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Treating Sunburn

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Although we all know that prevention is best, even dermatologists, get a sunburn from time to time.  For more information on prevention, see our articles about sun protection.  Today we are focusing on treatment.

In our house, we use a lot of clear aloe gel, and sunburn is no exception, but let’s take a closer look at what really works to treat sunburn from a scientific perspective.

Here are tips from the American Academy of Dermatology on treating sunburn.   Of these tips, I often recommend topical and anti-inflammatory treatment around the clock until redness resolves, particularly for severe sunburn.  Below are the products I use and recommend for sunburn or extensive sun exposure.

Fruit of the Earth Clear Aloe Gel – Apply to the sunburned area after bathing.  It can also be kept in the refrigerator and reapplied as needed for symptomatic relief. 

ZO Daily Power Defense – Although I include this every day in my morning routine, I also apply it post-sun exposure of any kind to accelerate repair with its DNA Repair Enzymes. 

ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica – This zinc oxide sunscreen both has the soothing power of zinc as well as the DNA Repair Enzymes 

Coolibar Clothing – I remember having a sunburn as a kid, and the next day the sun hitting my burned skin was so painful.  This UV protective clothing line is a major staple of my summer wardrobe.   

From the American Academy of Dermatology, these dermatologists’ tips can help relieve further relieve the discomfort: 

  1. Take frequent cool baths or showers to help relieve the pain. As soon as you get out of the bathtub or shower, gently pat yourself dry, but leave a little water on your skin. Then, apply a moisturizer to help trap the water in your skin. This can help ease the dryness. 
  2. Use a moisturizer that contains aloe vera or soy to help soothe sunburned skin. If a particular area feels especially uncomfortable, you may want to apply a hydrocortisone cream that you can buy without a prescription. Do not treat sunburn with “-caine” products (such as benzocaine), as these may irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction. 
  3. Consider taking aspirin or ibuprofen to help reduce any swelling, redness, and discomfort. 
  4. Drink extra water. A sunburn draws fluid to the skin’s surface and away from the rest of the body. Drinking extra water when you are sunburned helps prevent dehydration. 
  5. If your skin blisters, allow the blisters to heal. Blistering skin means you have a second-degree sunburn. You should not pop the blisters, as blisters form to help your skin heal and protect you from infection.
  6. Take extra care to protect sunburned skin while it heals. Wear clothing that covers your skin when outdoors. Tightly-woven fabrics work best. When you hold the fabric up to bright light, you shouldn’t see any light coming through. 

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