OUCH!- How to recover from a sunburn
Oh no, you've gone and done it again! You spent too much time outside in the sun without enough sunscreen and now you're a bright shade of red. Don't worry, we've all been there. But what should you do now? Here some helpful tips for dealing with a sunburn.
Drink Water - First and foremost, you need to hydrate. When you're sunburnt, your body is working hard to repair itself, so make sure you're giving it enough fluids to do so. Plus, staying hydrated will help you feel a little less like a dried-out piece of fruit.
Take a Cool Bath - Nothing feels better on a sunburn than a cool bath. But be careful, you don't want to shock your skin with ice-cold water. Lukewarm is the way to go. Add some oatmeal or baking soda to the water for extra soothing.
Aloe Vera - Aloe vera is a sunburn classic for a reason. It's soothing and helps to reduce inflammation. Just make sure you're using pure aloe vera and not a gel with added alcohol or fragrance. Bonus points if you grow your own aloe vera plant and can snap off a fresh leaf.
Take Some Pain Relievers - If your sunburn is really hurting, take some ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Not only will it help with the pain, but it will also reduce inflammation.
Wear Loose Clothing - When you're sunburnt, the last thing you want is anything tight or restrictive on your skin. Opt for loose, flowy clothing made of lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
Don't Peel Your Skin - We know it's tempting, but don't peel your skin! Peeling can lead to scarring and infection. If you have any blisters or your skin is really peeling, go see a doctor.
Stay Out of the Sun - This one may seem obvious, but it's worth repeating. Once you're sunburnt, your skin is even more vulnerable to UV rays. So, stay indoors or seek out shade until your skin has had a chance to heal.
Wear Sunscreen - Last but not least, make sure you're wearing sunscreen when you go back outside. Even if you're not planning on being in the sun for long, you never know when you might get caught out. Plus, you don't want to make your sunburn worse!
Remember, prevention is key, so make sure you're wearing sunscreen and staying out of the sun as much as possible. But if you do get burned, don't worry, you'll be back to your normal shade in no time!
