Try a moisturizer with aloe vera, which has natural soothing properties. A cream or gel with hydrocortisone can also help, as it reduces swelling and inflammation and relieves pain. Reapply the moisturizer or other cream often, several times per day. Drink plenty of water as well. Sun exposure causes fluid loss through the skin, so replenish your body’s fluids.
Take cool showers or baths to cool your skin. You can also apply a cool compress to the area, like a damp washcloth or towel. Avoid alcohol and products containing alcohol, however, which can dry out the skin. Consider over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen to control pain, as well, until the soreness and swelling subside. Ibuprofen in particular will reduce the inflammation in the skin that is causing the pain. Tylenol may also be appropriate, but it will likely not be as effective. For itching, dab some calamine lotion on the affected area and repeat as needed. If you are allergic to lidocaine, avoid any topical pain relievers with “-caine” in the name (like benzocaine), as they may cause allergic reactions.
Don’t pick or pop blisters. Blisters are a protective barrier that your body forms, and popping them can cause infections and slow your healing. Instead, cover any blisters with gauze — you can wet the gauze with water first to make it more comfortable on the blister. If they break, wash them with soap and warm water, apply a disinfectant cream, and cover them with a wet bandage. Your outer, damaged skin may peel away as you heal. Let it be. Do continue to apply moisturizer frequently, though.
Be aware that retinoids can make your skin itchy, dry, or scaly. Use them together with a good moisturizer. Topical retinoids can also make your skin more vulnerable to burning, so be sure to combine them with a strong sunscreen (at least SPF 30) and also protective clothing when outdoors.
Talk to a board-certified dermatologist about your options. She may recommend “ablative” laser treatment, which is more aggressive and will take a few months to heal — but, the effect can be more pronounced. There is a second type of “non-ablative” laser treatment. This procedure carries less risk and offers a more subtle effect. You may also have to repeat the process several times to see results.
In a chemical peel, a doctor will remove the top layers of your sun-damaged skin with a weak acid. The idea, as in laser treatment, is to encourage the growth of new and younger looking skin cells for smoother skin. Dermabrasion works the same way, but uses an abrasive brush rather than acid. You can get deep dermabrasion or lighter microdermabrasion, which only removes the top-most layer of skin. Be aware that both of these procedures can cause discomfort, redness, or swelling and may take some time to heal. They are often expensive and generally not covered by insurance because they are considered cosmetic-only procedures, not medically necessary procedures.
Apply sunscreen liberally whenever you go outside. You should put it on whether or not it is sunny, on all exposed skin. Use SPF 30 or higher. Give the sunscreen at least 30 minutes to absorb into your skin and reapply it every two hours or after going swimming or sweating heavily.
Favor loose-fitting garments made from tightly woven fabric, as these offer better protection. Dark colors and dry garments also protect better than light colors and wet clothing. Don a hat — ideally, a wide-brimmed hat — and sunglasses. Try to get sunglasses that block 99% or more of UV and UVB rays. Use shade to your advantage. Also try to do your outdoor activities when the sunlight is not direct, either in the morning or in the later afternoon and evening.
Avoid tanning outdoors. Sunscreen will not “counteract” the harmful UV rays. Indoor tanning rooms and beds are just as harmful to your skin as natural sunlight. In fact, they can actually produce more concentrated UV rays. If you want a tan, opt for an artificial spray-on or rub-on tan. It is much safer and kinder to your skin.
