Sunburn is a summertime bummer, leaving you hot, uncomfortable, and reaching for anything that might bring relief. But hold on before you grab that bag of ice! In a surprising turn, experts warn that this common sunburn remedy might actually be doing more harm than good. While the coolness might feel nice initially, applying ice directly to sunburned skin can irritate it further. So ditch the ice and read on to discover expert-approved ways to soothe your sunburn and speed up healing.

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Sunscreen: Your Best Defense Against Sunburn

Dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky, M.D., emphasizes the importance of sunscreen in preventing sunburns. “Sunscreen works to reduce the amount of UV exposure to your skin,” she says. Regular sunscreen use is essential, especially during summer when you’re more likely to spend extended time outdoors. Remember, sunscreen needs to be reapplied throughout the day, especially after swimming or sweating.

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The Dangers of Sunburns

Sunburns aren’t just a temporary inconvenience. According to Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health, excessive UV exposure is linked to over 90% of skin cancers. A single severe sunburn before adulthood can more than double your risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Getting more than five sunburns can significantly increase your risk of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association reports that roughly 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. Experts estimate that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their life.

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Sunburn Relief: How to Soothe and Heal Your Skin

If you do get sunburned, the key is to minimize further damage and promote healing. Here’s what Dr. Zubritsky recommends:

• Avoid further sun exposure: This is crucial for preventing additional damage to your skin.
• Hydrate from the inside out: Drink plenty of fluids to help your body heal.
• Cool down: Take a cool bath or apply cool compresses to soothe the burning sensation.
• Moisturize: Aloevera-containing moisturizers help hydrate and repair your skin barrier.
• Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Skip the Ice and Benzocaine

While applying ice directly to a sunburn might seem intuitive, Dr. Zubritsky warns against it. Ice can irritate the skin further. Similarly, avoid products containing benzocaine, a topical anesthetic. These can worsen irritation or trigger allergic reactions.

Conclusion

Sunburns are a drag, but with proper care, you can soothe your skin and promote healing. Remember, prevention is always best! Make sunscreen a daily habit to protect yourself from harmful UV rays and keep your skin healthy.

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