How to get rid of sunburn: Two simple steps to healing sunburned skin

Sunburn can cause hot-to-the-touch skin that is red, inflamed and painful. Here’s the best way to apply moisturiser so that the burn heals faster.

The Skin Cancer Foundation explained: “Sunburn is an inflammatory reaction to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage to the skin’s outermost layers.”

And it’s not a pretty sight, can be quite sensitive and can even lead to blistering.

Help heal your skin more quickly by acting fast to cool down the sunburn.

Do this with a cold compress, such as a wet washcloth that has been put into a bowl of ice-cold water.

Here’s a warning though, from the Skin Cancer Foundation: “Do not apply ice directly to the sunburn.”

When bathing, use cool water and don’t bathe for too long as this can be drying.

Additionally, avoid any harsh soaps which may irritate the skin even more.

While the skin is damp, use a gentle moisturiser on the sunburn.

For mild burns, aloe vera may be used. However, stay away from petroleum or oil-based ointments that may trap the heat and make the sunburn worse.

When the sunburn is excessive enough for the skin to start peeling, this is a sign your body is trying to shed itself of damaged cells.

Do not pick at the skin, and let it peel naturally, and continue to use a gentle moisturiser for peeling and burned skin.

If safe to do so, take ibuprofen or aspirin to help ease feelings of discomfort.

And an over-the-counter one percent cortisone cream may help calm redness and swelling.

While the burn is healing, wear loose, soft and breathable clothing and try to stay out of the sun till the burn is healed.

Moreover, as burns draw fluids away from the body to attend to the skin’s surface, it’s easy to become dehydrated.

So make sure to rehydrate by drinking water and sports drinks.

Some people are more prone to sunburn than others – specifically those with fair skin, who produce less melanin.

Melanin is the pigment that gives your skin its colour, and the more pigment you have, the darker the skin tone.

Regardless of your shade of skin, sun exposure raises skin cancer risk – even if the skin doesn’t redden.

And don’t think that a cloudy, warm day is an excuse not to wear sun protection.

“Up to 80 percent of UV rays can penetrate clouds,” confirmed the Skin Cancer Foundation.

The charity also stated that five or more burns during a lifetime can more than double a person’s risk of developing skin cancer.

And that’s why it’s vital to look after your skin and stay safe in the sunshine.