Despite all the reminders to wear sunscreen, sunburns are prevalent every summer. Whether you simply forgot to wear sunscreen, failed to reapply it as often as you needed, or thought that your outdoor excursion would be shorter than it was, you are now suffering from sunburn symptoms that need to be alleviated. Here are some of the best sunburn care tips from CareNow MDs.
Keep your skin moisturized with lotion or aloe vera
Lotion with vitamin E will help your skin heal quickly and shorten the negative effects of sensitive, peeling skin that can result from more severe sunburns. Another useful product is aloe vera, which is sold as a gel in most convenient or skincare stores. Not only is the gel cool and soothing on your sunburn, but it soaks into the skin and heals it at a deeper level thanks to the presence of aloectin B in aloe vera. It’s a natural plant product that can also reduce the amount of peeling after a moderate to severe sunburn.
Stay hydrated
When your skin is overheated from a sunburn, your body needs water to cool back down. Instead of turning to sugared sodas, caffeinated drinks, or alcoholic beverages, choose good old water to hydrate you best. Water can help you heal from the inside, so drink plenty of H2O if you are sunburned.
Take painkillers to reduce inflammation and pain
Over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are great for helping you get through the pain of a sunburn. You should only take painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs if other remedies don’t ease the pain.
If your sunburn is so severe that your skin is noticeably swelling or blistered, you should visit a CareNow clinic near you. There, you will have access to stronger help that can ease your pain and get you back on your feet sooner. Sunburns are serious. Long after sunburn symptoms have faded, your body remembers the damage, which can make you susceptible to developing other problems in the future. That is why sunscreen is so important. That way, you can avoid the need for sunburn care altogether and reduce your chances of developing skin cancer later in life. Visit your local CareNow provider to learn even more.
