Sometimes no matter how much sunscreen you slather on and how careful you are to stay in the shade, you can, unfortunately, become a victim of a sunburn. While it's definitely not ideal, and you should try to avoid it at all costs, what's done is done, right? So now all you can do is treat it.
The first thing you want to do when you notice a sunburn is to get out of the sun and avoid any sun exposure since your skin is extra sensitive. You don't want to make your situation worse but spending even more time in the sun.
Next, there are a few other things you can do to relieve any pain, discomfort, and redness. Here are some tips to keep in mind, from the American Academy of Dermatology.
1. Take frequent cool baths or showers. This will feel so soothing. Don't forget to moisturize afterward!
2. Drink a lot of water. Staying hydrated is key.
3. Consider taking aspirin or ibuprofen. This might help relieve any redness, pain, or discomfort.
4. Allow your blisters to heal. As much as you probably want to, don't pop them.
5. Protect your skin if you go outdoors. Make sure to cover up and wear sunscreen so you don't worsen your sunburn, or get another one.
6. Use a moisturizer with aloe vera or soy. This will soothe the skin. You can also use hydrocortisone cream if you're experiencing even more discomfort.
And for the last tip, we've got you covered. There are a couple of products you'll want to keep on hand this summer (and maybe year-round) just in case you get any sunburns. Here are some of our editor favorites, plus some highly rated options.
Gels
Sun Bum's Cool Down gel is the perfect product to apply after a day in the hot sun. Along with aloe vera, it's also infused with vitamin E and tea tree oil.
Formulated for both your face and body, this aloe vera gel absorbs quickly and doesn't leave any stickiness.
This gel is made from freshly cut aloe leaves, not powder, so you're getting the real deal here. The thickener in this gel is all-natural—seaweed extract, instead of xanthan and carbomer.
Innisfree's face and body gel is formulated with Jeju aloe extract, which rehydrates and improves the skin's barrier.
In addition to aloe vera, this gel is enriched with allantoin and vitamin B5 to replenish the skin.
Lotions and Masks
The gel-cream texture of this moisturizer will feel so soothing on red, irritated skin. The fast-absorbing formula also contains allantoin to protect the skin from environmental damage.
Target any dryness and redness with this gel face mask. Ingredients include aloe for hydration and calendula extract to soothe. Just leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse off.
Aloe and coconut are combined in this formula for the ultimate hydrating and soothing product. The lotion is non-greasy and absorbs quickly, too.
That dry skin from your sunburn has met its match here. This balm is formulated with aloe to calm the skin after the day by the pool or at the beach.
Cleansers and Mists
You don't have to reserve this cleanser for only when you get a sunburn. The aloe vera formula is a great everyday product. It also contains lavender and coconut oil.
This mist is great to pack in your beach bag so you can use it to refresh the skin at the end of the day. In addition to aloe vera, it's also formulated with lavender and peppermint essential oils to relieve redness and cool the skin.
Here's another product that's perfect for everyday use. The cooling mist contains aloe vera and green tea for a totally refreshing pick-me-up.
Hair Products
Aloe vera is also a nourishing product for the hair, which can come in handy if your hair feels dry or damaged after a lot of sun exposure. This leave-in mist is formulated to hydrate and detangle.
Curly hair types will love this oil because it strengthens strands and relieves dryness. The result is moisturized, frizz-free strands.
You can treat your dry hair with this gentle and nourishing shampoo. The formula is hypoallergenic and made without fragrance or essential oils. Ingredients include aloe vera, oat milk, and green tea extract.
This lightweight hair mask works for straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair types. It contains aloe vera for deep hydration and flaxseed oil for a strengthening boost.
Acne Products
And not only does aloe vera help sunburned skin, but the versatile ingredient can also benefit acne-prone skin, particularly the redness that comes with it. This cleanser contains benzoyl peroxide to eliminate acne-causing bacteria, plus aloe vera to calm any irritation.
A lot of lotions can feel so heavy on oily, acne-prone skin, but this lightweight formula is both soothing and hydrating. It works to reduce redness and improve texture and tone.
Next, FYI: These Are the Only 9 Sunscreens Dermatologists Recommend for Sensitive Skin
