Facial skin is especially sensitive to sunburn. Sunbathing without proper protection and for an excessive time implies overexposure to ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB), which can damage our skin. Redness, inflammation, a burning sensation and even more or less intense pain are some of the symptoms that indicate that the skin has suffered an attack in the form of sunburn.
We must insist on the importance of taking preventive measures to avoid them. However, when the damage is done, we must heal the burn and take care of our skin. How to remove sunburn on the face ? Acting in time and applying effective remedies to soothe the skin will reduce the effects of too much sun.
Avoid the sun for a few days
Although it seems obvious, it is worth remembering that when faced with a sunburn on the face, no matter how slight, it is essential to give up sunbathing for a few days so that the skin can regenerate. Sometimes, the desire to enjoy the sun during the holidays to get a nice tan can make us not give too much importance to the redness of the face. However, this is a mistake.
If you are considering how to remove redness from sunburned skin, the first and easiest measure is to avoid sun exposure as much as possible. If, for some reason, you have to be in the sun, you should protect the area with maximum protection creams , at least while the burn is still there.
And how long does a burn last? The truth is that this depends on gravity. A minor burn can cause discomfort for two to three days. However, those that present a little more intensity can last more than a week. In addition, if the burn is very serious, medical consultation may be essential for healing.
Cold compresses
Faced with mild redness that betrays excess sun, applying cold to the area is an express measure to achieve immediate relief. To do this, it is recommended to place a handkerchief or compress previously soaked in very cold water. You can put it in a bowl and add some ice cubes.
Before applying cold, spread a little moisturizing cream on the area and then gently dab with the cold compress without rubbing or pressing. Never apply ice directly to the skin of the burned face because you would damage it even more.
Aloe Vera
Aloe gel, which is extracted from the hard leaves of this plant, has excellent soothing, antibacterial and healing properties, making it a magnificent ally when it comes to regenerating the skin. It is common to find it as an ingredient in creams for burns, although you can also use it directly extracted from the plant.
If you have an aloe vera plant at home, don't hesitate to cut one of its leaves and apply its juice to the burns several times a day. Resorting to this natural elixir with a high regenerative power is always a good bet for the skin.
Cucumber and yogurt face mask
If, after an intense day in the sun, your face ‘burns', presents red areas and you even notice that it is slightly inflamed, your skin needs a remedy that calms, hydrates and refreshes it in equal parts. A good option to remove sunburn on the face is to make a cucumber and yogurt mask. To do this, follow these steps:
- Grate or blend half a cucumber.
- Mix the grated or blended cucumber with a very cold natural yogurt.
- Apply on the face.
- Let act a few minutes
- Remove with cold water.
With this mask, you will notice that your skin is fresher and less red in record time. If you want to learn more about the technique and use of this mask, take a look at this other article on How to make a cucumber and natural yogurt mask .
Calendula
Some medicinal plants and herbs are also effective when the goal is to remove sunburn on the face. Calendula is one of the most used since ancient times to treat irritations, small wounds and minor inflammations of the skin. A calendula ointment or cream or a cold compress soaked in calendula infusion will provide great relief against superficial burns.
Here you can learn how to make calendula cream at home.
Potato slices
Few home remedies for sunburn are as simple as this one. If you have red areas on your face, especially on your cheeks or around your eyes, try cutting a potato into slices and chilling them in the fridge (not the freezer) for a few minutes. When they are cool, place them on minor sunburns and you will see how the discomfort is reduced.
Oat water
Oatmeal is a cereal that provides multiple health benefits in general and can be used topically to treat different skin conditions. Therefore, an excellent remedy to remove sunburn from the face is to make oatmeal water. You just have to follow these steps:
- Boil two tablespoons of oat flakes in a liter of water.
- Let cool in the fridge.
- Strain the resulting liquid.
- Apply to sunburns on the face.
You will soon notice how the oatmeal water helps to deeply refresh and hydrate damaged skin. If you want to know more about the applications of this natural remedy, do not miss this other article, in which we tell you what is oatmeal water for .
Specific soaps
It is necessary to insist that any sunburn on the face is a ‘wound' (more or less serious) that needs care so that the skin can recover as soon as possible. In this sense, extreme precautions must be taken and avoid using products that can irritate it even more.
Before skin burns, always use hypoallergenic soaps , special for sensitive skin or, directly, for skin with burns. Before applying any product, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Hydration and moisturizing
In the presence of sunburn it is essential to hydrate not only the skin of the face but also the body as a whole. Remember to drink enough fluids in the form of water, fruit juices and smoothies, infusions.
In addition, it is important to help the skin maintain its water level, especially in the burned area. Therefore, a good answer to how to remove sunburn on the face is to use a moisturizing cream. This type of cream retains the natural moisture of the skin creating a protective film on it.
Finally, you can use other remedies to moisturize the skin. In this other article, we tell you how to hydrate burned skin with a series of homemade tips and tricks.
