Sunburn SOS: A Dermatologist's Guide to Soothing Your Skin and Speeding Recovery

Summer brings sunshine, but also the risk of sunburn. A recent viral video highlighted a common misconception, showing a young woman with a severe sunburn humorously expecting it to transform into a tan. Following this, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Daniel Sugai shared crucial advice on effective sunburn treatment and prevention. Dr. Sugai emphasized that while prevention through sunscreen and protective clothing is paramount, proper care after a burn can significantly alleviate discomfort and aid healing. For immediate relief, he recommends taking cool showers or baths, potentially with colloidal oatmeal, and staying well-hydrated to counteract fluid loss from damaged skin. Regarding topical treatments, Dr. Sugai advises using aloe vera products to soothe the skin and moisturizers containing ceramides and niacinamide to help repair the compromised skin barrier. He also noted that over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen can help manage pain, though they do not speed up the recovery process. He cautioned against using active skincare ingredients such as retinoids, exfoliants, and Vitamin C serums on burned skin. Dr. Sugai stressed the importance of consulting a dermatologist for severe burns or if itching persists for more than seven days.

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Pro tip: Keep aloe in your fridge for instant pain relief.