The Do’s and Don’ts of Sunburn Care

So you put on your sunscreen and you still got burned. Ugh! It’s frustrating. Sunburns are no joke. But it can feel like a punishment when you’ve made the effort to protect yourself and then find yourself in excruciating pain after an amazing day outdoors. There’s no need to continue to suffer while your sunburn heals. Follow these tips to ensure you help your skin heal quickly and stay comfortable while you wait.

DO relieve your burn with cold showers and soft ice packs to reduce inflammation and pain.

DO apply aloe vera gel (fresh is better if you have it). For an extra soothing effect, put your aloe vera in the fridge and apply cold.

DO continue to protect your skin with proper clothing and sunscreen, but try to limit your exposure to the sun until you heal.

DO take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen if the pain gets really bad.

DO schedule yourself an appointment for LED treatment to help decrease inflammation.

DO moisturize more frequently until your skin heals.

DO drink tons of water to keep your insides and outsides hydrated.

DO use a hydrocortisone cream to reduce swelling and itching.

DO use an over the counter Biafine cream for first degree burns to prevent scarring and infection.

DON’T wear scratch clothing.

DON’T rub or scratch your skin.

DON’T wear perfumes or scented lotion until you heal.

DON’T use alcohol based products.

DON’T spend time in the sun.

DON’T exfoliate.