Summer is a time for relaxation and sunlight, but even the most careful people can end up with a sunburn. It’s essential to know how to properly care for your skin after it’s been damaged by the sun. In this article, we’ll discuss the best methods to recover your skin after sunburn and provide tips to help you avoid complications. As noted by the editorial team of Baltimore Chronicle, timely and proper treatment helps restore the skin more quickly.
What is a Sunburn and Why Does it Occur?
A sunburn is skin damage caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. When the skin absorbs more UV radiation than it can handle, inflammation occurs, resulting in redness, pain, and even blisters.
How UV Rays Affect the Skin
UV rays are divided into two types: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, contributing to skin aging and cancer, while UVB rays cause the most sunburns and redness on the skin’s surface.
How to Relieve Pain and Inflammation After Sunburn?
If you have a sunburn, it’s important to take immediate action to reduce inflammation and ease the pain.
Cold Shower or Bath
Cooling the skin right after a sunburn reduces pain and inflammation. It’s recommended to take a cold shower or bath to cool down the affected skin areas.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is a well-known natural remedy to reduce inflammation and hydrate the skin. It helps restore damaged skin and reduces redness quickly.
Hydrocortisone Creams
These creams reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. Using hydrocortisone cream after a sunburn can help speed up the healing process.
Which Products Help to Restore Skin?
Skin recovery after sunburn depends not only on external care but also on nutrition. Here are some products that can help speed up the healing process:
Milk
Milk has cooling properties due to its composition—lactose and fats—that calm the skin, reduce inflammation, and help hydrate the skin.
Honey
Honey has antibacterial and healing properties, which help speed up recovery and prevent infections.
Olive Oil
Olive oil contains antioxidants and vitamins that nourish and hydrate the skin, promoting quick recovery.
How to Avoid Repeated Sunburns?
To avoid sunburn in the future, it’s important to take preventive measures.
Use Sunscreen
Choose sunscreens with SPF of at least 30 and apply them to your skin 20-30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours and after swimming.
Wear Protective Clothing
For additional sun protection, use special clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
Avoid the Sun During Peak Hours
Sunlight is most intense from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. During this time, it’s better to stay in the shade or wear protective clothing.
Practical Tips for Quickly Restoring Skin
- Cool down your skin immediately after sunburn: A cold shower or wet towel can help relieve pain and inflammation.
- Use soothing products: Aloe vera or hydrocortisone creams will help restore the skin faster.
- Drink plenty of water: This will help maintain hydration in your skin and body.
- Avoid touching the affected areas: This could cause infection and complicate the healing process.
Recommendations for Restoring Skin After Sunburn
| Treatment Methods | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Shower | Cools the skin, reduces inflammation | Quick relief from pain |
| Aloe Vera | Natural soothing and hydrating agent | Reduces redness, helps skin heal |
| Hydrocortisone Cream | Reduces inflammation, accelerates healing | Fast inflammation reduction |
| Milk | Cools the skin, reduces inflammation | Natural healing agent |
| Honey | Speeds up healing, has antibacterial properties | Helps restore skin and prevent infections |
Earlier we wrote about what’s the difference between professional and mass-market skincare?