When sunburn occurs, we must take it very seriously. It is not just a minor skin discomfort but rather it is real skin damage due to our skin being overexposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Clearly you must do certain logical things such as staying out of the sun to avoid making it worst. But some people do make certain mistakes which can make the sunburn worst. Let’s now look at 7 things you should not do when you have sunburned skin and things that you must do instead to help heal your damaged skin. For further reading on this topic we also recommend that you read our article about if should you put sunscreen on a sunburn.
1.Do Not Take Hot Showers
The top layer of our skin has essential oils which are there to help to protect it. By taking a hot shower it strips the skin from these essential oils and can cause further inflammation to the skin. A hot shower for sunburned skin which is dry, tight and irritated can be very harmful. It can leave your skin in a much worst condition.
What to Do Instead:
Try taking lukewarm or cool showers. By taking showers with cool or lukewarm water your skin will be soothed, and no further damage will be caused to it. Also make sure to path dry the skin gently after taking a shower and not rub it. It is also a good idea to apply moisturizer to the skin after taking a shower while the skin is still damp to lock in hydration.
2. Do Not Use Harsh Soaps or Fragranced Products
You can find alcohol, synthetic fragrances or sulfates in many soaps and body washes. These ingredients are harmful to irritating and sensitive skin which has been sunburned. By using these products, you can cause stinging and peeling to the skin and delay the healing process.
What to Do Instead:
Choose soaps and body washes that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and alcohol free. It is also advisable that you do the same when it comes to choosing a moisturizer. Try looking for products that have ingredients such as glycerine, ceramides or colloidal oatmeal. All these ingredients are known for their soothing and skin barrier-repairing qualities.
3.Do Not Pop or Peel Blisters
When blisters are formed, they protect those deeper layers of the skin from getting infected and further injuries. Raw skin is exposed when you pop them which can cause the risk of infection, cause scarring and delay healing.
What to Do Instead:
You should leave blisters intact since they will heal naturally. Clean the blisters if they break on their own with mild soap and water. Also make sure to cover it with sterile, no-stick bandage and avoid wearing tight clothing that may irritate it.
4. Do Not Apply Petroleum Jelly or Oily Ointments Immediately
Petroleum jelly has certain benefits such as its ability to lock in moisture, but it is not advisable to be used on freshly burned skin. This is because it can trap heat in freshly burned skin which can make pain and inflammation even worst in early period of sunburn.
What to Do Instead:
When you have freshly burned skin during the first 24-48 hours it is essential to use cool compresses and lightweight moisturizers. You can also try using after sun gels that contain aloe vera or soy. You can start using thicker moisturizers once heat has been dissipated from the skin and the burning sensation has decreased.
5.Do Not Re-Expose the Area to the Sun
Our skin is very vulnerable to further UV damage from the sun once we suffer sunburn.
Even a few minutes of exposure to the sun for sunburned skin can cause some serious skin damage to the skin.
What to Do Instead:
It is best to stay indoors or if you are exposed to sun and must go outdoors you must cover the area with soft breathable clothing. If your skin has healed and you can use sunscreen you must use a sunscreen with a SPF 30 or higher. Also make sure the sunscreen you are using is suitable for sensitive skin and it is gentle. Mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often the best options.
6. Do Not Scratch Forcefully or Exfoliate the Peeling Skin
Many are tempted to peel off flaking skin. But doing this can be harmful since it can strip off healthy tissues which can lead to infection and scarring. Bacteria can also be introduced into the skin by scratching it.
What to Do Instead:
The best solution is to let your skin peel naturally. You can also use a gentle exfoliating cloth (but not a scrub) in the shower if the peeling is sever. You must also moisturize the skin regularly to reduce flakiness. Applying soothing lotions with hyaluronic or chamomile can also help to reduce inflammation.
7. Don’t Ignore Signs of Sever Sunburn
Sever sunburn can be very harmful. It can lead to sun poisoning, dehydration, chills, and even second-degree burns. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to serious complications and you should seek proper medical treatment.
What to Do Instead:
Make sure to lookout for symptoms such as:
- Sever blistering over a large portion of the body
- High fever or chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness and confusion
You should seek medical attention immediately if you suffer any of the above symptoms. In cases of mild sunburn, it can be treated at home but in cases of sever sunburn proper medical attention is essential.
Some Bonus Tips for Healing Sunburn Fast
We have explained what to do and what not to do when you have sunburn above. We like to add several bonus tips also in order to help your skin recover better.
Stay Hydrated
Moisture is drawn away from your skin due to sunburn. Make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. This will help your skin heel itself from within.
Use Anti-inflammatory Medication
By using over the counter medication such as aspirin and ibuprofen swelling, redness and discomfort can be reduced.
Cool Compresses
You can also apply soft damped towels soaked in cold water to the affected areas. Do this for 15-20 minutes at a time to ease burning and inflammation.
Some Final Thoughts
Even when we try to protect our skin sunburn can still happen. But how we react after getting sunburned is as important as those steps we take to prevent it from happening. By following our seven steps above and using remedies approved by dermatologist the healing period can be faster and damage minimized.
The best remedy for sunburn is to try preventing it from happening in the first place. Make sure to always wear sunscreen, seek shade during the peak hours when sun is at its strongest and wear protective clothing and hats.
