In sunny Sonoma County, it’s almost inevitable that you will get sunburned at least once this summer if you’re not careful. Sunburns are painful and unpleasant, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend your entire summer in discomfort though!
The sooner you begin treating a sunburn the better. Not only will early treatment help relieve the pain quicker, but it’ll also help to prevent any serious, lasting damage. This damage can include skin discoloration, wrinkles and even an increased chance for developing skin cancer later in life.
Got a sunburn and not sure where to begin? Here are the top steps for healing a sunburn quickly.
Applying a bag of ice (make sure you do it safely) or a cold, damp towel to the sunburnt area for short periods of time is one of the best ways to quickly remove the heat from your skin. By doing so, you will alleviate most of the burning sensation.
After any time in the sun, especially time that results in sunburn, you need to rehydrate your body by drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated will also help your skin begin to heal itself by providing the nutrients your skin cells need.
Sunburn dries out your skin cells and can cause that unpleasant peeling and itching. In order to help prevent that, moisturize often to help your sunburnt skin heal. Applying a moisturizer with SPF will also help you to continue to protect your skin from any further damage.
It’s important to protect your skin from further UV damage when you go outside with sunburn. Try to avoid sunlight as much as possible while you heal and wear clothes that fully cover your body. Also, continue applying sunblock to prevent an additional burn.
Depending on the severity of your burn, you may develop blisters and peeling spots. The best thing you can do is leave them alone. If you mess with sunburn related open wounds, you risk exposing yourself to a potentially dangerous infection. It can also lead to scars and skin discoloration, not to mention longer healing times.
The final way to help your skin heal quickly and efficiently after a bad sunburn is to decrease Inflammation. You can do this by taking medications such as ibuprofen and wearing loose, airy clothing that doesn’t restrict your skin.
Final Thoughts
Getting sunburnt is never fun, which is why it’ so important to take the necessary precautions. Instead of sunbathing, treat your skin to a freshening microdermabrasion. Call us today at Laura Skin Care and schedule an appointment today!