate the already wounded skin. The alcohol will dry your skin out and cause further damage. Applying products with alcohol after a sunburn can exacerbate skin dryness and irritation. Alcohol strips away natural oils and moisture from the skin, which is already compromised after sun exposure, delaying the healing process and potentially causing further discomfort or peeling. Opting for alcohol-free moisturizers or soothing ingredients like aloe vera is more beneficial for soothing sunburned skin.
DO relieve the itch
You want to avoid itching or scratching your sunburned skin as much as possible. Scratching can lead to further irritation and even infection. Applying a calamine lotion or taking an oatmeal bath can help relieve itching. Scratching a sunburned area can further damage the skin, delay healing, and increase the risk of infection. It can also intensify discomfort and prolong the itching sensation. Instead of scratching, applying soothing moisturizers or using cool compresses can provide relief without causing harm to the skin.
DON’T use petroleum jellies or oils
When your skin is freshly burnt, you want to avoid using products like petroleum jelly or things that contain oil. These products have the potential to trap the heat under the surface of your skin, leading to your sunburn taking longer to heal and damaging the skin further. These products can be applied in the days following a sunburn if peeling occurs.
DO apply a moisturizer
A moisturizer is the best way to soothe skin and prevent dryness, irritation, and peeling. Opt for something lightweight and avoid any irritating ingredients like alcohol or fragrance. Also, choose a moisturizer containing ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid, which help restore the skin’s natural barrier and lock in moisture. Drinking plenty of water to hydrate your skin from within is also beneficial, aiding overall recovery.
DON’T use ice or cold water
It’s tempting to cool down your hot skin with ice or cold water, but this can actually lead to further damage. Instead, use lukewarm or cool water to lower your body temperature or turn the AC or a fan on to cool the room.
DO drink water
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, as sunburn can lead to dehydration.
DO turn to pain relief*
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin can help reduce pain and inflammation.
DO avoid irritants
Refrain from using harsh or scented lotions, which might irritate the skin further.
When to see a doctor + go to the burn center:
Severe Blistering
If your sunburn results in large blisters, it might be a sign of a second-degree burn that requires medical attention.
Severe Pain
If the pain is severe and doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medications
Signs of Infection
Increased redness, swelling, pus, or fever could indicate an infection requiring medical attention.
Dehydration
Symptoms include excessive thirst, dry mouth, and dizziness.
Sunburn Covering Large Areas
If a significant portion of your body is burned, it’s wise to seek medical advice.
*Generally, it’s always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional when adding medication to your routine and for severe cases or concerns about your symptoms.
Rock it like a Redhead!
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