Summer brings sunshine and fun, but it also carries the risk of sunburns. Despite our best efforts with sunscreen, shade, and covering clothing, occasionally a sunburn manages to catch us off-guard. To prevent these painful and potentially damaging experiences, it's essential to understand how to treat a sunburn effectively, what not to put on a sunburn, and how to get quick sunburn relief.
In this blog, we will explore some tried-and-true methods for soothing sunburns and preventing them from becoming dry, cracked, and damaged. So, let’s dive right in and get you some answers to your questions.
How Long Do Sunburns Last?
First, let’s cover that question on time: "how long will it last?" Sunburn duration can vary depending on the severity of the burn and individual factors. Generally, mild sunburns tend to heal within a week, while more severe cases can take up to two weeks or longer to fully recover. Factors such as skin type, sunburn prevention measures, and the effectiveness of treatment also play a role in the healing process. Understanding the typical duration of sunburns can help individuals gauge their recovery progress and take appropriate steps for relief and skin health.
What Not to Put On A Sunburn…
When faced with a sunburn, it's crucial to know what not to do, so let’s get that out of the way first. One common mistake is applying ice directly to the affected area – do not apply ice to a sunburn. Although it may initially feel soothing, ice can actually worsen the damage by causing vasoconstriction and rupturing skin cells before they’re ready.
Other things to avoid putting on a sunburn include:
- Petroleum jelly or products with this ingredient in them
- Tight fitting clothing or clothing that rubs against the burn
- Topical pain products (with “caine” in the name)
- Rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide
- Be careful with topical itch creams, too – they are often steroidal
What Do I Do For Quick Sunburn Relief?
For quick sunburn relief, follow this simple routine:
- Cool Shower: Take a cool (not cold) shower or bath to help lower the temperature of your skin and reduce inflammation.
- Moisturize & Soothe: After showering, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel and apply a moisturizer specifically formulated for sunburn relief, like our Skin Recovery Cream.
- Stay Hydrated: Sunburns can dehydrate your body, so it's crucial to replenish lost fluids.
- Painkillers and antihistamines, if needed: Over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen) and antihistamines (like diphenhydramine) can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with sunburns.
Learn More: Sun Damage 101: What Do Sunburns Actually Do To Your Skin?
What Kind of Cream Can I Put On My Burn?
While following the above routine can significantly improve sunburn recovery, using a specialized product like Skin Recovery Cream can enhance the healing process further. Its unique blend of natural ingredients (including aloe vera, bamboo, pea, glucosamine, calendula extract, and hyaluronic acid) helps to reduce redness, inflammation, and discomfort. Regular application of this product can promote faster healing and prevent your sunburn from becoming a dry, cracked, and damaged mess.
Learn More: Why You Should Be Wearing Sunscreen Everyday
Sunburns may be an unfortunate consequence of enjoying the sun, but with proper treatment, their discomfort and long-term effects can be minimized. Don’t hesitate to pick up a bottle of our Skin Recovery Cream and stash it in the cupboard – this way, if some of those pesky UV rays slip through your diligent sunscreen routine, you’ll be ready to go.
Stay safe and enjoy the sun responsibly this summer!