What To Do After A Sunburn?
Unprotected sun exposure is a key contributor to skin damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer. But let’s face it, even those of us who take every precaution to protect our skin against the harmful UVA and UVB rays can sometimes mess up. And when we get a sunburn, we sure do pay the price.
What to do after a sunburn?
Stay hydrated
When your skin is fried, it’s also diminished in the moisture it needs to function at its best.
Replenish your entire body with water during this time. When your body is hydrated, it will help to soothe sunburn and heal faster.
So, drink up. This is also a good time to nourish and hydrate the skin’s surface to keep it from becoming dry, more irritated, and itchy.
Try anti-irritant
There is no substitute for a true anti-irritant product. Look for a product that lists among its indications treatment of sunburn and skin irritation. These products are formulated to address the symptoms of sunburn and in the U.S.A. are over-the-counter drugs. Sunburn is a medical condition that should be treated properly.
Manage pain
With most sunburn comes pain and inflammation. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can definitely help with the discomfort. Always take medication as directed on the label, and discontinue use if you have any issues.
Cooldown
If your body feels like it’s on fire after getting sunburned, then take a moment to cool down. Take a cool shower or bath to help alleviate the discomfort and keep your overall body temperature from rising. Avoid washcloths, as they can feel like coarse sandpaper gnawing at your skin. If you can, forget about using soap. Some harsh cleansers and fragrances in your bar soap or shower gel can aggravate your already irritated skin.
Don’t linger too long in the tub. If you soak for too long, chances are your skin will become dryer and more irritated. Remember, dry skin leads to itching, and scratching a sunburn leads to pain!
