Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Treat a burnt face immediately
• Method 2 of 3: Take care of a burnt face while it heals
• Method 3 of 3: Avoid burning your face
• Tips
• Warnings

Sunburn is painful. Even worse, if your skin was damaged by the sun as a child, you can develop skin cancer later in life. The skin on your face is very sensitive and delicate, so it is important to know how to treat and prevent a burnt face. Read on to learn more about how to recognize, treat and prevent a burnt face.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Treat a burnt face immediately

1. Get out of the sun. When you notice that your skin tingles and turns a little pink, go straight in or at least sit in the shade. After getting out of the sun, it can take 4-6 hours for the first sunburn symptoms to appear. However, if you get out of the sun right away, you may be able to avoid severe sunburn.
2. Drinking water. When you notice the symptoms of a sunburn, immediately start drinking water to moisturize your skin. Sunburn can cause dehydration and lead to vasodilation, which means that your blood vessels dilate. This process can cause rapid dehydration and fatigue. You can avoid after-effects like headaches by drinking a lot and staying well hydrated.
3. Splash cold water on your face. If your face feels warm from the sunburn, you can cool it down by splashing cold water on it from time to time and gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel. You can also place a cold, wet washcloth on your forehead or hold it against your cheeks to dissipate the heat.
4. Apply aloe vera gel or moisturizer to your face. Do not use moisturizers that contain petrolatum (petroleum jelly), benzocaine, and lidocaine. Instead, opt for pure aloe vera gel or a moisturizer that contains soy or aloe vera gel. If your skin feels particularly irritated or swollen, you can also use an over-the-counter steroid topical cream (1% hydrocortisone). Read and follow the directions on the packaging and inserts of all over-the-counter products you use carefully.
5. Take ibuprofen, asprine, or acetaminophen. Taking an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) right after you notice a burn can help soothe inflammation, discomfort, and pain. Read and follow the instructions on the packaging for the correct dose.
6. Check your skin. When the effects of your sunburn have become visible, take a good look at your skin to see how badly your skin is burned. Get medical attention as soon as possible if you have nausea, chills, vision problems, blisters on much of your body, and a fever.

Method 2 of 3: Take care of a burnt face while it heals

1. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to moisturize your skin after it burns. Sunburn can cause dehydration, causing fatigue and headaches. Water can help you stay hydrated and sports drinks can help replenish electrolyte deficiencies.
2. Hydrate your skin often. You will need to lubricate your skin regularly with a moisturizer after a burn. Do not use moisturizers that contain petrolatum (petroleum jelly), benzocaine, and lidocaine. Instead, opt for pure aloe vera gel or a moisturizer that contains soy or aloe vera gel. If your skin feels particularly irritated or swollen, you can also use an over-the-counter steroid topical cream (1% hydrocortisone).
3. Do not pick on blisters and patches of flaking skin. Picking at blisters and patches of flaking skin can leave permanent scars on your skin. If you have blisters and patches of flaking skin, leave them alone and let them heal on their own.
4. Avoid the sun until your sunburn symptoms have subsided. If you do have to go outside, make sure to apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 or 50. Also, sit in the shade when possible.
5. Try a home remedy. There are many different home remedies you can use to treat your sunburn naturally. Try one of the remedies below in addition to the other remedies and methods you use to care for your burnt skin.
   • Dab lukewarm chamomile or mint tea on your face. Brew a cup of chamomile tea and let the tea cool to room temperature. Dip cotton balls in the chamomile tea and pat the tea on your face.
   • Make a milk compress. Soak a gauze or washcloth in cold milk and wring it out. Place the gauze or washcloth on your face. The milk forms a protective film on your skin that helps cool and heal your skin.
   • Make a potato paste to apply to your skin. Cut a raw potato into pieces and puree it in a blender. Dip cotton balls into the mashed potato until soaked in the liquid. Dab your face with the damp cotton balls.
   • Make a cucumber mask. Peel and puree a cucumber and then apply some of the paste on your face like a mask. The cucumber paste ensures that your skin cools down.

Method 3 of 3: Avoid burning your face

1. Use sunscreen every day. Protect your face and the rest of your bare skin by always using sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or 50 when you go outside. Apply the sunscreen to your skin at least 15 minutes before going out and reapply every 90 minutes. Use water-resistant suntan lotion if you go swimming or sweat a lot.
2. Wear a cap or hat while outside. A cap or hat with a wide brim (10 centimeters) will help protect your scalp, ears and neck from sunburn.
3. Wear sunglasses. Sunglasses with UV protection prevent the skin around your eyes from burning.
4. Don't forget your lips. Your lips can also get sunburnt, so always use a lip balm with a sun protection factor of at least 30.
5. Avoid exposure to the sun as much as possible. If possible, avoid exposure to the sun as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., as this is when the sun is strongest and your skin is more likely to burn.
6. Check your skin regularly. Keep an eye on your skin when you are outside. If you notice that your skin is tingling and a little pink, it is likely burned and you should get out of the sun immediately.
7. Don't think that a parasol alone will help protect your skin. A parasol can protect you from direct sunlight, but sand reflects the sun's rays off your skin. So it is important to use sunscreen, even if you are under a parasol.

Tips

• Remember, sunburn is easier to prevent than to treat. So always take precautions to avoid sunburn when you go outside.
• You can use makeup to cover the burn, but it may be a better idea to avoid using makeup (foundation, powder, blush) until the area is completely healed, especially if your skin is badly burned.
• Anyone's skin can burn, but fair-skinned children and adults should take extra precautions (sunscreen, cap, covering clothes, etc.) as their skin burns more quickly.
• Always use sunscreen when you expose your skin to the sun. This will prevent your skin from burning.

Warnings

• Get medical help right away if you experience nausea, dizziness, headache, fever, chills, swollen face, and severe pain. You can have heat stroke.