Healing a Sunburn: Tips and the Best Over-the-counter Products to Treat It

Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but spending too much time outdoors without proper sun protection can lead to an unwelcome consequence: sunburn. Sunburns are not only painful but also damaging to the skin, increasing the risk of long-term issues like premature aging and skin cancer. Healing a sunburn quickly and effectively requires a combination of immediate care and the right products to soothe and repair the skin. In this blog post, we’ll explore the steps you can take to heal a sunburn and the best products available to help your skin recover.

Understanding Sunburn

Sunburn occurs when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, typically from the sun, for an extended period without adequate protection. The skin reacts to the excessive UV radiation by becoming red, inflamed, and painful. In more severe cases, blisters and peeling can occur. Sunburns range from mild to severe, and the healing process can vary depending on the intensity of the burn.

Immediate Care for Sunburn

As soon as you realize you have a sunburn, taking prompt action is crucial to minimize damage and discomfort.

1. Get Out of the Sun: The first and most important step is to get out of the sun to prevent further damage. Find shade or move indoors to a cool environment.
2. Cool the Skin: Cooling down the affected area can help reduce inflammation and soothe the burn. Take a cool bath or shower, or apply a cold, damp cloth to the sunburned skin. Avoid using ice directly on the skin, as this can cause further damage.
3. Hydrate: Sunburn can cause dehydration, so it’s essential to drink plenty of water. Keeping your body hydrated will help your skin heal faster.
4. Avoid Tight Clothing: Wearing loose, breathable clothing will help minimize irritation to the sunburned skin. Fabrics like cotton are ideal as they allow the skin to breathe.
5. Avoid Further Sun Exposure: Keep the sunburned area protected from further sun exposure by staying indoors or wearing protective clothing and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF if you need to go outside.

Top Over The Counter Products for Treating Sunburn

Choosing the right products can significantly impact how quickly and effectively your skin heals from a sunburn. Here are some of the best products designed to soothe, repair, and protect sunburned skin:

1. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera is a classic remedy for sunburn due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps cool the skin, reduce redness, and promote healing. Look for pure aloe vera gel without added alcohol or fragrances, which can irritate sensitive skin.

Recommended Product: Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel. This 100% pure aloe vera gel is free from color additives and fragrances, making it gentle on the skin and effective for sunburn relief.

2. Hydrocortisone Cream

For more severe sunburns that are particularly painful or itchy, a low-dose hydrocortisone cream can help reduce inflammation and discomfort. It’s best to use this product sparingly and for a short duration to avoid overuse.

Recommended Product: Cortizone-10 Maximum Strength. This cream provides quick relief from itching and redness associated with sunburn, helping to calm and soothe the skin.

3. Moisturizing Lotion

Keeping sunburned skin well-moisturized is essential to prevent peeling and dryness. Opt for a fragrance-free, alcohol-free lotion that contains soothing ingredients like shea butter or oatmeal.

Recommended Product: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion. Formulated with colloidal oatmeal, this lotion provides long-lasting hydration and helps soothe sunburned skin.

4. After-sun Care Lotion

After-sun care lotions are specifically formulated to soothe and repair sunburned skin. They often contain ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and other antioxidants to promote healing and protect the skin from further damage.

Recommended Product: Sun Bum Cool Down After Sun Gel. This gel provides cooling relief and helps replenish the skin’s moisture after sun exposure.

5. Cool Compresses

Using a cool compress can provide instant relief from the burning sensation of sunburn. You can make your own by soaking a clean cloth in cool water or using a store-bought cooling mask.

Recommended Product: Sunburnt Advanced Hydrating Gel Mask. This mask is designed to cool and hydrate sunburned skin, providing relief from heat and redness.

6. Topical Antioxidants

Antioxidants like vitamin C and E help repair sun-damaged skin by neutralizing free radicals. Using a topical antioxidant serum can accelerate the healing process and reduce the risk of long-term damage.

Recommended Product: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum. This powerful serum combines vitamins C and E with ferulic acid to protect the skin from free radicals and promote healing.

7. Hydrating Mist

A hydrating mist can provide instant cooling and soothing relief to sunburned skin. Look for mists that contain calming ingredients like chamomile or green tea extract.

Recommended Product: La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water. This soothing mist helps hydrate and calm irritated skin, making it a great option for sunburn relief.

8. Lip Balm with SPF

Sunburned lips can be particularly painful, so it’s important to keep them protected and moisturized. Use a lip balm with SPF to prevent further damage and help the lips heal.

Recommended Product: Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick SPF 30. This lip balm provides both hydration and sun protection, helping to soothe and repair sunburned lips.

9. Oatmeal Bath

An oatmeal bath can help soothe itching and inflammation associated with sunburn. The natural anti-inflammatory properties of oatmeal can provide relief and promote healing.

Recommended Product: Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment. This oatmeal bath treatment is designed to relieve itching and irritation, making it ideal for soothing sunburned skin.

Long-Term Care and Prevention

Once your sunburn has healed, it’s important to take steps to prevent future sunburns and protect your skin from further damage.

1. Use Sunscreen: Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 with 5% or more zinc oxide and or titanium dioxide before going outdoors. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
2. Wear Protective Clothing: Cover up with long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
3. Seek Shade: Whenever possible, stay in the shade, especially during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
4. Be Mindful of Reflective Surfaces: Water, sand, and snow can reflect UV rays, increasing your risk of sunburn. Take extra precautions when spending time near these surfaces.
5. Hydrate Regularly: Keep your skin hydrated from the inside out by drinking plenty of water, especially when spending time outdoors.

Alleviate Discomfort and Promote Recovery with Proper Sunburn Treatment

Healing a sunburn takes time and care, but with the right steps and products, you can alleviate discomfort and promote faster healing. Remember, the best way to deal with sunburn is to prevent it in the first place by practicing good sun safety habits. By taking the necessary precautions and using quality sun protection products, you can enjoy the sunshine while keeping your skin healthy and burn-free.

Editor’s Picks For UV Protective Items: