Cool Down Sunburned Skin In Just 2 Days With the Following Steps:
1. Do *not* exfoliate.
“Sunburned skin is inflamed skin, which means that any products that could further inflame the skin should be avoided,” says Noëlle S. Sherber, MD, a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Washington, D.C. and Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. “This means no scrubs, and no exfoliating acids,” she adds. If you’re dealing with a sunburn on your face, ditch any toners, exfoliating face masks, acne medications, and anti-aging products till it starts to heal, please.
Sun damage can make your skin extra sensitive (yes, even to products you use daily) so you could end up with a rash or blisters if you keep up your usual routine. Also, steer clear of any products that contain lidocaine or benzocaine. Numbing agents might sound like a good idea, but they can actually cause sunburned skin to flare up. Yikes.
2. Take a cool shower.
Um, easiest remedy ever. Just hop in a cool shower (or tub) for some instant relief. The cold water will feel amazing and actually make your skin appear less red by reducing inflammation. But whatever you do, don’t rub your burn with a towel when you get out. Doing so will disrupt your skin barrier even more, which you def don’t want right now, explains dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine. Instead, use the towel to gently pat yourself dry.
3. Make a clothsicle.
You’ve probably heard of applying a cold compress to a sunburn—but this hack takes it to a whole new level. Wet a washcloth, put it in the freezer for a few hours, and you magically have what Dr. Gohara calls a clothsicle (getting this trademarked, brb). Place it over your skin to soothe any burning sensations and calm redness. If you’re dealing with a seriously uncomfy or large burn, make a few clothsicles at a time so you’ll always have one on hand, recommends Dr. Gohara.
