How to Prevent Sunburn Peeling

Sunburn occurs due to the skin being overexposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, exceeding the melanin protection of the skin. Melanin is the protective pigment that protects the skin from the harmful sun's rays, as well as imparts the skin color.

Skin peeling is also one of such symptom of sunburn. It is, in fact, the first line of defense against skin cancer. If the damaged cells remain a part of the tissues, then the risk of uncontrolled or faulty recovery would be pretty high. Although it is a common problem that usually goes away with the sunburn itself, there are many ways to prevent sunburn from peeling. So for those who are curious to know as to how to prevent sunburn peeling, here are a few steps to address the problem.

Avoid Sun Exposure: Well, prevention is easily the best way to avoid sunburn peeling. Avoiding the harsh rays of the sun goes a long way in reducing the cases of sunburn. Even when you step out of the house, remember to use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher when you're going to be in the sun for more than a few minutes and reapply every 2 hours as needed. Remember to wear sun protective clothing when going out of the house.

Keep the Skin Lubricated: Sunburn peeling will be greatly reduced if the skin is kept lubricated at all times. You can use any of the moisturizing lotions from the stores or use aloe vera lotion containing sun block. If you do not find the aloe lotion in a prepackaged form, you can directly take the extract from the plant to cut down on the flaking and peeling.

Using Apple Cider Vinegar: Keep your skin moistened by applying apple cider vinegar to the affected area. This will prevent blistering and skin peeling due to sunburns.

The Baking Soda Remedy: Use baking soda dissolved in water and make a compress using a clean cloth. Apply to the affected area to help the skin cool and retain its moisture. Alternately, you can also use Epsom salts dissolved in water.

Use Aspirin: For reducing the inflammation and killing the pain, aspirin is used. Taken 24 hours post getting the sunburn, aspirin helps short circuit the entire sunburn process. Also, calendula dissolved in water acts as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, and can be used long after the burn to heal the skin.

Treating with Essential Oils: Certain essential oils like lavender and chamomile are used to prevent peeling after sunburn. Use 20 drops of these oils in a tub full of water and soak the affected area for 10 minutes.

Drink Plenty of Water: As important as it is to keep the skin lubricated from above, drinking water will help keep your skin hydrated and the peeling to the minimum.

It is important that all these remedies be applied immediately and consistently. Avoid stepping out in the sun unless fully healed. This is so as to not aggravate the sunburn, which may result in sickness or increase the risk of skin cancer. In case the sunburn peeling results in chills and fever, it is best to consult the doctor, as these may be of the sun poisoning symptoms.