Sunburns are painful. At worst, sun damage in childhood can lead to the development of skin cancers in adulthood. It is important to know how to treat and prevent a sunburn on the face, as the skin in this area is particularly vulnerable and delicate. Read on to learn more about how to spot, treat and prevent sunburn on the face.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Immediately Cure a Solar Erythema on the Face
Step 1. Go to the shade
As soon as you start to feel tingling or your skin looks a little red, you should go indoors or at least in the shade. It can take 4-6 hours after exposure for the symptoms of a rash to appear, but if you go to the shade right away, you can prevent it from worsening.
Step 2. Drink some water
As soon as you notice the first signs of erythema, start drinking water to rehydrate your skin. Sunburn causes dehydration and it can happen that you feel fatigued. You can prevent the consequences by staying well hydrated.
Step 3. Sprinkle cool water on your face
If your face feels hot from erythema, refresh it occasionally by sprinkling it with cool water and then pat it gently with a soft towel. You can also place a cool, damp washcloth on your forehead or cheeks to mitigate the heat.
Step 4. Apply aloe or moisturizer to your face
Do not use a cream that contains petroleum, benzocaine or lidocaine. Instead, use aloe vera or a moisturizing emulsion containing soy or aloe vera. If your skin is particularly irritated or swollen, you can also use an over-the-counter steroid cream (such as 1% hydrocortisone cream). Carefully follow the instructions for each free sale drug you use.
Step 5. Take ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen
As soon as you realize you have rash, taking an over-the-counter pain reliever can help prevent facial pain. Read and follow the dosage instructions on the package insert carefully.
Step 6. Look at the skin
When the effects of sunburn begin to be noticeable, look closely at the skin to check its severity. If you experience nausea, chills, vision problems or a fever, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Method 2 of 3: Caring for Your Face While Healing Erythema
Step 1. Keep hydrating
Drink plenty of water to rehydrate your skin, as sunburn causes dehydration and you may feel tired. Good hydration helps prevent these consequences.
Step 2. Apply a moisturizer often
After getting sunburned, your skin needs it frequently. Do not use any cream that contains petroleum, benzocaine or lidocaine. Instead, apply pure aloe vera or a moisturizing lotion that contains soy or aloe vera. If your skin is particularly irritated or swollen, you can apply a steroid cream (such as 1% hydrocortisone cream), which does not require a prescription.
Step 3. Do not prick the blisters and do not remove the skin
You may have permanent scars left, puncturing the blisters and peeling away any bits of skin, so leave any bubbles or peeling you notice - they will disappear on their own.
Step 4. Avoid the sun until erythema symptoms subside
If you have to stay outdoors, apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or 50 and take advantage of any shady space you find.
Step 5. Try a home remedy
There are many household products that help heal sunburn naturally. Try one of these remedies to supplement the treatment methods already described.
- Give your face warm sponging with chamomile or peppermint tea. Make a cup of chamomile tea and let it cool to room temperature, then dip some cotton balls into the tea and dab them on your face.
- Make a milk compress. Take some gauze or a washcloth, dip it in cold milk, squeeze it, and then apply it to your face. The milk will form a protective layer on the skin, refreshing it and accelerating the healing process.
- Make a potato paste to apply to the face. Chop and mix the pulp of a raw potato, then dip cotton balls into the puree to absorb the liquid. Dab your face with the soaked cotton balls.
- Make a cucumber mask. Peel and puree a cucumber, then apply the mixture to your face, like a mask. The cucumber paste helps to disperse the heat from the skin.
Method 3 of 3: Avoiding Sunburn on the Face
Step 1. Use sunscreen every day
When outdoors, protect your face and all sun-exposed skin by applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or 50. Apply at least 15 minutes before exposure and reapply every 90 minutes. Use a water-resistant sunscreen if you plan to sweat or go for a swim.
Step 2. Wear a hat when outdoors
A hat with a wide brim (10 cm) protects the scalp, ears and neck from sunburn.
Step 3. Put on some sunglasses
Glasses with UV protection lenses help prevent the damage that the sun causes to the eye area.
Step 4. Don't forget your lips
Because these can also burn, always use a lip balm with a sun protection factor of at least 30.
Step 5. Limit the exposure time
If possible, moderate the time you spend outdoors by avoiding the hours between 10:00 and 16:00, as the risk of rashes is higher during this time period.
Step 6. Check your skin often
Watch it when you are outdoors and if you feel it pinch or notice any redness, you have probably burned yourself and should get away from the sun right away.
Step 7. Don't think that an umbrella is enough to protect your skin
Sure, it can help reduce direct exposure, but sand reflects sunlight onto the skin. It is therefore important to use the protective cream even when you are under the umbrella.
Advice
- Remember that it is easier to prevent than to cure a sunburn, so always take precautions when spending time outdoors.
- Although you can cover the rash with makeup, it is advisable not to use cosmetics (foundation, powder, blush) until completely healed, especially if the sunburn is quite severe.
- Anyone can get a sunburn, but children and adults with fair skin are more prone to rashes and should therefore take extra precautions (sunscreen, hat, clothing, etc.).
Warnings
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience nausea, dizziness, headache, fever and chills, swelling of the face, or severe pain. It could be photodermatitis
Related wikiHows
- How to Treat Solar Erythema
- How to Prevent Sunburn
- How to Cure a Burn with Aloe Vera Ice Cubes
- How to cure a sunburn on the scalp
