How to Get Rid of Sunburn Fast and Painlessly
As much as we’d like to think that sunburn is something that can heal overnight, it’s not, but there are plenty of ways for you to speed up the process. Similar to if you were to cut your finger, you need to give your skin time to heal.
If you’ve been outside for too long and are experiencing the pain and discomfort from sunburn, these tips on how to get rid of sunburn can help you remedy the issue so you can get back to normal.
However, if you find you’re in a lot of pain or if your sunburn is worse than ever before, it’s recommended you seek help from a medical professional.
How to Get Rid of Sunburn Fast!
✓ Stay Out of the Sun
First and foremost, you’re going to have to put as much effort as you can to keep your body out of the sun after acquiring sunburn. If you have no choice but to go outside, make sure you cover up all of the areas that are affected.
The more sun your burn gets, the worse it will become and the more painful it will be. Make sure you wear comfortable clothing and stay in the shade for as long as possible if you are spending a lot of time outdoors.
You’ll want to opt for softer clothing, such as shirts made of cotton, that still allow your skin to breathe while your outside meanwhile blocking the sun. You won’t want any excessive dirt, sweat, or oil permeating on the burn as this can cause infections or simply make it more painful.
✓ Apply Cooled Aloe Vera Gel
There’s nothing better than getting some relief from the uncomfortable pain of sunburn, which is why we love the idea of Aloe Vera gel. Not only is this one of the most recommended treatments for burns, but when it’s cooled, it’s the most soothing thing you’ll ever feel.
We recommend putting a bottle of Aloe into the fridge or freezer for several minutes until it has thoroughly cooled down.
Wash your hands using a bar of antibacterial soap and then gently apply the Aloe Vera to the affected area is soft circular motions until it has been rubbed into the skin.
The antioxidants in Aloe will help to fight off any infections and assist your skin in repairing itself.
✓ Use Cold Compresses
Another way to soothe a sunburn is to keep it cool using compresses. These are widely available from big box stores and pharmacies, typically in the health and wellness department. With a cool compress, you typically keep it in the fridge or freezer and then apply it to the affected area.
If you find the compress is too cold, you can wrap it in a thin face cloth and let it rest on your burn for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
✓ Apply Hydrocortisone Cream
Hydrocortisone cream is a two-part treatment for sunburn as it helps to target swelling and discomfort as well as itchiness.
This is a topical ointment that is used for a wide variety of ailments ranging from bug bites to eczema, but it will also be your best friend when you have a sunburn. Ideally, you’ll want to find the cream in up to 1% hydrocortisone for the best results.
It’s recommended you follow the application instructions based on the formula you have chosen, but after using it for 48 hours religiously, you’ll have a noticeable reduction in pain, swelling, and itching. However, this method is not recommended for pregnant women or children.
✓ Do Not Pop Blisters
Some sunburns will create blisters on your body and if they’re severe, be sure to seek medical attention. However, if you’re prone to blistering, don’t pop them as this is only going to open your body up to infection. Similar to if you had a blister on your heel or your hands, it’s best you leave it alone to pop on its own.
Once the blisters begin to pop by themselves, ensure you treat the area with an antibacterial solution regularly. You can opt for a mild soap and cool water and then treat the area using an antibiotic ointment and a bandage to prevent dirt and debris from entering the wound.
✓ Cool Shower with Cooling Lotion
Another highly recommended treatment when it comes to answering the question regarding how to get rid of sunburn is to take a cool shower that can help to reduce swelling and pain. It’s one of the best things to do right after getting a sunburn as well, as it will help you to get rid of any sunscreen residue in a gentler manner.
When you get a sunburn, your body’s surface temperature will be substantially higher than normal, which is why you’ll need cold water to help cool it down.
Once you’ve finished your shower, make sure you pat the area dry rather than rub it dry with a coarse towel. The main thing to remember is you’ll want to avoid an excessive amount of skin irritation so that it can heal faster.
After drying off, apply a cooling lotion to the affected areas that is equally as relieving to pain as it is moisturizing. Over the healing process, your skin will become drier and drier, and providing it with a healthy amount of moisture will reduce peeling and itchiness.
✓ Apply a Moisturizing Mask
As mentioned, the more moisturized your skin is, the faster your sunburn is going to heal, which is why masks are also highly recommended.
These products are designed to penetrate the deepest layers of your skin so that you won’t have to worry about dryness or flakiness.
This is also a fantastic option for anyone who is suffering from sunburn on their face, as there are plenty of cooling and nourishing over-the-counter face masks to choose from.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to sunburn, the best way to help it heal the fastest is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Ensure you’re choosing an appropriately rated sunscreen for UV exposure to protect your skin and your overall health.
Using these tips on getting rid of your sunburn fast, you’re sure to heal your skin in no time!
Pin for later
