Summer is right around the corner, which means if you haven’t been applying sunscreen regularly, now is the time to stock up!  There is nothing cute about a bright red sunburn – but more than that, each burn is incredibly dangerous and increases your chances of premature aging and skin cancer. Whether you’re lounging in the shade or playing in the sun, it’s important to reapply your sunscreen every two hours.

But if you do get caught up in the fun and forget about your sun safety, you may be left with (at minimum) a painful burn. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to minimize lasting damage and help your skin return to its healthy, glowing appearance.

Hop into the bath and take a pain reliever

Some sunburns can be extremely painful and irritating, especially if it’s on your scalp, shoulders, ears, and neck. If you’re experiencing any pain, taking a cool bath can bring down your body temperature and temporarily soothe your burns. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever can provide you with some serious relief so you can fall asleep or focus on work.

Apply a moisturizer that contains Aloe Vera

Moisturizers that contain aloe vera or soy extract are best at soothing itchy and painful sunburns on your body and face. After having a cool shower, slather your body in the moisturizer and avoid getting dressed until it is all absorbed. Aloe vera jelly (that green stuff hidden in the back of your skincare drawer) can also ease irritation and help promote healing. 

Stay hydrated

After getting a sunburn, you’re at an increased risk for becoming dehydrated as your body temperature is higher than usual. While you’re waiting for your skin to drink up the moisturizer, pour yourself an extra tall glass of cold water. If you stay hydrated, you’ll feel much better as you’re replacing the water that your skin’s surface has taken from the rest of your body. Even though a glass of wine might be tempting, it’s best to stick with water and beverages that contain electrolytes after getting a sunburn.

Staying hydrated, even when you don’t have a sunburn, is key for your skin’s glowing appearance.

Avoid itching, peeling, or breaking blisters

This is by far the trickiest task of all. During the healing process, sunburns can become wildly itchy but it’s important that you avoid touching the burns (other than when you’re applying moisturizer). Itching, peeling, and breaking blisters can lead to infection or can cause your burn to heal unevenly, leaving you with a blotchy tan after.

Stay out of the sun until your skin has healed

As a rule of thumb, avoid unprotected and protected sun exposure for at least one week after getting a sunburn. Even if your burn looks like it’s healed, UV rays can also cause invisible damage. When you head back to the beach after a sunburn, be sure to apply sunscreens with an SPF of 40 to 50—after a painful sunburn, the higher SPF, the better!

Protecting your skin is about so much more than just looking and feeling good – remember that unprotected UV exposure from the sun’s rays can do more than give you an unsightly burn. Repeated reckless sun safety can result in skin cancer or the premature aging of the skin. If you have questions about the best skin care for you, book a free consultation today.