Skin cells are constantly changing. When we get sunburned, a large amount of cells are damaged, so they must be removed and renewed. When the outermost layer of the skin flakes it gives rise to white skin fragments that peel off. The result can be noticeably unpleasant to the eye, but also quite painful as the skin is often burned, dry and blistered. The best way to prevent skin peeling after a sunburn is to first avoid getting sunburned again by using a cream with a high FPS (sun protection factor). When you don't use sunscreen or use it incorrectly, the sun damages the skin irreversibly. However, it is possible to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by skin peeling by keeping the skin hydrated, protected from any irritating agent and nourishing it from the inside in a healthy way.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preventing Instant Desquamation
Step 1. Hydrate your body
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin moist and hydrated, promoting its natural healing process. When you expose yourself to the sun, your body loses a lot of fluids and your skin becomes dehydrated, which is why it is important to restore the level of body fluids following a sunburn.
In addition to water, you can drink sugar-free iced tea. The antioxidants contained in tea (both green and black) can counteract the damage caused by free radicals due to exposure to the sun
Step 2. Protect sunburn from sunlight
Exposing yourself outdoors without protecting already damaged skin would increase the risk of it cracking, also worsening the condition of the sunburn. The natural protective layer of the skin is now compromised, so UV rays could penetrate deeply causing even serious damage.
Use a broad spectrum cream with an FPS of no less than 30 if you need to be exposed to the sun despite sunburn. Also, wear clothes and accessories that help protect you from UV rays (hat, sunglasses, long sleeves) to prevent further damage
Step 3. Take an oatmeal bath
The emollient and moisturizing properties of oats can help the skin retain its natural moisture, preventing it from cracking. To prepare a bath that mitigates the effects of sunburn, pour about 80-240g of oatmeal into the hot tub water. Soak for about 15-30 minutes, then rinse your body with clean water before exiting the tub.
- After your bath, apply a moisturizer to your skin to further nourish it.
- You can take an oatmeal bath every day before bed to increase the chances of your skin not cracking.
Step 4. Use aloe vera
The natural extract of this succulent plant has been used for centuries in different areas of the world due to its soothing properties. You can buy aloe vera cream, pure aloe vera gel, or detach a leaf directly from the plant and apply its juices immediately to sun-irritated skin. This effective natural remedy promotes skin healing, relieves sunburn pain and fights infections.
- Look for a product of the highest quality, which contains a percentage of pure aloe vera gel not less than 98%.
- You can store aloe vera in the refrigerator for an even more refreshing effect on the skin.
Part 2 of 3: Alternative Exfoliating Solutions
Step 1. Apply a moisturizer
Spread it on sunburned areas of skin. There are products on the market specifically formulated to treat skin recently burned by the sun's rays. Avoid cosmetics that contain irritating ingredients such as alcohol, retinols, and alpha hydroxy acids, as they can dry out and inflame further.
- If possible, apply the moisturizer several times a day, as well as immediately after a bath or shower to ensure that it is best absorbed by the skin.
- In addition to normal moisturizing cream cosmetics, you can use baby oil, coconut oil or honey.
Step 2. Relieve sunburn symptoms with tea
The tannic acid contained in tea leaves is an excellent natural remedy to alleviate the harmful effects of the sun on the skin. Make a cup of black tea, then let it cool in the refrigerator; once cold you can apply it on the skin using a cloth or a spray container.
- The tea helps reduce inflammation, redness and promotes skin healing.
- As an alternative to the proposed solutions, you can apply tea bags directly on sunburnt parts of the body.
Step 3. Pour some baking soda into the bathtub
Soaking in water and baking soda will help restore your skin's natural pH, while alleviating the irritation caused by the sun. Pour about 120g of baking soda into the hot tub water, then soak for 15-20 minutes before rinsing your body with clean water.
- Alternatively, you can pour a generous spoonful of baking soda into a bowl full of hot water and then dip a soft, clean cloth into the mixture. Once squeezed, you can use the cloth as a compress to apply directly to the burned areas of the body.
- To know if you have correctly replenished your body fluids, look at the color of your urine: when the body is well hydrated they are pale yellow or transparent.
Step 4. Treat the sunburn with vinegar
Pour white wine or apple vinegar into a spray bottle, then spray it on sunburned skin. The aim is to prevent the appearance of annoying blisters and prevent the skin from flaking.
If you are bothered by the intense smell of pure vinegar, dilute it with water to create a solution that contains both ingredients in equal parts. Spray it on your skin as suggested above
Step 5. Use whole milk
Dip a soft, clean cloth in whole milk, then squeeze it to get rid of excess liquid. Place the cloth directly on sunburned skin. After letting it act for about ten minutes, rinse the part with water. Repeat the treatment 2-3 times a day until the skin appears completely healed from the sunburn.
Milk is an excellent natural remedy for sunburn as its proteins have a soothing effect on the skin. In addition, the lactic acid contained in milk is able to reduce inflammation and skin itching
Step 6. Use the mint leaves
They will help you stop the peeling process of the skin, while also restoring its natural softness and health. Crush the mint leaves in a mortar to extract the juice, then apply it directly to the burned area of your face.
Step 7. Eat a balanced diet
Feed yourself in a balanced and nutritious way, consuming copious amounts of fruits, vegetables and lean meats to keep your skin healthy and reduce the negative effects of incorrect exposure to the sun.
Fill up on protein, iron, and foods that contain vitamins A, C, and E. These nutrients can promote faster healing from sunburn
Part 3 of 3: Avoid Promoting Skin Peeling
Step 1. Don't scratch yourself
Sunburned skin often becomes sore and itchy, but scratching it or removing dead parts will only further irritate already sun-damaged tissues, promoting peeling and increasing the risk of infection.
- If you feel the urge to scratch your sore skin, try to relieve it by applying an ice cube wrapped in a wet cloth or paper towel. You can lightly rub them on the sunburn by making small circular motions to temporarily soothe the itch.
- If you can't help but peel off layers of dead skin, resist the temptation to pull and tear them with your hands. Use a pair of scissors to carefully cut only the section of skin that needs to be removed.
Step 2. Avoid hot baths
When it's time for a shower or bath, try to use cold or lukewarm water. Hot water tends to dry out the skin that would eventually crack, while cold water will give you a pleasant feeling of relief.
Also, avoid rubbing sunburnt parts with a towel - you risk unintentionally removing the surface layers of skin
Step 3. Avoid harsh scrubs and soaps
Some cleansers can have a drying effect on the skin. Following a sunburn it is important to keep the skin as hydrated as possible to promote healing and prevent cracking. Try to use soap only when absolutely necessary, avoiding areas of skin where sunburn is most severe.
- If necessary, lightly lather with your hands instead of using a cloth or sponge. Having a rough surface, these bathroom items could further irritate the skin, promoting peeling.
- Likewise, avoid any hair removal tools or products. If you really can't help but shave, use a rich, moisturizing shaving cream.
Warnings
- Frequent sun burns can cause cancer, premature skin aging, and painful blisters. You should always expose yourself to the sun with caution having applied a protective sunscreen to the skin. Choose an FPS of no less than 30 and reapply the cream frequently, following the directions on the package, especially after a bath.
- See your doctor if you think the peeling of your skin is not attributable to a sunburn. It could be a symptom of some underlying disease.
