So, you’ve got yourself into a pickle. You tried to avoid it, but still ended up with a sunburn. So now what the heck to do about it? We have a step by step plan to recover from your sunburn!
Re-Hydrate Your Body
Spending the day in the sun can really dehydrate you. Sunburns will only amplify that. If you are dehydrated, you will have a harder time recovering from your burn. If you are concerned you are dehydrated, start with a rehydration supplement (Gatorade will do) and then keep up with drinking extra water for the next 24 hours.
Manage Discomfort
Start with an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory). An Aspirin or an Advil will go a long way in helping to reduce the painful, hot, inflammation from the inside out. Reduced inflammation often means faster healing. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to determine dosage and which one is the best for you.
Hydrate Topically
Our favorite is the Avene Thermal Spring Water, in the aerosol spray can. You can buy it at many large chain pharmacies (Shoppers Drug Mart if you are in YYC). The water is medically sterile, and bottled in France at the Avene spring, which is world renowned for its healing properties.
Aloe Vera It Up
If you have a plant, that’s obviously perfect. In Canada though, that is not always an option. Find an Aloe Vera gel at your pharmacy with as few ingredients as possible and apply it as needed. Keep it in your refrigerator for extra soothing and cooling.
Things to Avoid
Hot water in the shower or bath (48-72 hours)
Saunas, steam rooms (4-7 days)
Heavy, thick creams that can trap the heat in your skin (48 hours)
Scrubs, loofas or anything abrasive (5-7 days, or until healed)
AHA’s, BHA’s and retin or retinol (5-14 days, or until healed)
Important to Remember
It takes hours for a sunburn to fully develop. Once you see the signs of a sunburn, its already happened! Take steps as soon as you can to prevent it from getting worse.
If you need to go outside again while you have a sunburn, find a Zinc based SPF. Zinc is a naturally occurring mineral that creates a physical barrier between UVA/UVB rays and your skin while simultaneously reducing inflammation. Chemical sunscreens will reflect or absorbs rays, a process which can create heat in the skin and be quite uncomfortable if you already have a burn! So, find some Zinc based sunblock!
If you have burned to the point of blisters, it is wise to seek medical attention from your family doctor to make sure that it doesn’t get infected.
Practice safe sun! Apply your sunscreen every 2-3 hours, keep yourself hydrated, and watch out for peak UVA/UVB hours. Enjoy your summer and know, we are always here to answer your questions about which sunscreen is right for you!
