With the arrival of summer, spending more time outdoors increases the risk of sunburn. According to a survey by the American Academy of Dermatology, more than one out of every three adults experienced sunburn last year. Sunburn, if not treated properly, can lead to severe skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer, experts warn.
Angela Rosoff, a wellness and beauty expert at the face yoga app Luvly, shared seven main remedies to treat sun-damaged skin. Here are the tips she recommended:
1. Soak the pain away: After spending too much time in the sun, take a cold shower to wash away any skin irritants. Apply a moisturizer containing aloe vera and jojoba oil to soothe the burn. Additionally, soaking in a bath with black tea bags or oats can help reduce inflammation.
2. Moisturize constantly: Aloe vera is a powerful remedy for sunburn due to its water and anti-inflammatory compounds. Keep aloe vera in the fridge during the summer months for quick relief. For areas that can’t be moisturized, such as eyes or lips, use cucumber slices.
3. Ease the pain: Taking an anti-inflammatory pain medication like ibuprofen at the first sign of sunburn can provide immediate relief and reduce swelling.
4. Stay hydrated: Sunburn can cause dehydration, so it’s important to drink plenty of ice-cold water and sports drinks to rehydrate the body and replenish electrolytes.
5. Keep cool: Open windows and doors to let cool air in, wear loose, breathable clothing, and use air conditioning on the coldest setting for extra relief. Avoid sitting in the sun, even in the shade.
6. Avoid peeling and popping: Let your skin blister and peel naturally to allow the healthy skin underneath to heal. Popping blisters can expose your body to harmful bacteria and make the recovery more painful.
7. Protect yourself: Repeat sun damage can have long-term effects on the skin and health, including skin cancer. It’s crucial to protect your skin by using high-SPF sunscreen moisturizer, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding excessive sun exposure.
Remember to treat sunburn as a lesson learned and take precautions to prevent it in the future. Sun protection is essential for maintaining healthy skin and preventing long-term damage.
