Sunburn Relief: Four Ideas for Soothing Sunburned Skin

During the summer months you may find yourself spending a lot of time outdoors. Sometimes, “a lot of time” becomes “too much time” and we develop a sunburn – something that is unpleasant and avoidable.

If you find that this has happened to you, then the first thing you should do – and this is obvious – is to get indoors as soon as possible. Some recommend that you take a cool water shower to reduce your body temperature and control some of the damage that your skin has sustained.

This can work and some people with sunburn take several cool water showers per day. So the first tip is this: get out of the sun immediately and use cool water to help mitigate and soothe the immediate effects of sunburn.  

After you’ve taken a cool shower, wear loose fitting clothing – softer is often better. Aloe vera based gels and lotions can be used on particularly damaged skin to promote healing and for soothing relief.

The next step in treating sunburned skin – and this is probably also obvious – is to avoid exposing your skin to the sun until the sunburn has healed. Otherwise, it will only get worse. Either stay indoors or were protective clothing and a hat for times when going outdoors is unavoidable.

Lastly, depending on the severity of your condition, consider seeking professional medical attention.

This is particularly important if you experience other symptoms, such as fever, chills, dehydration (which you may not be aware of), large blisters or a general feeling of weakness.