Dermatologist's 'simple' methods to relieve pain from sunburn and rehydrate skin

28 May 2023 , 07:34

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If your skin is feeling tight this morning, some experts have got advice for you (Stock Image) (Image: Getty Images)

If you've forgotten to put adequate suncream on as the UK's temperatures soar, first, give yourself a slap on the wrist and make sure you slather it on next time.

But we all make mistakes, and not applying SPF 50 when you definitely need it is an error that's made frequently. So add it to your online shopping basket for the next time the sun is beating down, and learn your lesson, so you can avoid looking like a lobster in the future.

But first, you'll likely need methods of relief for your sore, red, unsightly skin, because for some people right now, just moving around will be super painful - and that's not what you want on a fun-filled bank holiday.

Sunburn can be seriously painful (Stock Image) (Getty Images)

Dr. Hamdan Abdullah Hamed MBChB, a board-certified dermatologist based in the UAE and a proud Co-founder of PowerYourCurls.com, recommended some 'simple' methods to alleviate any sorry symptoms you may have right now.

They said: "We need to cool and moisturize the skin, so something as simple as running cold water and applying aloe vera gel would do wonders."

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So taking a cold shower provided you can handle the low temperatures, could make your skin feel instantly relieved and less tight.

Hamdan continued: "Other remedies include calamine lotion or even hydrocortisone creams. Avoid going out in the sun for a few days and stay hydrated. This will promote quicker healing."

If you got burnt yesterday, make sure you use SPF moving forward (Stock Image) (Getty Images)

And if you don't have any aloe vera or other lotions, "yoghurt or cold milk can offer relief" to the skin, allowing it to feel soothed.

Celebrity Skin Expert Scott McGlynn also recommends wearing "loose clothing" as "wearing tight clothing can irritate the skin."

He also said: "Do not drink alcohol or any caffeine drink as this makes you dehydrate and makes the burn worse.

"And do not put ice or ice packs on the sunburn this cause cut off of blood supply to the damaged skin."

And if you're lucky enough to be going on holiday soon, he recommends stocking up on suncream before you go away.

He said: "From experience, I bought sunscreen on holiday, SPF 50 from a small local shop, and it must have expired as I burnt using it!

"Be cautious when buying on your holidays make sure it's from a well-known supplier like a supermarket and check the expiration dates."

Have you got a horror sunburn story to share? Email: [email protected]

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