How to Treat a Sunburn
It's SUMMERTIME which means we will be spending more time in the sun. Here are the the 13 Best Sunburn Relief Products, According to Dermatologists
Best Overall: Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Moisturizing After Sun Lotion
Best Body Wash: Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash
Best Body Lotion: Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Body Lotion
Best Aloe Gel: Banana Boat Soothing Aloe After Sun Gel
Best for Peeling Skin: Burt's Bees Aloe & Coconut Oil After Sun Soother
Best for Itch Relief: Aveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion
Best Soothing Spray: Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray
Best for Reducing Redness: Quinn's Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel
Best for Healing Broken Skin: Dynarex Bacitracin Ointment
Best for Preventing Blisters: Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Best for Lips: Dr. Dan's Cortibalm for Dry Cracked Lips
Best for Babies and Kids: Baby Dove Sensitive Skin Care Wash
Best for Itchy Scalps: Vanicream 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream
How to treat a Sunburn: A sunburn affects the skin in a similar way that a burn from the oven does, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. "The skin barrier becomes disrupted and inflamed, and there is injury to skin cells themselves."
The first step is to gently wash your skin with a hydrating cleanser to remove sunscreen, sand, dirt, and oil without further disrupting the skin barrier, Dr. Zeichner. Take care to avoid harsh scrubs and exfoliators, since this could further irritate your skin. After, gently apply a light moisturizer to help repair the damaged skin barrier and replace lost hydration. Steer clear of heavy ointments since they tend to trap heat and prevent the skin from cooling down, Dr. Zeichner says, and choose products that contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera instead.
For individual red areas, apply 1% hydrocortisone cream to calm inflammation, he suggests. "The quicker you soothe inflammation; the less potential damage the skin will experience." As for any open wounds or raw skin, treat it the same way you would treat a thermal burn: Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment like bacitracin to the individual area—this will form a protective seal and prevent it from getting infected, says Dr. Zeichner. But if you develop a blister, make sure to leave the roof intact because it protects the underlying raw skin from the environment and acts like a natural bandage, he adds.
Whatever you do, don't pop blisters or peel your skin, as this can lead to infection and scarring, says Rachel Nazarian, MD, a New York-based dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. If your blisters are making it uncomfortable to wear clothes, sleep, or walk, contact your doctor about draining them or treating them safely, she adds.
The best at-home remedies for sunburn relief: Keep your skin cool by taking cold showers and applying moist, cool compresses. You can also take ibuprofen to decrease inflammation, and be sure to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated. "Sunburned skin is not able to maintain moisture as well, so there's a higher risk of dehydration," Dr. Nazarian explains.
Cucumber slices, milk, and yogurt can also be applied to the skin to help soothe a sunburn. Applying cold milk compresses or soaking in a milk bath will help pull heat away from your body, while the vitamin E in yogurt can help minimize inflammation, says Debra Jaliman, MD, a dermatologist based in New York City.
Cornstarch is another great way to naturally calm a burn because of its cooling and silky texture, and you can easily create a paste by adding water and applying it to irritated skin, Dr. Jaliman notes. Sprinkling talcum powder on your sheets can make sleeping more comfortable because it'll prevent friction on your skin when turning over or moving in your sleep, Dr Jaliman adds.
Until next time, Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, and be aware COVID is not over.
James A Vito,D.M.D.