Burns from the sun are painful. In addition, sun damage in childhood can lead to skin cancer in the future. Since facial skin is very fragile and vulnerable, it is important to know how to treat and prevent sunburn on the face. Keep reading to learn how to detect, treat, and prevent sunburn on the face.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Immediate Handling
Step 1. Stay away from sun exposure
As soon as you notice that your skin is itchy or slightly pink, go indoors or at least take shelter. Symptoms of sunburn can begin to appear 4-6 hours after staying away from sun exposure. However, if you avoid the sun immediately, more severe burns may not occur.
Step 2. Drink water
As soon as you notice the symptoms of sunburn, start drinking lots of water to hydrate your skin. Sunburns dehydrate your blood and may make you feel tired. Further effects can be prevented by keeping the body hydrated.
Step 3. Wet your face with cold water
If your face feels hot from sunburn, cool it down by periodically wetting your face with cold water, then patting it dry with a soft towel. Wet, cold washcloths can also be placed on the forehead or cheeks to help relieve heat.
Step 4. Brush your face with aloe vera gel or moisturizer
Do not use a moisturizer that contains petrolatum, benzocaine, or lidocaine. Instead, use pure aloe vera gel or a moisturizer that contains soy or aloe. If the skin is very irritated or swollen, use a topical steroid cream (1% hydrocortisone cream) that can be purchased without a prescription. Carefully read and follow the instructions on each over-the-counter medication that you intend to use.
Step 5. Take ibuprofen, aspirin, or paracetamol
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers as soon as you notice sunburn symptoms can prevent facial pain. Read and carefully follow the dosage instructions listed on the medicine package.
Step 6. Check skin condition
As soon as the symptoms of sunburn appear, check carefully for the severity of the condition. If you experience nausea, visual disturbances, chills, or fever, see a doctor immediately.
Method 2 of 3: Treatment During the Healing Process
Step 1. Keep the body hydrated
Drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin when you have sunburn. Sunburns dehydrate your blood and may make you feel tired. Further effects can be prevented by keeping the body hydrated.
Step 2. Apply moisturizer frequently
The skin should be frequently moisturized when experiencing sunburns. Do not use a moisturizer that contains petrolatum, benzocaine, or lidocaine. Instead, use pure aloe vera gel or a moisturizer that contains soy or aloe. If the skin is very irritated or swollen, use a topical steroid cream (1% hydrocortisone cream) that can be purchased without a prescription.
Step 3. Do not pick blisters or peeling skin
Picking blisters or peeling skin can cause permanent scarring of the skin. If you have blisters or peeling skin, let them heal on their own.
Step 4. Stay out of the sun until the sunburn symptoms disappear
If you must go outside, apply SPF 30 or 50 sunscreen and take advantage of shaded areas if available.
Step 5. Use home remedies
There are a variety of home remedies that can be used to naturally treat sunburns. Try one of the following remedies to complement other methods of treating sunburns.
- Wet your face with lukewarm chamomile or mint tea. Brew 240 ml of chamomile tea and let it come to room temperature. Dip a cotton ball in chamomile tea and apply it on your face.
- Make a milk compress. Dip a bandage or washcloth in cold milk, wring it out, then apply it to your face. Milk forms a protective layer on the skin, which can help cool and heal the skin.
- Make a potato paste and apply it on the face. Chop and blend raw potatoes. Dip a cotton ball in the mashed potatoes until they are wet. Apply on the face.
- Make a cucumber mask. Peel and blend the cucumber until it becomes pure. Apply cucumber puree on the face like a mask. Cucumber paste helps relieve heat on the skin.
Method 3 of 3: Precautions
Step 1. Apply sunscreen every day
Protect your face and all exposed skin by applying SPF 30 or 50 sunscreen every time you go outside. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 90 minutes. If you're going swimming or sweating, use a waterproof sunscreen.
Step 2. Wear a hat when going outside
A wide-brimmed (10 cm) hat can help protect the scalp, ears and neck from sun exposure.
Step 3. Put on the sunglasses
Sunglasses with UV protection help prevent sun damage from occurring in the area around the eyes.
Step 4. Don't forget the lip area
Lips can also get sunburned. So, always wear a lip balm with an SPF of at least 30.
Step 5. Reduce sun exposure
If you can, avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. because the sun's rays are more likely to cause burns.
Step 6. Check the skin frequently
Watch your skin when outdoors. If your skin is itchy or slightly pink in color, you may have a sunburn. Immediately stay away from sun exposure.
Step 7. Don't just rely on an umbrella to protect your skin
While umbrellas can help reduce direct sun exposure, the sand reflects the sun's rays onto the skin, so it's important to apply sunscreen even if you're under an umbrella.
Tips
- Remember, prevention is easier than cure. So, always take precautions when spending time outdoors to avoid sunburn.
- Although cosmetic products can be used to cover sunburns on the face, do not apply them (eg, foundation [foundation], powder, blush [blush]) until the burn has completely healed, especially if the burn is severe.
- Anyone can get sunburn. However, fair-skinned children and adults should take extra precautions (sunscreen, hats, covered clothing, etc.) as these groups are more prone to sunburn.
