Red, hot, painful skin after excessive UV exposure—the first instinct is to cool the area and protect the skin. Some soothing treatments can subsequently improve comfort. However, kitchen remedies aren’t always suitable for burned skin.
Sunburn: The first steps to soothe the skin
A sunburn is a real burn caused by ultraviolet rays. A simple redness usually corresponds to a first-degree burn. The formation of blisters indicates deeper damage.
As soon as the first signs appear, get out of the sun and move to a cooler place. Then rinse the burned area under lukewarm water, between 59 and 77 °F (15–25 °C) for about 15 minutes.
Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Severe cold can worsen the damage. If a large area is affected, opt for a cool shower or bath instead.
Drink water regularly, even if you don’t yet feel thirsty. Wear loose, soft clothing to limit rubbing and discomfort.
What cream should you apply to a sunburn?
A light moisturizer, fragrance-free and alcohol-free, can help relieve tightness. You can also ask your pharmacist for advice on an after-sun product or a soothing ointment.
Apply the product to clean skin, in a thin layer, without rubbing. Reapply according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the pain is significant, seek guidance from a health professional before taking any medicine. Always follow contraindications and recommended dosages.
Can aloe vera soothe a sunburn?
Aloe vera gel provides a cooling sensation and can improve the comfort of slightly warmed skin.
Choose a cosmetic gel with a high concentration of aloe vera, fragrance-free and alcohol-free. Test it first on a small patch of healthy skin.
Direct use of a fresh leaf requires more caution. The yellow latex beneath the rind can be irritating. Do not apply aloe vera to an open blister or an infected patch of skin.
Oats, a gentle solution for itching
Colloidal oats are sometimes used in care products for dry or irritated skin. Added to a tepid bath, they can help calm tightness and mild itching.
Place finely ground oats in a clean cloth sachet, then let it steep in bathwater. Leave after about ten minutes and pat the skin dry gently.
This solution is reserved for mild sunburns, without blisters or open wounds.
Cucumber, melon, yogurt: should you apply them to the skin?
Slices of cold cucumber or melon can provide a sensation of cooling. However, this effect mainly comes from their temperature. A clean compress soaked in cool water is more hygienic and easier to use.
yogurt, milk, tomato, potato or egg white are not sunburn remedies. They can contaminate the skin and are particularly discouraged if blisters are present.
No particular dietary regimen will cure the burn faster. So there’s no need to cut dairy, tomatoes, or nuts from your diet. Simply aim for a varied diet and adequate hydration.
Vinegar, baking soda and toothpaste: remedies to avoid
Vinegar, even when diluted, is acidic and can cause stinging or worsen irritation. Do not apply apple cider vinegar to a burned skin.
Baking soda and vinegar preparations are also discouraged. They neither treat sunburn nor any possible sun allergy.
Also steer clear of toothpaste, essential oils, thick oils, and scented products. St. John’s wort oil is photosensitizing: do not use it before sun exposure.
Good to know
A cooling sensation does not necessarily mean a product speeds up healing. On burned skin, it is better to limit applications and choose a product designed for this use.
What to do if blisters appear?
The blisters correspond to a second-degree burn. Never pop them: they temporarily protect the skin underneath.
Gently clean the area and ask your pharmacist for advice on using an appropriate dressing. If a blister ruptures on its own, do not remove the remaining skin.
Watch how the burn evolves. Redness spreading, increasing pain, swelling, discharge or pus can signal an infection.
Sunburn: when should you seek medical advice?
Medical advice is needed when the burn is extensive, deep, or located on a fragile area. Consider consulting especially if:
- The redness covers a surface larger than ten times the area of your palm;
- Blisters are numerous, extensive, or larger than 3 cm;
- The face, chest area, hands, or genital organs are affected;
- The skin becomes pale or less sensitive despite the severity of the burn;
- Pain worsens or signs of infection appear;
- You experience headaches, dizziness, confusion, or extreme weakness;
- You have fever, vomiting, malaise or signs of dehydration.
Infants, young children, the elderly, and frail individuals require special vigilance.
Protect the skin until it heals
A sunburned skin should not be re-exposed to the sun. Stay in the shade and cover the area with loose clothing until it heals completely.
Do not peel off the small skins that are peeling. Continue to gently hydrate the epidermis and avoid scrubs, waxing, and scented products.
To prevent another sunburn, seek shade, wear covering clothing, a hat, and sunglasses. Apply appropriate sunscreen to exposed areas.
