Sunburn Aftercare

Northern Michigan summers are beautiful (and short!) and sometimes we get so caught up in outdoor fun, we forget to keep up with sunscreen application. Ideally you should be protecting yourself in the first place by covering up, staying in the shade, or using sunscreen liberally. But if a sunburn happens, there are few things you can do to soothe the pain and speed healing. (Note: if you have severe blistering over a large portion of your body, or if you have a fever and chills or feel woozy or confused, seek professional medical attention.)

Cool it down

Take a cool shower or bath as soon as possible but avoid using a harsh soap, which will dry out your skin even more. After gently toweling off, apply non-petroleum-based moisturizer or coconut oil.

Drink plenty of water

Sunburns dehydrate the body so be sure to drink lots of water right after overexposure and while your skin is healing.

Try some pain relieving home remedies

White vinegar, baking soda mixed with water, and a clean wash cloth soaked in green tea all provide soothing relief to sunburned areas.

Try one of these products from our Wellness department

• Califlora Calendula Gel is a homeopathic pain reliever that cools minor sunburn pain
• Boiron Calendula Cream – homeopathic cream that aids skin healing
• Simulasan Burn Recovery calendula & nettles cooling spray – cooling and helps stimulate the body’s natural recovering ability
• Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera gel – refreshes and soothes the skin after overexposure
• Burt’s Bees aloe and coconut oil hydrating lotion – combines 2 helpful moisturizers in 1