by Dr. Lazuk
Innate Esthetics®
As a dermatologist and the CEO of Innate Esthetics®, I’ve seen firsthand the discomfort and damage that sunburn can cause. While prevention is always the best strategy, even the most vigilant among us can sometimes fall victim to the sun's rays. Whether it’s an unexpected outdoor activity or simply missing a spot during sunscreen application, sunburn can sneak up on anyone. Here, I’d like to share my insights on how to treat sunburn effectively, alleviating discomfort and promoting healing.
Understanding Sunburn
Sunburn is an acute reaction of the skin to excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The symptoms can range from mild redness and tenderness to severe pain, blistering, and peeling. Beyond the immediate discomfort, each sunburn increases your risk of long-term skin damage, including premature aging and skin cancer.
Immediate Steps After Getting Sunburned
The first thing to do when you notice sunburn is to get out of the sun immediately. Continued exposure will only worsen the burn and increase the damage. Once you’re indoors, these initial steps can help mitigate the effects:
Cool the Skin: Apply a cool, damp cloth to the sunburned areas or take a cool bath. Avoid using ice directly on the skin, as this can cause more harm. Cooling the skin helps reduce inflammation and provides relief from the heat.
Hydrate: Sunburn draws fluid to the skin’s surface and away from the rest of the body, so it’s crucial to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. This helps your body recover more efficiently.
Moisturize: After cooling the skin, apply a gentle moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. Products containing aloe vera or soy can be particularly soothing. Avoid lotions with alcohol, as they can further dry out the skin.
Treating Sunburn: My Top Recommendations
When it comes to treating sunburn, the goal is to reduce inflammation, pain, and the risk of infection, especially if blisters are present. Here are my top recommendations for effective treatment:
Aloe Vera: This natural remedy is well-known for its soothing and healing properties. Applying pure aloe vera gel directly to the sunburned skin can provide immediate relief and help the skin heal faster.
Hydrocortisone Cream: For more severe sunburns, an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help reduce inflammation and ease itching. Use it as directed and avoid using it on broken skin.
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate the pain and reduce inflammation. These can be particularly useful if the sunburn is causing significant discomfort.
Avoid Tight Clothing: Wear loose, soft clothing that won’t irritate the sunburned areas. Tight clothing can chafe and exacerbate the pain and damage.
Stay Out of the Sun: Until your sunburn has healed, it’s important to avoid further sun exposure. If you must be outside, wear protective clothing and stay in the shade as much as possible.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most sunburns can be treated at home, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Seek a doctor’s help if you experience:
Severe blistering over a large portion of your body
Fever and chills
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or confusion
These symptoms could indicate sun poisoning or severe dehydration and require professional medical treatment.
Preventing Future Sunburns
Of course, the best way to deal with sunburn is to prevent it in the first place. Here are a few preventative tips I always emphasize:
Use Sunscreen Properly: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
Wear Protective Clothing: Hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts can provide additional protection. Look for clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating.
Seek Shade: Especially during peak sun hours from 10 AM to 4 PM, seek shade whenever possible to minimize direct sun exposure.
Be Extra Cautious with Children: Children's skin is more sensitive, so make sure they are well-protected with sunscreen, clothing, and shade.
Final Thoughts
As both a dermatologist and a mother, I understand the importance of enjoying the sun safely. Sunburns are not just a temporary discomfort; they are a sign of skin damage that can have lasting consequences. By taking prompt and effective steps to treat sunburn and implementing diligent sun protection habits, we can protect our skin and health.
Stay sun-smart and take care of your skin—it’s the only one you’ve got.
Touch, love your skin, and trust professionals! Visit us and enjoy your first time with a great deal!
Yours in radiant skin,
Dr. Lazuk
CEO
Innate Esthetics®
Innate Cosmetics®
Innate Biotics®
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