How to cool down sunburned skin

How to cool down sunburned skin?

It’s summertime!

We imagine you are probably out there getting gorgeously tanned with a drink in your hand! But we also sincerely hope you are well armed with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF higher than 30 because summer sun comes with conditions applied! That’s right.

The sun is back and so are the sunburns!

But because you are reading about ‘how to cool down sunburned skin?’, we think the damage is already done and SPF can’t really help you now. It’s alright…it is not too late to salvage the situation. Do visit a skin specialist before you attempt to try any skincare products so that you can beat the sunburn the right way! Here are some simple tips and tricks to manage that sunburned skin.

1. Drink up! - When your skin is burning, the first step is to cool it from the inside. Skin loses moisture in the sun and as it battles to repair the damage you must drink as much water as you can. Hydration is the key.
   

2. Cold Shower - For instant relief hop into a cold shower. Sunburn is basically skin inflammation. And the easiest remedy for inflammation is to cool down the affected area. If you are outside, near a waterbody like the ocean or a lake, try dipping in and out throughout the day to keep your skin cool and reduce inflammation. However, don’t try this if you are by the pool. The chlorine in the water might further damage the sensitive skin. Rubbing ice is also not recommended. It might look satisfying and feel good for a while but it can worsen the sunburn. So, if there isn’t any natural water body around, a cold shower will do the trick. Avoid rubbing the skin with a towel after the shower. Dry pat your sunburned skin.
   
   

3. Aloe vera Gel - This succulent plant is a real saviour for sunburned skin. If you have the plant in the house then break off a leaf and rub the sticky gel over the burning skin. This is one of the oldest remedies and a very effective one! If you don’t have the plant, you can get the gel in most pharmacies. But be sure to get 100% aloe vera gel and not an aloe vera-based cream or a lotion.
    

4. Loose clothing - You need to let your skin breathe as it tries to repair itself from the sun damage. Wear loose clothing, something that doesn’t stick to your skin and preferably made of cotton or bamboo. Clothes made of natural fibres provide great protection from the harsh sun. So, cover-up!
   
   

5. Ditch the skin routine till your skin heals - We get it, skincare routines are great for the long run. But applying any products to an already irritated skin must be avoided. It’s only going to cause further damage. So, ditch the exfoliants, anti-aging lotions, and toners if you have sunburn on your face. Do not apply make-up to cover up the skin. Sunburns make your skin super-sensitive and products with any chemicals can cause the skin to flare up. Give your skin the time it needs to heal.

Sunburns typically last for about a week, post which the skin starts peeling. That is when it will need the extra care of a moisturiser. Apply a generous amount of moisturiser to affected areas to keep the skin hydrated. Use products marked for extra sensitive skin.

If your skin is not showing any signs of improvement or you notice blisters it might be a severe case of sunburn. Avoid bursting the blisters and off-the-counter products and consult a dermatologist.