Summer is one of the best times of the year – from enjoying the sunshine to making memories with friends and family. But sometimes your fun in the sun can be disrupted when you develop a sunburn. When that happens, don’t worry! We’ve put together some of the best tips for treating a sunburn so that you can get back to enjoying the season as soon as possible! These are our tips for treating a sunburn this summer and getting back to the action:
1. Get Out of the Sun Right Away
One of the most important steps in treating a sunburn is to quickly get out of the sun’s rays as soon as you notice you are developing a sunburn. While you are healing, you should strictly limit your sun exposure by staying indoors, sitting in the shade, or wearing light protective clothing. Remember, your skin can only heal if you ensure that it is not continuing to be damaged by the sun!
2. Take a Cool Bath or Shower
In order to alleviate some of the discomfort your sunburn may be causing you, try taking a cool bath or shower. The cool water can help to reduce inflammation, providing soothing relief to the affected area. If a full shower is too uncomfortable, you can also wet a towel with cool water and gently dab at the sunburn. Just keep in mind that the water should be cool and not cold, as water that is too cold can dry out your skin and impede the healing process.
3. Moisturize the Affected Area
Another important step in the healing process is ensuring your skin is properly moisturized. Sunburns dry out the skin, so applying moisturizer can provide relief. Try moisturizers with Aloe Vera to soothe the skin even further, just make sure to avoid creams with ingredients ending in “-caine” as these have been shown to potentially further irritate the skin.
4. Allow the Skin to Heal
While it may be tempting, resist the urge to pop any blisters that form on your skin as they play an important role in the skin’s healing process by providing a barrier against infection. Leaving them intact allows your skin to heal properly and reduces the risk of further complications.
5. Stay Hydrated
When you’re sunburned, you are at elevated risk for dehydration. Ensuring that you are drinking enough water is a key step in the healing process by replenishing the fluids you lose through the sunburn.
6. Take Pain Relievers
If you are experiencing severe discomfort from your sunburn, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help to lessen the pain. Additionally, anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can also reduce the swelling at the site of the sunburn, further aiding in the healing process.
When you follow our tips for treating a sunburn, you’ll be that much closer to being able to continue enjoying the summer season. Just remember to give your skin the time it needs to heal, as returning to the sunshine too soon can set your healing process back. If you find yourself with a sunburn, The Drug Store has all the products you’ll need to treat the issue and start yourself on the path to recovery! Visit one of our locations today and make that sunburn go away!
