How Can I Get Rid of a Sunburn?

Do you take cool showers?

Are you applying cold compress?

Are you using a cleanser?

Do you drink plenty of water?

Are you using lotions?

Are you taking aspirin or ibuprofen?

You should take a cool shower or bath, because it can soothe the skin by reducing inflammation. When you are finished, pat your body down with a towel, leaving a little water. Then slather on some moisturizer that contains aloe vera or soy to trap the water, which can prevent dryness.

You should apply some ice to make ice water for a cold compress, but you should not apply ice directly to the sunburn. Apply the cold, wet washcloth to your burn for 10 to 15 minutes throughout the day to soothe your skin.

Sun damage can make your skin extra sensitive to ingredients you typically use without a problem, triggering itchiness, rashes or blisters. You should choose a gentle cleanser and moisturizer formulated for sensitive skin. Avoid face masks, acne medications, anti-aging products, harsh toners and exfoliants that contain lidocaine or benzocaine because they can worsen the sunburned skin.

You should start drinking plenty of liquids, because you can lose water through damaged skin, so sunburns can dry you out. Drinking extra water when you are sunburned helps prevent dehydration.

You should use lotions that contain aloe vera to soothe and moisturize sunburnt skin. Some aloe products contain lidocaine, an anesthetic that can help relieve sunburn pain.

You should start taking aspirin or ibuprofen at the first sign of sunburn to help with discomfort and inflammation. Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory that acts directly on chemicals known to play a role in sunburn pain, so it will work better than acetaminophen.