The skin of the face is especially sensitive to sunburn. Sunbathing without proper protection and for an excessive time implies an overexposure to ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB), which can damage our skin. Redness, inflammation, burning sensation and even more or less intense pain are some of the symptoms that indicate that the skin has suffered an aggression in the form of sunburn.
We must insist on the importance of taking preventive measures to avoid them. However, when the damage is already done, we must heal the burn and take care of our skin. How to remove sunburn on the face? Act in time and apply effective remedies to soothe the skin will reduce the effects of excess sun. Keep reading this article and find out how to heal sunburns on your face.
Avoid the sun for a few days
Although it is obvious, it is worth remembering that in the face of a sunburn on the face, however slight, it is essential to give up sunbathing for a few days so that, thus, 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 the red from sunburned skin, the first and simplest measure is to avoid sun exposure as much as possible. If, for some reason, you have to be in the sun, you must protect the area with creams of maximum protection, at least, while the burn is still there.
And how long does a burn last? The truth is that this depends on gravity. A mild burn can cause discomfort for two to three days. However, those with 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
In the face of a slight redness that betrays the excess of sun, applying cold in 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 moisturizer on the area and then gently touch the cold compress without scrubbing or pressing. Never directly apply ice to the skin of the burned face because it 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 great 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 of high regenerative power is always a good bet for the skin.
Cucumber and yogurt mask
If, after an intense day of sunshine, your face ‘burns', has red areas and notes, even, that it is slightly inflamed, your skin needs a remedy that soothes, 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:
- Grated or liquefied half a cucumber.
- Mix the grated or liquefied cucumber with a cold plain yogurt.
- Apply to the face.
- Leave on for 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 know 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 slight 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 sliced potato and cooling it for a few minutes in the fridge (not freezer). When they are cold, place them on the mild sunburns and you will see how the discomfort is reduced.
Oat water
Oatmeal is a cereal that provides multiple benefits to health in general and that admits topical use to treat different skin conditions. Therefore, an excellent remedy to eliminate sunburn from the face is to make oat water. Just 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 sunburn on the face.
You'll soon notice how oatmeal water helps to deeply refresh and moisturize 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 oat water is 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, we must take extreme precautions and avoid using products that may irritate it even more.
In the event of skin burns, always use hypoallergenic soaps, special for sensitive skin or, directly, for skin with burns. Before applying any product, consult with the doctor or pharmacist.
Hydration and moisturization
In the presence of sunburn, it is essential to moisturize not only the skin of the face but also the whole organism. Remember to drink enough liquids 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 moisturizer. These types of creams retain the skin's natural moisture by creating a protective film over it.
Finally, you can use other remedies to moisturize the skin. In this other article, we tell you how to moisturize burned skin with a series of homemade tips and tricks.
