To quickly relieve and help heal sunburn on your face, follow these expert- recommended steps:
- Cool your skin: Take a cool bath or shower to soothe inflammation and lower skin temperature. Avoid hot water and harsh soaps, which can irritate the skin further
. Alternatively, apply a cool, damp compress or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the affected area for 10-15 minutes several times a day to reduce heat and swelling
- Moisturize: After cooling, gently pat your skin dry and apply a moisturizer to lock in moisture. Aloe vera gel or lotion is especially effective due to its anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties, helping to reduce redness and itching
. If aloe vera is unavailable, coconut oil or hydrating face masks with ingredients like hyaluronic acid can also soothe and nourish the skin
- Use hydrocortisone cream: Applying a 1% hydrocortisone cream can reduce inflammation, redness, and itching
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body heal and to counteract dehydration caused by sunburn
- Avoid scratching or peeling: Resist the urge to scratch or peel the skin, as this can worsen irritation and delay healing
- Consider pain relief: Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation
Additional natural remedies include applying cool tea bags to reduce swelling (especially around eyes), using oatmeal baths to calm irritation, or applying yogurt or baking soda paste for soothing effects
. By combining these treatments promptly and avoiding further sun exposure, you can speed up recovery and reduce discomfort from facial sunburn