What is the best way to lighten a sunburn?

Author: Lenny Hane  |  Last update: Thursday, June 26, 2025

Aloe and soy have antioxidant properties, which can speed up the healing process,” Dr. Zubek says. Additionally, you can apply a cool compress to your skin and take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, to ease discomfort.

How to fade a sunburn quickly?

Products like hydrocortisone, aloe vera gel, or Solarcaine will help cool off the skin and reduce redness. If you are shopping for sunburn treatment products: Aloe vera from a plant works slightly better than gel, but either one will help. Look for products that contain hydrocortisone or mentholated ingredients.

How to whiten sunburned skin fast?

Vitamin C is one of the best ways to lighten and whiten your skin after sunburn.

What will draw heat out of a sunburn?

How to ease sunburn yourself
  • get out of the sun as soon as possible.
  • cool your skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel (take care not to let a baby or young child get too cold)
  • apply aftersun cream or spray.
  • drink plenty of water to cool down and prevent dehydration.

What does a 2nd degree sunburn look like?

Second-degree burns (also known as partial thickness burns) involve the epidermis and part of the dermis layer of skin. The burn site appears red, blistered, and may be swollen and painful.

Tips for getting rid of sun tan | Dr. Hansaji Yogendra

Can you treat a 2nd degree burn at home?

For first-degree or second-degree burns smaller than about two inches in diameter, Saquib recommends the following these home treatment steps: Wash the area daily with mild soap. Apply an antibiotic ointment or dressing to keep the wound moist. Cover with gauze or adhesive bandage to keep the area sealed.

How to fix discolored skin from sunburn?

Lightening agents: Whitening or lightening agents, such as hydroquinone, can lighten blemishes, sunspots and uneven pigmentation. Laser skin resurfacing: Lasers remove the damaged top layer of skin and increase collagen production, which makes the skin's surface smoother and provides a more even appearance.

What pulls the red out of a sunburn?

Apply Aloe vera liberally

This handy plant naturally contains the anti-inflammatory properties and cooling sensation needed for instant sunburn relief. It also helps to rehydrate skin, quickening your recovery time and minimising that maddening itching!

What is the finger test for sunburn?

The fingertip test. Fingertip test for checking that skin blanches which is a normal skin reaction. Skin that does not blanch when gently pressed is damaged. Remove finger and there should be a blanched (pale) area where the finger was.

What takes the sting out of sunburn fast?

Apply Aloe

Aloe is a tried-and-true remedy that will soothe your sunburn almost instantaneously. This succulent is known for its moisturizing, cooling and anti-inflammatory effects, providing the much-needed relief you are after.

How do you fade a sunburn tan fast?

Here are a few secrets to help you get your glow back after too much fun in the sun:
  1. Gently exfoliate 1 or 2 times weekly.
  2. Try aloe vera gel, potato juice, yogurt, or papaya to calm and lighten.
  3. Use products with niacinamide, kojic acid, or licorice extract.
  4. Consider professional peels or microdermabrasion for stubborn tan.

What does sun poisoning look like?

Symptoms of sun poisoning last longer and are more severe. They start with a red rash and can progress to blisters, severe pain, swelling, and fever. Blisters indicate a second-degree burn and can result in severe complications, including: dehydration from loss of fluids and electrolytes.

How can I lighten my sunburn?

Here are five:
  1. 1Protect your skin from damaging sunrays. The main cause of the sun's damaging effects on the skin is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. ...
  2. 2 Apply retinoic acid cream. ...
  3. 3Add alpha hydroxy acid or Vitamin C to your beauty regimen. ...
  4. 4Use a skin-lightening cream. ...
  5. 5 Consider laser therapy.

How to heal a burn fast?

Self care
  1. Prevent further harm. Move away from whatever caused the burn. ...
  2. Cool the burn. Hold the area under cool — not cold — running water for 10 to 20 minutes. ...
  3. Remove rings or other tight items. ...
  4. Apply lotion. ...
  5. Bandage the burn. ...
  6. If needed, take a pain reliever.

Does vinegar help sunburn?

Although some people swear by a vinegar swear to relieve sunburn, this can actually make the problem worse. For blistered skin, a small amount of vinegar mixed with cool water can help to dry out the blisters. For a regular sunburn, however, the mild acidity of vinegar can further dry your skin, making the burn worse.

On what day is sunburn the worst?

The signs of a sunburn may not appear for a few hours. It is typically at its worst at 24 to 36 hours after sun exposure and resolves in 3 to 5 days. Ultraviolet rays can also initially cause invisible damage to the skin. Excessive and/or multiple sunburns cause premature aging of the skin and lead to skin cancer.

What are the 3 levels of sunburn?

Sunburns occur from exposure to the sun's UV rays or UV light from artificial sources. You can usually treat first- and second-degree sunburns at home. Third-degree sunburns are very rare but need emergency treatment.

Can Vaseline remove sunburn?

If your skin is not blistering, moisturizing cream may be applied to relieve discomfort. DO NOT use butter, petroleum jelly (Vaseline), or other oil-based products. These can block pores so that heat and sweat cannot escape, which can lead to infection. DO NOT pick at or peel away the top part of the blisters.

How do you get rid of red sunburn ASAP?

Try these self-care tips for sunburn relief:
  1. Take a pain reliever. ...
  2. Cool the skin. ...
  3. Apply a moisturizer, lotion or gel. ...
  4. Drink extra water for a day. ...
  5. Leave blisters alone. ...
  6. Treat peeling skin gently. ...
  7. Take an anti-itch drug. ...
  8. Apply a soothing medicated cream.

What is the liquid that comes out of sunburn?

Sunburn blisters form as small bumps on the skin. They are usually white or transparent in appearance and filled with fluid, which can contain lymph, serum, plasma, blood, or pus.

How often should I apply aloe vera to a sunburn?

Keep skin cool and moist.

Or, take a cool bath with baking soda. Apply aloe vera lotion, moisturizing cream or a nonprescription 1% hydrocortisone cream to the affected skin several times a day. Try cooling the product in the refrigerator before applying for extra soothing comfort.

How to lighten skin from sun tan?

Yes, there are over-the-counter treatments that are meant to erase sun tan. Creams, lotions, serums, and masks containing liquorice extract, vitamin C, kojic acid, glycolic acid, or vitamin C to help lighten and reduce pigmentation.

What is the best cream for sun damaged skin?

Retinoids are known as the gold standard treatment option for repairing sun damage. They work by increasing cell turnover, which helps turnover damaged skin cells and stimulate the growth of new ones. Read more about tretinoin. Read more about adapalene.

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