Sunburn: Treatments & Remedies

As the sun’s rays warm our skin, it’s easy to forget the potential harm they can cause. Sunburn is not only painful but can also lead to long-term damage such as premature aging and an increased risk of skin cancer. Whether you forgot to apply sunscreen or lose track of time, treating sunburn promptly is crucial for soothing discomfort and aiding in the healing process. In this blog post, we’ll explore some effective treatments and remedies for sunburn.

What actually happens when you become sunburnt?

Before delving into treatments, it’s essential to understand what happens when you get sunburned. Sunburn occurs when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun for an extended period, damaging the DNA in skin cells. This damage triggers inflammation, leading to redness, pain, swelling, and sometimes blistering.

What is the impact of a sunburn?

The impact of a sunburn goes beyond red, blistered, peeling skin, but it can actually leave long term damage within our bodies and skin. A sunburn accelerates signs of ageing such as wrinkles, but most importantly lead to skin cancer. The melanin within our skin (provides pigment to skin, eyes, hair) also works as protection against any dangerous ultraviolet rays as it absorbs them, reducing their penetration into our skin.

Melanin can’t absorb all the ultraviolet rays our skin comes into contact with, especially as some people don’t have as much melanin, such as those with paler skin. When the amount of UV rays exceeds the amount of protection our melanin can provide, this when a sunburn occurs.

What treatments & remedies are there for sunburn?

Cool compresses

Applying cool compresses to the affected areas can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Use a clean cloth soaked in cold water and gently apply it to the sunburned skin for 15-20 minutes several times a day.

Hydration

Sunburn draws fluid to the skin’s surface and away from the rest of the body, which can lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water to help rehydrate your body and replenish lost fluids.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is renowned for its soothing properties and is a popular remedy for sunburn. Apply pure aloe vera gel or lotion to the affected areas to help moisturize the skin, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

Moisturisers

Using gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers can help soothe sunburned skin and prevent it from becoming dry and peeling. Look for moisturisers containing ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or ceramides.

Over-the-counter pain relief

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with sunburn. Follow the dosage instructions carefully.

Avoid further sun exposure

Once you have sunburn, it’s crucial to protect your skin from further UV exposure. Stay out of the sun until your skin has healed completely, and when you do go outside, wear protective clothing, seek shade, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Oatmeal baths

Taking a cool bath with colloidal oatmeal can help soothe sunburned skin and reduce itching. Alternatively, you can make a paste with oatmeal and water and apply it directly to the affected areas.

Hydrating foods

In addition to drinking water, consider consuming hydrating foods such as watermelon, which can provide additional moisture and essential nutrients to support skin healing.