The summer is here, and that means plenty more time for fun in the sun. While the summer might not be quite the same with many COVID-19 safety procedures still in place, current reports indicate that some solo time in the sun should be more than fine.
You might head to your backyard, the beach, or a nearby park to catch some rays and get a golden aura going. However, if you spend too long in the sun you’ll likely to look more like a lobster by the time you return to the comfort of indoors.
If you’ve made the mistake of forgoing sunscreen, what can you do? What helps a sunburn heal faster?
Read on and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know
Take a Cool Shower
There are numerous things you can do to help combat the effects of a sunburn, and some are easier than others. For example, helping a sunburn fade might be as simple as hopping into a quick, cool shower.
Cold water on the hot burn of the sun will feel great, for one. But it will also help your skin to appear less red and to lower general inflammation. Hopping into a cold shower right when you get home from the outdoors is generally a good idea.
When you get out of the shower, make sure not to rub your skin down too raw with a towel. Your skin is already sensitive, and the harsh fabric of a towel tends to make matters worse. Trying patting yourself down instead of rubbing to get dry as it’ll be better for your skin’s health in the long run.
Put on Aloe or Skin Creams
You likely probably didn’t need to pull up the internet to hear that aloe is one of the main ways to combat sunburn. But do you know how to heal sunburn quickly using aloe and other ointments?
There are certain steps you can take that will help increase the healing powers of these products.
Aloe is a natural anti-inflammatory product, which means when you apply it to your skin it will help to reduce the redness and aches that we associate with sunburn. However, you can super-charge aloe’s power by letting it get cool in the fridge before applying it. A cold aloe cream can be one of the best defenses against long-lasting sunburn.
Of course, aloe isn’t the only ointment out there worth considering if you’re burnt up. There’s also OTC hydrocortisone cream. This is the cream you might’ve used to combat itchy bug bites growing up. Just like aloe, its main purpose is to combat inflammatory issues in the skin.
Applying it after a sunburn hits should help to get you through the worst of things much faster.
Pour Milk On Yourself
This might sound absurd, but it actually works. If you can pour some milk over your skin and soak it in, you’ll be well on your way to a sunburn-free existence.
For best application, soak a cloth in some milk and then use the cloth to apply lightly to damaged areas. Why is milk such a key aid in fighting sunburn?
It’s because milk naturally contains huge amounts of vitamins A and D, which are the vitamins required to help repair damaged cells. Milk also contains lactic acid, which is a natural exfoliator.
That means when your dead skin is ready to peel, applying milk will have it coming clean off with no problems.
Applying milk to your body can get a little messy, so it’s best to stand outside or in the shower when you’re taking this task on.
Take an Ibuprofen
You’re likely used to reaching for ibuprofen or Advil when the pain you’re feeling is somewhat internal: most people use it for headaches, for example. However, these anti-inflammatory medications can be the perfect tool for getting through a nasty sunburn as well.
Timing is key here. If you can pop a few ibuprofens within the first few hours of getting burnt, you can actually help your sunburn fade faster. These pills will help the redness and swelling of your burn go down so that your skin cells can work on repair.
Just keep taking two or three every six hours until the pain in your infected areas has subsided. Then you should be good to go.
Drink Lots of Water!
If you were out in the sun all day, we hope that you’ve already been staying hydrated. However, drinking water can be even more important when it comes to sunburn.
When your skin is burned, much of the fluid in your body is pushed up to the surface. That means you’re much more likely to suffer from dehydration.
If you keep drinking water during the time you have a sunburn, you’ll keep your body in a healthy balance and help it heal faster at the same time. Plus, you’re likely to feel a lot better both inside and out!
What Helps a Sunburn Heal Faster?
While it’s always better to stay on top of using sunscreen so you don’t get burned in the first place, we all make mistakes sometimes.
If you’ve arrived home from the outdoors burnt as toast, you likely want to remedy the situation as soon as possible. Next time you find yourself asking “What helps a sunburn heal faster?” remember these important tips. They can be a huge help in your recovery.
Need more outdoor advice or tips for the summer? Keep scrolling our blog for more.
