Treating a Sunburn + DIY Options for After - Sun Care

Posted by Alexandra C. | Wednesday June 27, 201224 comments


If you've ever seen any photo of me before, you know that I'm what some might call, 'pasty', 'extremely pale' or 'snow white-esque' (if you're feeling generous). It's okay, I've come to terms with the fact that I don't ever tan. And that's not by choice either because instead of browning to a glow, I just burn to a crisp. Last Canada Day long weekend, I spent some time at the beach and come home with lobster red burned thighs. I was in agony for next two weeks as my skin peeled. It was unattractive to say the least. 

I'm going to order you chicks to mosey on over here and check out some information about sunscreen and why it's so important. I'm also going to tell you that you should check out this sunscreen round up for adults and kids alike. However, if you're like last year me this long weekend and forget to apply that SPF (and end up with a burn while face palming yourself), don't worry. We've still got you covered. 

When you've got a nasty sunburn that just won't quit, why not pick up one of these products: 
 

1. Clinique After-Sun Rescue Balm with aloe (C$24.00) 
2. Korres Yoghurt After-Sun Cooling Gel (C$31.00) 
3. Biotherm After Sun (C$35.00) 
4. Elizabeth Grant Soleil Smart ApresSun (C$22.00)
5. Clarins SOS Sunburn Soother (C$45.00) 
6. Mary Kay Suncare After-Sun Replenishing Gel (C$12.00)
7. Alterna Summer Hair After-Sun Hair Quench (C$20.00) (Tip! Don't forget about UV damage on your hair chicks!)

There are also a few great DIY methods for dealing with lobster red skin. 


My personal favourite is aloe vera gel (2.) which can be applied directly onto your burn on it's own. It's inexpensive and helps to cool your skin. For extra relief, you can create aloe vera ice cubes in the freezer. 

The phrase 'cool as a cucumber' exists for a reason. Try some cucumbers (4) on that hot skin of yours to cool down and soothe. 

I hadn't heard of this remedy before, but it's pretty intriguing. Apparently the tannins in tea (5) work to decrease redness, inflammation and promote healing. You can use any tea (normal black tea will do) for this. Apply with a cloth or put into spray bottle. Just be sure to let the tea cool before applying to your skin! 

Take a luke warm or a colder bath to calm your skin. Add 2-3 cups or oats (1) or try dissolving 3/4 cup of baking soda (3). 

(via thebeautybean.com)

Are you a tanner or maybe a self tanner? Or perhaps you're like me in the pasty white department? Leave a comment with a tip for an after-sun care routine!
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24 Comments

on June 27, 2012  angelaj20  81,680 said:

Aloe Vera gels seems to work for me. Its a really cooling, refreshing feeling to put on the burn and helps take away the uncomfortable feeling that the burns give you.

on June 27, 2012  GoneBatty  3,196 said:

Bookmarking this!! I am very pale and burn at least 3 times a summer, so this is very helpful.

on June 27, 2012  fredamans  12,209 said:

I always use a tepid bath and aloe, but will surely try cucumbers too.

on June 27, 2012  Bren  26,031 said:

I don't tan I just turn red.I try avoid the sun or when in the sun wear a good sunscreen.Those are all really good suggestions!Aloe Vera is my go to remedy.

Another good remedy is soaking in vinegar you add it to your bath water it works really well.There was a discussion about it over a year ago here on Chickadvisor.

on June 27, 2012  Miss K  1,801 said:

I'm recovering from a seriously terrible burn on my legs(putting on sunscreeen then falling asleep on the beach while everyone else is swimming = BAD IDEA!)
It's in the nasty stages of peeling off right now, I can't stand to look at it!!

I've been applying loads of vitamin E moisture cream from the body shop (to help regenerate skin faster) and it works really well. (I cured a different burn from a kettle with it before) Hopefully this will help leave no scars from this unfortunate event.

Aloe and oatmeal baths also helped!

on June 27, 2012  takoda  28,648 said:

If you dissolve Epson salt in warm water, place cloths in it, then ring
them out and keep placing them on a sunburn it will cool it right off.
You just have to keep re-wetting the cloths and keep placing them on the
burn until its cooled down. It works really well. I've found this has
worked the best for any of us when we've spent to much time in the sun
with out enough protection. The next day I've found that Aloe right from my aloe plants helps the burn to heel.

on June 27, 2012  MizzRobin  13,788 said:


Natural Aloe Vera all the way!!!

on June 27, 2012  AlexJC  50 said:

@TashaCat If only..... hahaha

on June 27, 2012  smiley_gen  9,832 said:

I didn't kow about the tea healing burns...but i'm not sure that would be the way I would go!
I just use the good old Aloe Vera! I have a plant at home and just cut a piece off when I get a sunburn!

on June 27, 2012  Tiffmorris  1,792 said:

I always just burn, its a pain, my go to is aloe gel.

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