What To Do With Sunburn? What Your Skin Needs Now

Forgot sunscreen? Not replenished regularly? Or underestimated the power of the sun?
As soon as you notice the first signs of sunburn, you should act as quickly as possible
– so that the skin can recover quickly. We’ll tell you what’s really going on with sunburn
helps.

First aid for sunburn: 3 immediate tips

The first symptoms of sunburn include slight redness and a feeling of tightness on the skin. As soon as you notice this, your skin needs special protection:

1. Off into the shadows:

Once the sunburn is there, nothing can be done with sunscreen or sunscreen. Instead, move to a shady spot immediately. No shadow in sight? Then it is best to protect your skin from UV radiation with airy clothing.

2. Drink enough:

Of course, the body loses fluid when it is very hot. But the skin is also affected, dries out, and tightens. By drinking water now, you counteract dehydration and prevent circulatory problems. Delicious and refreshing for on the go: infused water with grapefruit, pomegranate, and mint.

3. Cooling For Pain:

Cooling is the best remedy for the pain of sunburn. For example, soak a towel or t-shirt in water and place it on the irritated skin.

Important: Never place ice or cool packs directly on sunburned skin. Wrap in a cloth beforehand to avoid frostbite.

What to do with sunburn: When should I see a doctor?

In more severe cases, blisters may form on the affected area of ​​skin. The pain is particularly severe and long-lasting. Nausea is also not uncommon. Then a visit to the doctor is highly recommended. They can treat the sunburn and prescribe special ointments or medication if necessary.

Important: Babies and small children should have every sunburn examined by a doctor. The protective mechanisms of your skin are not yet fully developed, so that it reacts more sensitively to UV radiation. Therefore, also remember: Babies should never be exposed to direct sunlight. Small children need sunscreen with a very high sun protection factor (50+).

How long does sunburn last?

Is it easy to get rid of a sunburn? Unfortunately not: In the case of a light sunburn, the skin usually recovers on its own within about two weeks. During this time, however, you must expect symptoms such as feelings of tightness and itching. You cannot speed up the healing process.

What care does sun-stressed skin need?

Be sure to avoid direct sunlight during the healing process. If this is not possible, protect the affected skin areas with clothing.

The skin now needs a lot of care. The ideal time for an après sun lotion. It intensively moisturizes sun-stressed skin. A body lotion does this too, but thanks to special formulas, après sun products can be spread much more easily on the skin. They also have a cooling and thus pain-relieving effect. Some contain anti-inflammatory ingredients like panthenol to help the skin heal itself.

Anyone suffering from a sun allergy should protect their skin from the sun’s rays and avoid direct contact.

Home remedies for sunburn: which ones really help?

Many swear by classic home remedies for sunburns, such as quark or vegetable oils. However, these are not fully recommended to relieve the skin after sunbathing:

Quark against sunburn: Quark or yoghurt applied directly to the skin has a cooling effect. Its use as a quark wrap is also widespread. But even if the cooling effect is beneficial, there is still a residual risk with these milk products: it is possible that the naturally occurring bacteria can lead to infections because the protective skin barrier is weakened.

Tip: The use of dairy products in our quark recipes is harmless and delicious.
Natural oils against sunburn: Various vegetable oils are said to have an anti-inflammatory effect, including coconut oil. Under certain circumstances, however, this home remedy can also be counterproductive. Pure oils can cause uncomfortable heat build-up and impair healing.
Cold compresses for sunburn: Cold compresses are recommended. This classic home remedy relieves the pain. Just make sure to use clean water and fresh towels. Simply apply to sunburned skin and change regularly as needed.

Prevention is the best protection against sunburn

As soon as the sunburn has subsided, nothing stands in the way of activities in the sun. However, remember that any sunburn can cause lasting damage to the skin. Therefore, always wear enough sunscreen and adjust the sun protection factor to your skin type.

Important: UV protection can only be maintained by regularly reapplying. Because it is gradually worn away, among other things, by swimming, sweating or drying off. Therefore, always apply cream after bathing, but at least every two hours. Here you will find all the important information about sun protection and tips for healthy skin.