How The Pros Deal With Sunburn

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Welcome to summer: Fourth of July weekend leaves us all a little toasted, in more ways than one. Sometimes we’re just so excited to be smack in the middle of summer, warm in the sun with a drink in our hand, that we forget to take precaution. If this sounds like you, don’t worry. Redemption is possible, particularly with this 3-step approach to sunburn remedy suggested by Charlotte’s Book Premier Provider Dr. Elizabeth Hale.

The solution to sunburn, and its wrinkle-inducing wrath, is a three-phase process as outlined below:

Phase 1:

Pop an aspirin or anti-inflammatory STAT and apply a cold compress soaked in whole milk. Dr. Hale says the fat and proteins in the milk soothe irritation.

Phase 2:

Generously and obsessively moisturize the area with creams containing antioxidants like vitamins C and E and green tea. This will help the skin recover more quickly from the trauma and counteract UV damage.

Phase 3:

Tone down inflammation and promote wound healing by seeking a trusted skincare expert to treat the area with LED light therapy, which is safe enough to be performed the moment you see sunburned skin, but also effective in eliminating damage after the burn has subsided. And once fully healed, reverse the damage with a resurfacing laser treatment such as Clear + Brilliant.

Note that you should avoid using anti-aging creams with retinol or alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids while healing a sunburn. Dr. Hale warns that they are too harsh for recently damaged skin.

Speaking of burns: here’s how to treat your hangover, too.
And a list of our favorite summer products—including face mist with SPF!

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The Editors At Charlotte's Book

Robin Shobin is the founder and CEO of Charlotte's Book, an online resource dedicated to aesthetic health and wellness. Our community and our national directory of Charlotte's Book approved experts are here to inspire you and help you take better control of how you take care of yourself.

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Comments

David Gomes

Hello,Start your day with our most complete daily protection. All-day hydration creates a healthy moisture barrier to better resist irritants. Specifically formulated as a facial moisturizer, Dermaxsol Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF-30 nourishes and hydrates your skin while helping to defend against sunburn. Providing peak protection from UVA rays, your skin is left less susceptible to sunburn and premature skin aging. Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. Its sheer waterproof formula absorbs quickly into skin and contains no drying alcohol. Skin is left feeling softer and smoother.
Arianna Kasabian

The milk compress is such an interesting idea. Would love if anyone had suggestions for a moisturizer with Vitamin C+E/Green tea that doesn’t irritate sensitive skin!