Is your skin red and itchy after a few hours in the sun? Sounds like sunburn. But you don't need to let sunburn ruin the fun一and you don’t have to wait ‘til you get home to act on it. There are effective sunburn remedies you can adopt even if you're far from home. The earlier you treat the symptoms, the lower the risk of sunburn complications.
This article will discuss how to get rid of sunburn fast using easy-to-find items such as drinking water and aloe vera gel.
How To Get Rid of Sunburn Fast With Water or Ice
Does cold water help sunburn?
It does. Bathing in cold water at the onset of sunburn symptoms can give comfort from the burning feeling of your sun-damaged skin. If you are far from home, a dip in the ocean or a stream you passed on the mountain trail can do the job. It is crucial that your skin cools down and moisturizes to prevent further skin damage. However, be careful not to dive back into a chlorine-treated swimming pool because the chemicals might do worse for your skin.
Does drinking water help sunburn?
Yes. Your prolonged exposure to the sun draws fluid to the skin's surface and away from the rest of your body, causing dry skin and driving up your body temperature. Gulping water and electrolyte-infused drinks will replenish lost fluids caused by sunburn. Milk, fruit-infused water, fruit juice, watermelon, sports drinks, tea, and coconut water are great alternatives. Drinking water also lowers your temperature, which is vital to avoiding heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. It is important to know that the sun's rays are stronger at higher altitudes, making sunburn happen more quickly. So when you're hiking or at a high-altitude vacation spot, keeping hydrated helps you get rid of sunburn fast. Upping water consumption is also a great way to hydrate dry skin.
Does icing a sunburn work?
Instead of ice, put wet cloth over the burnt area. The damp cloth will protect the brunt area from scratches and sun exposure. Plus, it will draw out the heat and keep it moisturized. If you can’t find an alternative to an ice pack, just make sure to wrap it in cloth before using it on your skin.
How To Get Rid Of Sunburn Fast With Soothing Products
Is Vaseline for sunburn a good idea?
Vaseline has long been a mainstay in the medical and beauty industries due to petroleum jelly's emollient properties. However, Vaseline should not be used as an instant treatment for sunburn or sun damage on the face. Vaseline is an oil-based product, which means it might trap heat and exacerbate your symptoms.
Despite Vaseline's label saying that it may be used to treat "small burns," you should only use it on burns that are already healing. In place of petroleum jelly, try aloe vera or another natural moisturizer.
Is aloe vera good for sunburn?
Aloe vera is an ideal and inexpensive option for treating sunburns at home. This is due to its soothing, moisturizing, and cooling properties. Sunburn causes the skin to lose moisture and aloe vera can assist in keeping moisture in place. The best approach to utilize aloe vera is to take the gel directly from the plant and onto the burned area. Unlike Vaseline, aloe vera also promotes collagen formation, which aids in the healing process. That’s why aloe vera is one of the most popular natural skincare ingredients.
Can you put sunscreen on sunburn?
Some experts say that applying sunscreen on a sunburn can prevent further sun damage if you have to go out. But it comes with risks. Sunscreen can contain chemicals that can irritate your skin. Plus, sunscreen can lock in moisture (including sweat) and heat which is bad for recovery. So, when you get a sunburn, like most inflammations and illnesses, it is recommended that you stay at home. Let your body recover.
How To Get Rid Of Sunburn Overnight
Does sleep help sunburn?
Now that you've done enough to help your skin heal and let your body do the rest, sleep! We know that sleeping with sunburnt skin can be challenging. Clothes constantly rubbing the burn area and an irresistible need to scratch your skin can make your night difficult. So, wear loose-fitting clothes. And whatever you do, don’t scratch your skin nor pop your blisters.
As uncomfortable as it may be, do your best to get a good night’s sleep. If you don't, you’ll disrupt your body's production of specific cytokines that help manage inflammation. If you're having a hard time, an aspirin or ibuprofen will help ease the pain.
When To See A Doctor
The last thing we want is for anyone to be rushed to the hospital for medical treatment. But if none of the remedies stated earlier worked, it’s best to seek help from a doctor. Pay close attention to these symptoms:
- Blistering that covers a large portion of your body
- Blisters on the face, hands, or genitals
- Severe swelling
- Signs of infection like pain, pus, or red streaks leading away from an open blister
- No signs of improvement within a few days
Plus, look out for these symptoms of severe sunburn:
- A fever of over 103 degrees Fahrenheit
- Confusion
- Fainting
- Dehydration
Any of these symptoms are a sign of danger. Get medical care as soon as possible.
Conclusion
The most effective sunburn hacks include running a cold bath, drinking more water, applying a damp cloth, using aloe vera, and getting enough sleep. Meanwhile, ice, Vaseline, and sunscreen on sunburned skin are not advisable and should be avoided. Additionally, for sunburn aftercare, it’s ideal to get your skin checked.
Not all skin types are created equal. Your skin type affects how easily you get sunburnt一some easily burn more than others. This is also true for other skin issues. This is why personalized products are your skin’s best bet.
Formulate your custom skincare with Proven so you can be sure that your skincare routine gives you everything that you need and nothing that you don’t. Take the test now and experience the power of personalized skincare.
