We’ve all been there—a fun day in the sun that ends with red, sore, and irritated skin. Sunburn is not only uncomfortable, but it can also cause long-term damage to your skin. Sunburn is essentially a form of skin damage caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. While prevention is always better than cure, knowing how to treat sunburn properly can help minimise pain and accelerate healing. Dr. Tom Goyer, a skincare expert in Sydney, shares his best tips for treating sunburn and how to care for your skin as it heals.
What Is Sunburn and How Does It Affect Your Skin?
Sunburn occurs when the skin is exposed to too much UV radiation, causing damage to the outermost layers of the skin. This damage triggers an inflammatory response, resulting in redness, pain, and, in severe cases, blistering. Sunburn can range from mild to severe, and repeated sun exposure increases your risk of skin cancer and premature aging.
Step-by-Step Guide to Treating Sunburn
While sunburn can’t be undone, following the right steps can help alleviate symptoms, promote healing, and prevent further damage.
1. Cool Your Skin
The first thing you should do when you realize you have a sunburn is to cool the skin down. This can help reduce inflammation and soothe the burning sensation.
- Cool Showers or Baths: Take a cool (not cold) shower or bath to lower your skin’s temperature. Avoid using hot water, as it can further irritate the skin.
- Cool Compresses: If you don’t want to shower, apply cool compresses to the affected areas. Soak a soft cloth in cool water and gently press it on your skin.
Tip: Avoid using ice directly on the sunburned skin, as this can cause further damage.
2. Moisturise Immediately
After cooling your skin, it’s crucial to lock in moisture to prevent peeling and dryness. Sunburn dries out the skin, so applying a moisturiser can help replenish lost hydration.
- Use a Gentle Moisturiser: Choose a fragrance-free, alcohol-free moisturiser with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid. Aloe vera is particularly beneficial for its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tip: Moisturise the skin while it’s still damp to seal in moisture and speed up the healing process.
3. Stay Hydrated
Sunburn draws fluid to the skin’s surface, which can dehydrate the rest of your body. Drinking plenty of water is essential to rehydrate and help your skin heal from within.
- How Much to Drink: Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, or more if you feel especially dehydrated from sun exposure.
Tip: Include water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges in your diet to boost hydration.
4. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Sunburn can be painful, especially if the burn is severe. If you’re feeling uncomfortable, over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Ibuprofen or aspirin can help alleviate pain and reduce swelling associated with sunburn.
Tip: Always follow the dosage instructions on the label, and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
5. Soothe with Natural Remedies
There are several natural remedies you can use to relieve sunburn symptoms and promote healing.
- Aloe Vera: As mentioned, aloe vera is one of the best natural treatments for sunburn. Apply aloe vera gel directly from the plant or purchase a pure aloe vera product for cooling relief.
- Coconut Oil: Once the heat has subsided, you can apply coconut oil to nourish and hydrate the skin. Coconut oil contains fatty acids that help repair the skin barrier.
- Oatmeal Baths: Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe irritated skin. Add finely ground oats to a cool bath and soak for 15-20 minutes.
Tip: Avoid applying petroleum-based products like Vaseline on fresh sunburn, as they can trap heat in the skin and worsen the burn.
6. Avoid Further Sun Exposure
While your skin is healing, it’s critical to avoid additional sun exposure. Sunburned skin is more vulnerable to damage, and further exposure can delay the healing process.
- Stay Indoors: Limit your time in the sun and seek shade when you need to be outside. If you must go out, cover up with clothing and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Use Sunscreen: If your skin can tolerate it, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect any exposed areas. Reapply every two hours or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
Tip: Stick to loose-fitting, breathable clothing made of natural fibres like cotton to avoid further irritation to sunburned skin.
7. Avoid Picking or Peeling
As your sunburn heals, your skin may begin to peel. It can be tempting to pick at peeling skin, but doing so can delay healing and increase the risk of infection.
- Let Skin Heal Naturally: Peeling is a sign that your skin is regenerating and shedding damaged cells. Allow the peeling process to happen naturally without pulling or picking at the skin.
Tip: Keep moisturising the peeling areas to soothe the skin and minimise dryness.
8. Know When to Seek Medical Attention
Most sunburns can be treated at home, but severe cases may require medical attention. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical care:
- Severe blistering over a large portion of the body
- Fever, chills, nausea, or dizziness (signs of sun poisoning)
- Swelling or signs of infection (such as pus or extreme redness)
- A burn that does not improve within a few days
Tip: For severe sunburn, avoid using any home remedies until you’ve spoken with a healthcare professional to ensure proper treatment.
Preventing Sunburn in the Future
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to help you avoid sunburn in the future:
- Use Sunscreen Every Day: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before heading outside, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Opt for long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses to shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Avoid Peak Sun Hours: The sun is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. Try to stay indoors or seek shade during these hours to minimise UV exposure.
While sunburn is painful and damaging, following the right treatment steps can help your skin heal faster and reduce discomfort. From cooling your skin and moisturising to staying hydrated and soothing with natural remedies, you can ease the symptoms and get back to healthy skin. For personalised skincare advice and tips on preventing sunburn, Dr Tom Goyer is here to help. For more expert insights, visit Dr Tom Goyer’s blog.