How to Heal Sunburn Fast

At CHOLLEY we know that sunburns are one of the most uncomfortable things that effects people during the sunnier months of the year. It is uncomfortable and itchy and causes redness, heat and a tight sensation. We have deeply invested in skin health, and we like to walk you through how to heal sunburn fast and how to reverse sun damage. We will do so using simple, effective steps based on cooling, hydration and controlling inflammation.

This guide will be helpful for those who suffer from a mild sunburn or just are looking for a faster way to speed up their recovery. We will use an approach that will relive discomfort while at the same time supporting the skin’s natural healing process. For further reading into this topic, we also suggest that you read our article about if is it safe to use sunscreen on a sunburn.

Sunburn is essentially your skin’s natural response to Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Sunburn effects the skin by damaging the top layer of the skin and causing inflammation. This will lead to redness, heat, tenderness and sometime peeling skin as the skin starts the recovery process. It is essential to give sunburn time to heal itself. Although time is essential the correct aftercare can significantly ease symptoms and support the recovery process.

To provide relief for sunburn cooling is your first line of defence against the heat and discomfort. By reducing the surface temperature, you can help to soothe the irritated skin and reduce the inflammation.

For 10 to 15 minutes at a time apply a clean washcloth soaked in cool (not ice cold) water to the sunburned area. You can repeat this several times a day. By being able to draw heat away from the skin cool compresses can provide immediate relief to inflames skin.

Another cooling strategy is by taking cool baths. These cool baths can lower the skin temperature and ease the tight burning sensations. It is also recommended to avoid hot water and not stay in the bath for too long. This is because prolonged exposure can cause dryness to your skin.

Sunburn actually effects more than just the surface of your skin. It also effects the deeper layer of the skin by pulling moisture from the deeper layers of the skin. This is why hydration is an essential part of the healing process.

After a sunburn you should aim to drink more water than you usually do. Sunburn can cause dehydration even though you may not feel thirsty. By staying hydrated you can help your skin regenerate more efficiently. It also good to drink sports drinks with electrolytes which can replenish what you have lost.

Gently apply a fragrance-free moisturizer while your skin is still damp from the cooling routine. This will help you lock in moisture and help excessive dryness and peeling later. Look for soothing emollient ingredients like glycerine or hyaluronic acid. These ingredients will help your skin retain its natural moisture barrier.

The source of discomfort during sunburn is inflammation. This inflammation causes redness, swelling, and sensitivity. Addressing inflammation can help to ease symptoms and support the healing process.

Aloe vera is one of the natural remedies which is well known for cooling and calming inflamed skin. The anti-inflammatory properties with Aloe Vera can provide relief when applied in a pure form or in gentle after sun products. Make sure the formulations are free from alcohol and harsh additives that can cause further skin irritation.

To reduce systemic inflammation and ease pain it is also recommended to use over the counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers like ibuprofen. It is also recommended to follow the correct dosage direction. In addition, you should also check with healthcare providers if you are unsure whether it is right for you.

It is also very important to protect your skin from further damage as the sunburn is healing. No matter what you are doing being stepping outside or living your daily life providing a protective layer to the skin is essential.

Even a mild sunburn can still make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. Without proper protection continued exposure can make your sunburn worse and delay the healing process. This is why you need high-quality broad-spectrum sunscreen!

As part of our skin health philosophy at CHOLLEY we recommend using a gentle and nourishing sunscreen that supports your skin even after a burn. We suggest for daily protection using CHOLLEY Sun Protection Cream for daily protection as your sunburn starts to calm down.

This advanced sun protection cream:

• Provides comprehensive broad-spectrum UVA and UVB defense, helping shield compromised skin from additional sun damage which is an essential part of the recovery process.
• Infused with potent antioxidants and plant stem cell extracts that work to combat free radical damage while strengthening the skin’s natural resilience.
• Thoughtfully formulated for sensitive and delicate skin, making it especially appropriate when your complexion is healing after excessive sun exposure.

You must apply sunscreen again once you leave the house after the intensity of the burn has eased. Sunscreen must be the final step when it comes to your skincare routine and always apply according to the sun exposure.

As you recover from your sunburn there are certain things that you could do which will make the healing process easier.

• Do not use harsh chemicals and exfoliants which can irritate the already inflamed skin.
• Avoid using products that have heavy occlusives like petroleum jelly since these products can trap heat and delay cooling.
• Avoid exposing the sunburned area to the sun again until it has healed.
• Since heat increases the inflammation avoid hot showers and baths.

It is also very important to create a gentle and soothing strategy to help your skin to focus on healing rather than defending against further irritations.

One of the most important things you should know when it comes to sunburns is that there are ways to help your skin heal faster, but it takes time. It can take several days to a week for first degree sunburns to be resolved. The more severe cases of sunburn can take longer and may even require medical care.

You need to create the ideal environment for your skin to recover with less discomfort. This requires cooling, hydrating and anti-inflammatory care.

We recommend that you take the following steps:

• Cool down your skin right away.
• Provide hydration from inside out to the skin.
• Use calming product to further soothe inflammation.
• Provide protection to the skin using sunscreens like the CHOLLEY’s Alpine Solar Defence sun protection once it is appropriate.

Treating sunburn requires care and proper skincare. This will significantly ease your sunburn symptoms and help your skin to become radiant and healthy once again.

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