Sunburn can turn a sunny day into days of discomfort, with pain, blisters, and peeling skin making even simple tasks difficult. While many commercial products promise relief, you might already have effective remedies at home—like green tea.
Consultant Dermatologist Dr. Catherine Borysiewicz explains, “If you can’t make it to the pharmacy right away, several home remedies can help soothe sunburn. Applying a cool compress, refrigerated aloe vera gel, or cool green tea bags adds a calming, cooling effect to irritated skin. Mineral water sprays may also provide comfort.”
However, Dr. Borysiewicz warns that not all popular home treatments are safe. “Some old wives' tales—like using butter, vinegar, or toothpaste on sunburn—should be avoided. These can trap heat, worsen irritation, or even cause chemical burns.”
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She also highlights the risks of applying certain skincare ingredients on sun-damaged skin. “Avoid active compounds like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids, retinol (Vitamin A derivatives), and antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E. These can increase sensitivity, dryness, peeling, and may worsen discoloration due to post-inflammatory pigmentation. It’s best to wait until your skin has fully healed before reintroducing these.”
Treating sunburn requires a dynamic approach as your skin moves through various recovery stages. Immediately after sunburn, focus on gentle moisturization and staying well-hydrated. Once peeling begins, protecting the skin from infection becomes imperative. Keep affected areas clean and dry—wash daily and consider using a mild antiseptic such as a water-based hypochlorous spray. If blisters develop or symptoms intensify, seek medical advice promptly.
Sunburn results from your body’s inflammatory response to excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, which can penetrate cloudy skies as well. While many accept sunburn as an inevitable part of summer, long-term effects include increased risks of skin cancer, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
The NHS recommends urgent medical consultation—via calling 111 or seeing a GP—if severe symptoms arise after sun exposure, underscoring the seriousness of sunburn management.