Having a tan is perceived as a healthy glow but it’s really a mask for an angry sunburn. Truthfully, sunburns and tanning cause more harm than good. So the best defense is prevention with sunscreen and a healthy diet filled with antioxidants. But if your skin does get overexposed to sunlight, a few home remedies can help ease the pain while your body repairs itself. Here are some of our suggestions:
- Take a cool bath with a few big scoops of baking soda to soothe your burn. Soak for about 15 to 20 minutes and no more, as long baths can irritate dry skin. Resist the urge to towel-dry so you don’t wipe off any of the baking soda. Another option is to add ½ to 1 cup of oatmeal to your cool bath.
- Moisturize immediately after a bath or shower. You can even put lotion in the refrigerator for more cooling relief.
- Apply aloe vera to your skin five to six times a day for several days to sooth the sting and ease the redness of your sunburn. Or apply a cool compress multiple times a day, rewetting the cloth throughout the day.
- Drink up! Your skin is fried and dehydrated. Drink plenty of water to help your burns heal better.
If you have any questions about sunburns or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.
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