How to relieve sunburn? A dermatologist reveals a little-known trick
What helps with sunburn? Cold water? Ice? Not at all. According to representatives of the British Skin Foundation, the best solution to this type of problems is the popular ingredient of breakfasts and afternoon snacks, i.e. oatmeal.
Sunburn is skin damage caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Their first symptom is marked redness of the epidermis, accompanied by itching and swelling of the affected areas. Headaches, nausea and vomiting are also common. Generally, the symptoms disappear after a few days. However, burns can leave scars. Therefore, you should act quickly, preferably immediately after the first disturbing signals from your body appear. What will relieve burning and sore skin? The answer will probably surprise you.
Home remedies for sunburn
According to representatives of the British Skin Foundation, the most effective “weapon” in the fight against sunburn is oatmeal. Just pour boiling water over them, cool them down and apply them to the affected areas. You can also prepare an oatmeal bath. How to do it? Fill a bathtub with cool or lukewarm water and add a cup of oatmeal. They will bring relief to burning skin. According to experts, they have many valuable properties.
Oatmeal not only relieves burning and itching, but also reduces tissue inflammation. They can be used not only to treat burns, but also other skin conditions, such as eczema, notes Dr. Nisith Sheth from the British Skin Foundation.
Other popular products found in your kitchen, such as natural yogurt or milk, may also be helpful in treating sunburn. Just soak gauze in them and place them on the skin for about ten minutes. This simple treatment will accelerate the regeneration of damaged epidermis and eliminate irritations faster. You can also cut the cucumber into slices and apply it to the affected area. The vegetable has a cooling effect. It also has antioxidant properties.
Vaseline for sunburn? Avoid her like the plague
Experts from the British Skin Foundation warn against using Vaseline for sunburn. Contrary to what you might think, the product does not moisturize the skin. On the contrary, it harms it. It reduces the ability of tissues to remove excess heat and moisture. “Be careful about using creams and lotions that contain petroleum jelly, benzocaine or lidocaine. They can either retain heat in the skin or cause local skin irritation,” advise specialists from the British Skin Foundation.
How to prevent sunburn?
First of all, you should avoid excessive exposure to solar radiation and do not leave the house during the peak sun hours, i.e. between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. You should also remember to use sunscreen and adequately hydrate. Careless sunbathing can lead not only to sunburn, but also to overheating of the body, i.e. hyperthermia.