Despite lathering up on sunscreen, sometimes a painful sunburn is inevitable when out in the heat for prolonged periods of time. With that said, we checked in with dermatologists and skincare experts for 4 quick ways to soothe your skin and to promote faster healing after being burned. Read on for helpful tips, suggestions and insight from Dr. Erum N. Ilyas, MD, MBE, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology and CEO & Founder of AmberNoon, Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD, board-certified NYC dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Dermatology Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Dr. Cheryl Rosen, Director of Dermatology at BowTied Life.
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1. Use A Cool Compress Or Take A Cold Shower
After being burned, it's best to avoid any kind of hot water or hot surface, Ilyas says. "Bring down inflammation with a cool compress," she advises. A sunburn, she explains, is the "result of inflammation and damage to cells followed by a healing or repair process." The best ways to address a sunburn quickly, she adds, is to "address each aspect of the burn." Rosen agrees, and says to "take a cool bath or shower." This, she says, will "help to take the heat out of your skin and take away some of the redness and pain. Avoid using hot water, which can make the burning sensation worse."
2. Apply Aloe Vera Lotion
Directly applying aloe vera lotion or gel to your burn is a tried and true method to promote faster healing, Rosen says. "Apply a cooling lotion or aloe vera gel to your skin," she says, "This will help to soothe the area and prevent further irritation." She notes to be sure to "avoid any products that contain fragrances," and instead, to opt for something that is labeled "hypoallergenic.” Rosen dubs aloe vera to be the "best and safest way" to soothe sunburned skin. "It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help reduce the inflammation and pain associated with sunburn," she adds. "You can buy aloe vera gel at most drugstores, or use aloe vera from a plant if you have one handy."
3. Soothe Your Skin With Oatmeal & Green Tea
Along with aloe vera, other skincare ingredients that are known to comfort burned skin include oatmeal and green tea, Jaliman says. "Oatmeal has been known to reduce inflammation and is extremely soothing for the skin," she notes. Green tea, she adds, is also "very soothing and can help with inflammation" due to its high content of polyphenols called catechins. "These catechins will help reduce the redness and swelling associated with some sunburns," she recommends, "You can make green tea ice cubes that will cool down the area."
4. Hydrate With More Water
While most of us need daily reminders to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, it's imperative to hydrate as much as you can after being burned, Ilyas says. This, she notes, is because your body needs water, not only to properly function, but especially when healing a painful burn. "Recognize that your skin plays an important role in thermoregulation and fluid balance," Ilyas says. "When the skin is inflamed, it can no longer perform this function optimally. Drinking plenty of fluids is essential to assist in healing," she adds. Ilyas stresses that the repair process of the damage to the skin can include sloughing of skin affected by the burn followed by healing. "Assisting your skin to complete this process is essential," she continues, "Consider the role of wound healing over the course of the first week." After, Ilyas adds, "you can provide your skin the hydration and moisture it needs to heal."
