How to Treat Sunburn

First of all, I hope everyone is making an effort to prevent sunburn! I used to be the girl that used SPF 4 tanning oil and rarely applied a protective SPF lotion.

As the years go by I can see the changes in my skin so I take extra precautions to make sure it doesn’t get too much exposure.

Remember to always apply sunscreen before you leave the house and reapply after you get out of the water! If you’re not convinced that you should wear sunscreen then you might want to read 5 Reasons to Wear Sunscreen!

How to Treat Sunburn

Moisturize

This one’s a no brainer! You should always moisturize your skin…everyday! When I’ve been in the sun I use aloe lotion!

Ocean Potion Aloe Lotion to be specific! It’s my absolute favorite because it’s light and it smells great.

There’s another good one from Hawaiin Tropic. It’s a light green color and very thick.

I like it, but I don’t think my skin stays moisturized as long as it should. The product you choose is a personal preference and you should use what’s best for your skin.

Your Lips

Don’t forget your lips!

They burn just as easily as the rest of your skin. Usually they’ll feel a little more dry than usual…then they become flaky.

I have some Hawaiin Tropic SPF 45 lip balm and it tastes nasty. It’s waterproof and I know it works but I need to find something else!

Most skin care products already have SPF in them, so chances are you already have a lip balm with protection!

Aloe Vera Gel and a Big T-Shirt

If I’m using aloe vera gel then my skin is probably close to crispy.

There’s nothing worse than lathering up before bed and having to lay down only to feel your t-shirt stick to your back.

The only downfalls to using aloe vera gel are that it doesn’t stay cool for very long(your skin will feel warm within 30 minutes) and it can be sticky.

That’s why you need a baggy t-shirt. Oh, and don’t move until that shit dries. You’ll regret it!

*Tip: Put your aloe gel in the fridge for an even better cooling sensation!

Your Scalp

If you have a part like I do then you’re probably familiar with the occasional scalp sunburn.

I rarely spray sunscreen on my part because I always forget that my scalp is exposed. The next day when I’m styling my hair is normally when I realize that my scalp is burnt! That’s when I should moisturize my scalp…but I don’t.

Two days later is when it starts to feel a little itchy(probably from the dryness). That’s when I remember to spray that area with Moisture Kick(or something similar).

Using a moisturizing spray(for hair) is the best way to relieve the dryness when your scalp is sun burnt. You can attempt to rub lotion on those areas but your hair is going to look greasy and limp!

Lidocaine Spray

I use a lidocaine/aloe spray when I get a really bad sunburn.

Hopefully this doesn’t happen to you very often, but it’s good to remember if you find yourself unable to put your bra on because your skin is on fire.

Lidocaine spray is a little more expensive than aloe vera gel with lidocaine in it. When I had a bad sun burn I felt like it was worth the extra $5 because it was painful to rub on the aloe gel. My boyfriend though he was being gentle when applying the gel to my back but it still hurt! The spray is so much easier if your skin is sensitive to the touch.

If you have blisters or other symptoms worse than sensitivity please be cautious with the products that you choose to apply to your skin!

*Please consult your physician for medical advice. I am not a medical professional. These tips are suggestions for relieving the skin after a long day in the sun!