In this essential guide, you will discover 6 tried-and-tested ways that will ease the pain and inflamed skin your worst sunburn can cause. And next time, remember to pack—and use—that sunscreen!
1. Take an Anti-Inflammatory for Severe Sunburn
Have you ever asked yourself “why does a sunburn hurt?” Well, new evidence has revealed something interesting. If you spend too much time in the sun, particularly with no (or not enough) sun protection, your body will send the natural production of a protein called CXCL5 into overdrive.
As a result, this makes us more sensitive to feelings of physical pain. To counteract this, try taking an anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen as soon as you realize you have a bad sunburn, especially if you have blisters. This should help ease inflammation and other symptoms.
Applying a 1% hydrocortisone cream can help too, especially if your pain is also accompanied by swelling, itching, or even severe blistering.
If you are allergic to these drugs or would rather try a natural remedy first, opt for yogurt. Get some full-fat, white yogurt and gently rub it on the affected area. Yogurt has potent anti-inflammatory properties thanks to its high content of lactic acid, which can help soothe even the worst sunburn.
If the idea of rubbing yogurt on your skin weirds you out or sounds too messy, aloe vera is also an effective treatment for sunburns.
2. Remember to Moisturize After Sun Exposure
Your sunburn will look and feel extremely dry and delicate. At regular intervals, apply some light moisturizer to it. In particular, coconut oil or moisturizers formulated with natural ingredients are a great way to treat burns caused by sunlight and repeated sunburns.
If your sunburn hurts so much that you find it difficult to even apply moisturizer or aloe vera gel, you may want to seek medical help. It is possible for UV rays to cause 2nd degree burns which may include blisters, redness, and thickening of the skin, especially for fair skin.
These types of burns will usually heal on their own, but other signs following sun exposure such as nausea, dehydration, and fever may lead to a diagnosis of heat stroke, which requires immediate medical attention.
3. Take a Bath After Exposure to Sun's Rays
Of course, not a hot one! A lukewarm or even cool bath with some oatmeal sprinkled in the water is an excellent treatment for even the worst sunburn. And when you get out of the tub, slip on a Blissy Classic Robe which is soothing and hydrating for skin. You’ll instantly feel the difference.
These ultra-soft robes are extra gentle on the skin thanks to their double-lining—silk on BOTH the inside and the outside! They'll make your skin feel cool and soothed straight away.
4. Resist the Urge to Peel Your Sunburn
After any type of sunburn, your skin will begin to gradually peel off. Even though you may feel tempted, resist the urge to peel it off yourself. This is a natural process that should not be rushed or interfered with. Otherwise you risk making your skin much worse. You even risk infection if the peeling is very bad, so do not peel!
Cool compresses can be a good way to relieve swollen skin for a few hours. Covering the area with a compress will also help distract you from the fact that it looks so peelable! Once the skin is damp, it won't be very ripe for peeling, so that should help keep your skin stay safe from your own picking and peeling behaviors as your skin heals.
5. Wear Comfy, Lightweight Clothes
If your sunburn is all over your body, you’ll want to switch to looser clothing and breathable fabrics. Linen, cotton, and silk are great choices, as they allow for good air circulation and won’t get stuck to your sunburnt skin. Silk especially is cooling and hydrating, so consider lounging around in a Blissy Classic Robe while you're at home nursing your burn.
Even better is to wear sun protective clothing in the first place so you don't risk skin damage and premature aging in the first place. Unprotected skin is at high risk of lasting damage and skin cancer when your skin cells are exposed to UV light and frequent sunburns. So consider sun safety as the best way of preventing skin cancer and sunburns in the first place.
6. Upgrade Your Sleeping Environment
Who’d have thought that even the worst sunburn of your life can be soothed by choosing the right type of bedding? Well, if you try a Blissy Pillowcase, you’ll see what we’re talking about.
Thanks to the amazing cooling properties of silk, this pillowcase will help you soothe any face and neck sunburns—and let you have a much-needed good night’s sleep! Your burn will heal best while you sleep, so prepare yourself for a good nights' rest with Blissy.
Soothe, Hydrate, and Protect Your Sunburnt Skin
Protection is key when it comes to sun exposure. If you skip wearing sunscreen, don't reapply sunscreen as necessary, or don't seek shade periodically when spending time in the sun, you put yourself at risk for your worst sunburn of the summer.
And remember that ultraviolet sunlight is the leading cause of skin cancer. So be smart and prevent the risk of skin cancer and painful sunburns with good preparation.
By following these easy ways to soothe your worst sunburn, you'll let it heal faster and more naturally. And with Blissy, you can have sweet dreams even when you are badly sunburnt!
