Beaches, parks and mountain peaks are some of the best places to relax and feel free. Unfortunately, they are also the places you're most likely to get sunburnt. Most days, getting exposed to the sun cannot be helped. However, if you like hiking, swimming or other outdoor activities, the risk for sunburn is higher.
The good news is that we can learn about sunburn care and also learn how to seriously reduce our risk of ever getting burnt. In this article, we’ll talk about what sunburn is, the different types of sunburn, and what to do for sunburn, including immediate remedies and aftercare.
What Is A Sunburn?
Sunburn is an inflammatory reaction of the skin's outer layers caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. Sunburn occurs when skin cells become red, puffy, and painful due to prolonged unprotected sun exposure in persons with less melanin. Sunburns vary in terms of severity.
Meanwhile, melanin is the pigment that gives your skin its color and protects it from the sun's rays. Melanin is responsible for the darkening of sun-exposed skin. Genetics determines how much melanin you have, so some individuals get burnt while others tan.
Different Levels Of Sunburn
First Degree Sunburn
Sunburns of the first degree are common. They’re considered mild sunburns since they only affect the skin's surface layer. This type of sunburn is characterized by the skin turning red, and itching in the affected area (i.e., sunburn itch). Your skin, however, will not blister, and swelling will be minimal. You can take care of a first-degree sunburn at home. Most people recover in one to two days.
Second Degree Sunburn
This type of sunburn is more intense than a first-degree sunburn because blisters are often present. Superficial partial-thickness burns occur when a portion of your dermis is injured. The burnt skin will become white if you rub it. When you apply pressure and let go of your skin, it will turn red. Moderate pain and discomfort, swelling, and second degree sunburn blisters are likely to occur. Typically, the symptoms remain for 48 hours. Be careful not to pop the blisters.
Third Degree Sunburn
Sunburns aren't only unpleasant and unattractive. They’re one of the skin concerns you should address quickly. That’s because sunburns can also put you at risk for serious skin damage, and can significantly raise your risks for skin cancer.
So, what’s good for sunburn? There are many ways to get rid of a sunburn but treatments and results will differ based on severity.
Tips for sunburn relief
Best Home Remedy For Sunburn
- Cool water
Cooling down the afflicted area is a straightforward sunburn treatment. In fact, it’s a common technique to relieve inflammation. Dipping in and out of the water, whether it's an ocean, a lake, or a stream, is an excellent method for treating sunburn right away. However, avoid going into the pool since it is likely to contain chlorine, which can aggravate the burned area. Best advice? Take a bath. When you're done, pat dry yourself and don't rub the towel all over.
- Baking soda bath
If you take a bath for sunburn relief, add some baking soda to the tub. Fill your bathtub with cold water and a cup of baking soda, mix well, and soak for 20 to 30 minutes. The burn is relieved because of baking soda’s alkaline nature. It can also help you manage itching, inflammation, healing, and moisture retention by breaking down proteins and acids and balancing the body's pH levels.
- Hydration
Your skin is a functioning organ but dehydration inhibits the skin’s capacity to heal from damage. When your skin is inflamed or burned, it loses water. Specifically, sunburns cause fluid to be drawn to the skin's surface and away from the rest of the body. Staying hydrated can help you recover faster and minimize the severity of your symptoms. It would be best to replace your lost bodily fluids and electrolytes regularly for a quick recovery.
Supplement your efforts with essential oils, herbs, and natural products.
Best Remedy For Sunburn Using Natural Ingredients
- Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a great remedy for sunburn on lips. The gel inside this cactus plant eases discomfort, quickens healing, and moisturizes the skin. Either split a plant leaf and apply the sap directly to the skin or buy pure aloe vera gel at your local drugstore. Be careful because some people have allergic reactions to aloe. It would be a good idea to test the aloe vera on a small patch of skin first.
- Honey
Since Egyptian times, this sticky substance has been utilized as a topical burn salve. Today, honey is still used for instant sunburn relief. Kathi Kemper, M.D., author of The Holistic Pediatrician, writes that there are studies proving ’honey may perform better than certain antibiotic creams at speeding up healing, lowering infection, and minimizing discomfort." However, if you’re treating sunburn on a baby under 12 months, avoid using honey because ingesting it can cause infant botulism.
- Chamomile tea
Different teas are popular natural skincare ingredients. In particular, chamomile has antioxidant, anti-aging, and anti-cancer characteristics. Plus, chamomile aids in the regulation of enzymes that guard against all types of skin irritation. For sunburn relief, you may apply chamomile tea bags to the affected areas. Bring the tea bags to a boil and then set them aside to cool. After that, place the bags in the affected region. Meanwhile, you’ll need to take a bath with the tea if the sunburnt area is wide. Simply boil the bags, and then add the solution to your bath.
- Coconut oil
Experts say that applying cold-pressed, organic coconut oil is the best treatment for sunburn because it combats dryness. However, you should only use coconut oil after the skin has cooled and the blisters have faded because the thick material might trap heat and exacerbate symptoms. Apply the coconut oil generously for natural sunburn treatment once your skin is ready, which may take a few days.
Food To Reduce Sunburn Pain And Hasten Recovery
Whether you forgot to put on sunscreen or stayed out too long, the right food in your diet will help you avoid or heal a sunburn.
- Almonds
Almonds are high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the skin from the sun while allowing fiber, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids to accumulate. Almond oil and almond milk are popular UV-protection products that help keep your skin smooth and supple.
- Green tea
According to a 2016 study, the polyphenols in green tea can help prevent sunburn and decrease its damaging effects. Green tea can reduce the damage caused by sunburns and excessive UV exposure. Additionally, according to University of Maryland Medical Center experts, the polyphenol in tea has anti-cancer properties. So, it can help prevent the formation and progression of skin cancers.
- Salmon
Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your skin and give it a healthy shine. These fatty acids will keep your skin hydrated and healthy-looking. Omega 3 also helps improve resistance to sunburns, as proven in a clinical study.
- Tomatoes
Tomatoes are high in lycopene, an antioxidant that decreases the inflammatory response to UV damage. Significant quantities of lycopene are found in tomato ketchup, soup, and juice.
- Carrots
Carrots are high in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that promotes good skin and protects against various ailments. Beta-carotene protects skin from age-accelerating free radicals, keeping it healthy. These antioxidants can help protect your skin from sunburn and UV radiation if you consume them regularly.
Though incorporating these foods will help you deal with UV rays, don’t forget to use protective gear and sunscreen. Eating a lot of healthy food doesn't make you immune to sunburns. Just consider these foods an extra layer of protection for your skin.
Moreover, note that the symptoms of sunburn can grow unbearable, and home remedies and food can have little to no effect, especially for second and third-degree sunburns. In that case, seek advice from medical professionals. Medicine and soothing products will also help.
Medicine And Products For Sunburn Relief
- Lotion with aloe vera
Aloe vera lotions can be used to heal and hydrate sunburned skin. Lidocaine, an anesthetic that can help reduce sunburn discomfort, is found in several aloe products. Aloe vera is also an excellent moisturizer for skin that is flaking after a day in the sun.
- Advil / Ibuprofen
The Skin Cancer Foundation confirms that ibuprofen is an effective pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent, so it can help decrease sunburn pain. Ibuprofen is also a good sunburn redness reducer. It even decreases swelling when taken at the onset of sunburn symptoms and is sustained for 48 hours. Ibuprofen may also aid you in preventing irreversible skin damage in some circumstances.
- Moist burn pads
Moist burn pads contain pure, sterile water designed to keep the burnt area calm and relaxed. This product is said to provide instant relief, odorless, and non-irritant. The moisture it provides serves as a barrier that aids in the healing process while protecting the area from further damage. These burn pads are best for treating 1st and 2nd-degree burns, wounds, abrasions, bites, and scrapes.
- Hydrocolloid gel bandages
Hydrocolloid dressings are advanced wound care solutions that are waterproof and self-adherent, making them simple to apply and excellent at speeding up healing. The hydrocolloid bandage's aim is to provide a moist healing environment for the sunburnt area. Hydrocolloid dressings insulate the burnt region while utilizing the body's moisture and natural enzymes to break away the dead tissue. The hydrocolloid bandages can be left in place for up to a week.
Sunburn aftercare
Follow-up care is vital in getting rid of a sunburn properly, and also, for your safety, we want to reduce the risks of infection and further skin damage. The basics are to take cold showers often and apply the soothing lotions stated earlier on sunburned areas. Plus, go to all of your appointments, and if you have any concerns, immediately call your doctor or nurse. It's also a good idea to keep track of your test results and your medications.
Taking care of sun blisters
Small blisters usually heal on their own. However, popping the blisters is not a good idea. Simply ignore them. Cover the blisters only if they are pressing against something, such as clothes. Apply a loose bandage if you do decide to cover them. Tape can be used to keep the dressing in place, but it should not come into contact with the blisters. Replace your bandage daily or when it becomes damp or filthy. To make it easier to remove, soak it in cold water shortly before removing it. Wearing garments or shoes that rub or aggravate the blisters should be avoided until they have fully healed.
More prominent blisters are usually the size of a nickel or bigger. If you have huge blisters, you should drain them unless your doctor advises otherwise. After cleaning a needle with rubbing alcohol or soap and water, gently pierce the blister's edge. Push the blister's fluid toward the hole you formed. After you've drained the blister, wash it and wipe it dry with clean gauze. Remove the flap of skin that covers the blister only if it rips, becomes unclean, or pus grows beneath it. The flap protects the healing skin under the flap.
Final words
Going outdoors should be a time for relaxation and bonding with your family and friends. Sunburns should not get in the way of that. Remember that the best approach to treating sunburn is to avoid it. Best practices include wearing sunscreen (at least SPF 40), sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and finding shade.
Now that you know the best treatments for sunburn, we hope you heal fast and enjoy your next day under the sun. Just remember to take care of your skin wherever you go. If you want skincare products that cater to your skin’s unique needs, get personalized skincare from Proven.
