Summertime skin issues happen, but they shouldn’t stop you from enjoying outdoor activities. If UV rays managed to get past your sunscreen and crisped your complexion, there are a few tips to get back on track. Keep reading for the best home-based sunburn treatment on the advice of two dermatologist and cosmetologist Dendy Engelman and Shani Darden.
1. Use natural oils.
Dendy Engelman, a dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery sáy. “there are also a few natural ingredients that aid in the healing of a sunburn, like chamomile oil (anti-inflammatory so it’s very soothing for the skin), rosemary oil (which has soothing properties and is also a mild antiseptic), and lavender oil (a natural antiseptic, meaning it can help prevent infection).”
2. Choose products with vitamin E.
“Sunburned skin, if not treated properly, can lead to dry skin and pronounced lines and wrinkles,” warns Engelman. “Therefore it’s important to treat the sunburn with products that have ingredients like vitamin E, which helps the skin heal. vitamin E help to neutralize free radicals. Products with vitamins A and E promote cell regeneration, and lavender oil, chamomile oil, calendula oil, and rosemary oil that help invigorate and condition the skin, ultimately providing calming and hydrating benefits that improve the appearance of new or old scars and stretch marks.”
3. Yogurt treatments.
Cosmetologist Shani Darden says: “I love using yogurt as a treatment.The cool sensation provides instant relief and it’s packed with probiotics to help restore your skin”.
4. Shop for healing aloe
“Aloe helps relieve skin irritation, itching, and inflammation,” adds Darden. “It’s very gentle and great for all skin types. And whatever you do, don’t go back out into the sun even if you apply sunscreen. Give your skin a break. It needs to heal.”
5. Hydrate your skin
Darden says: “Always hydrate your skin and yourself. Sunburns often come hand in hand with dehydration, so be sure to drink a lot of water and use a hydrating mask to replenish your skin. I also love iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum, which contains vitamin E, along with vitamin C, olive leaf extract, and vitamin A, for healing properties. These are great options for your damaged skin.”
6. Keep anti-inflammatory products nearby
RealSelf Contributor Dr. Joel Schlessinger says: “When you take ibuprofen, you aren’t just addressing symptoms like redness and swelling; you are also helping to prevent long term skin damage. For best results, take it within four to six hours of sunburn to prevent it from becoming worse.
7. Consider witch hazel
Engelman says: “Treating a sunburn with witch hazel will lessen healing time and prevent the infamous skin peeling and flaking. Stick them in the fridge for an added cooling effect.”
8. Use a moisturizer to treat burns
This product is specially formulated for redness prone skin, and as a neutral tinted moisturizer combats the appearance of redness, evens skin tone, and hydrates the natural protective skin barrier, leaving it soothed and balanced.
9. Use face specific products for sensitive areas
Engelman suggests using mild skincare products for your face and avoid exfoliating until your sunburn is healed. “Remember that the face area is significantly more sensitive than your body, so keep skincare gentle and use SPF daily on both your face and body, and cover up to avoid future sunburns.”
10. Prevention is key
“The most important thing you can do for your skin is to protect it from the sun,” advises Darden. “Sun damage accelerates the signs of aging and is very hard to reverse later. Wear an SPF 30 daily (and a hat if you’re spending time outside during the summer).