How to get rid of sunburn on dark skin and Prevent Future Burns
Sunburn can be really painful, especially on dark skin. So today, I want to share with you some tips on how to get rid of sunburn on dark skin and prevent future burns. Keep reading for more information!
What is sunburn?
Sunburn is a very common skin condition that occurs when the skin is overexposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunburn can cause the skin to become red, inflamed, and painful. In severe cases, sunburn can lead to blistering, peeling, and even infections.
Wait. Black people sunburn?
One of the many benefits of having dark skin is the natural skin protection factor (SPF) that it provides. Studies have shown that dark-skinned Blacks have a natural SPF of up to 13, which means they are less likely to develop skin cancer than those with lighter skin.
In addition, dark skin also provides protection against other forms of cancer, such as melanoma.
However, black people can and do indeed sunburn.
When it comes to sunscreen, people with dark skin need to be just as careful as those with light skin. Though you may not burn as easily, you are still susceptible to sun damage. In fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, people of color are more likely to develop certain types of skin cancer.
How to Treat Sunburn On Dark Skin
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a warm summer sun on your skin. But sometimes, that lovely warmth can turn into an uncomfortable burn. If you find yourself with a case of sunburn, don’t despair—there are plenty of things you can do to ease the pain and help your skin heal.
Here are a few tips on how to treat sunburn:
Take a cool shower or bath
Sunburned skin can be painful and uncomfortable, but there are ways to ease the discomfort and promote healing. One of the best ways to do this is by taking a cool shower or bath.
The water will help to soothe the skin, and the cleansing action can remove any irritants. Additionally, showering can help to remove any harmful UV rays that may still be present on the skin.
Also, the cool water will help to ease any pain or itchiness but I recommend avoiding using soap, as it can further irritate your skin.
Finally, showering can help to keep the skin hydrated, which is important for healing. If you have sunburned skin, try taking a cool shower or bath to help ease the pain and promote healing.
Cooling the skin can help reduce swelling, redness, and pain. Take a cool bath or shower, or apply a cold compress to the affected area. Do not use ice, as this can further damage the skin.
Apply a moisturizer
Moisturizer can help sunburned skin heal and feel better. Applying a moisturizer to sunburned skin will help rehydrate the skin and prevent further damage.
Moisturizer will also help to soothe the pain of sunburn and keep the skin from peeling. Peeling skin can lead to infection, so it is important to keep the skin moisturized.
Moisturizers can also help to protect the skin from future damage. Sunburned skin is more susceptible to damage from the sun, so applying a moisturizer will help create a barrier between the skin and the sun’s rays.
Green Goo 100% All Natural First aid
Green Goo 100% All Natural First aid is a must-have for any natural medicine cabinet, especially if sunburn happens to be common. Green Goo has a long tradition of being used to help soothe and heal the skin.
This all-natural first-aid ointment can be used for everything from minor cuts and scrapes to more serious injuries. It’s also great for helping to relieve sunburns and other skin irritations. Green Goo is safe for all ages and can be used on all skin types.
Green Goo 100% All Natural First aid is made with only the highest quality ingredients. This ointment contains:
- Safflower oil: an excellent natural emollient that helps to soothe and protect the skin
- Beeswax: a natural anti-inflammatory that helps to reduce swelling and redness
- Vitamin E: a powerful antioxidant that helps to repair damaged skin cells
- Lavender oil: a natural antiseptic that helps to heal wounds and calm irritated skin
Green Goo 100% All Natural First aid is easy to use and can be applied directly to the skin. For best results, apply a generous amount of ointment to the affected area and massage it in until it’s fully absorbed. Apply Green Goo as often as needed for relief.
CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion for Itch Relief 
Do you suffer from itchy skin? Cerave Moisturizing Lotion for Itch Relief can help. This lotion is designed to relieve itching and moisturize dry skin.
It contains three essential ceramides that help restore the skin’s natural barrier, as well as hyaluronic acid to attract moisture and help the skin retain it. The lotion is also non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and paraben-free which is important for sunburned skin.
How to use a moisturizer on sunburned skin
The best way to apply moisturizer to sunburned skin is to use a cool, damp cloth. Gently apply the moisturizer to the affected area and allow it to soak in. Do not rub the moisturizer into the skin, as this can further irritate the skin.
Do not rub the moisturizer into the skin, as this can further irritate the skin.
Apply the moisturizer several times a day, as needed. If you are using a lotion, make sure to choose one that is light and non-greasy. Heavy creams can further irritate sunburned skin. Look for lotions that contain aloe vera or other soothing ingredients.
As your sunburn heals, continue to apply moisturizer to keep the skin from drying out. Once the sunburn is healed, you can switch to a regular moisturizer.
Be sure to apply sunscreen before going outside, even if your skin is no longer sunburned.
Moisturizers will not protect your skin from the sun’s rays, so you will still need to use sunscreen to prevent future damage.
Use aloe vera
Aloe vera is great for burns, but did you know that it can also help relieve sunburn? Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help soothe burns caused by heat, chemicals, or radiation.
When applied to the skin, aloe vera gel can help reduce swelling, redness, and pain. It can also promote healing by increasing blood flow to the affected area.
If you have a mild sunburn, you can apply aloe vera gel directly to the skin. For more severe sunburn, you can mix it with water or other ingredients to create a paste.
If you don’t have aloe vera gel on hand, you can also use the juice from the plant. Simply cut open a leaf and apply the juice to the affected area. You can also make your own aloe vera oil which is not only great for your skin but your hair too.
Whether you use aloe vera juice, oil or gel, be sure to test it on a small area of your skin first. Some people may be allergic to aloe vera. If you experience any redness, itching, or burning, discontinue use immediately.
Take ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain reliever.
Taking ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain reliever can help relieve the pain and swelling of sunburn.
If you’re in pain, then taking an over-the courser pain reliever can help alleviate any pain or discomfort you may be feeling. However, if you have a fever, please seek a doctor.
Drink plenty of fluids
It is important to drink plenty of fluids when you have a sunburn. This will help your body to heal and to avoid dehydration. Try to drink eight glasses of water or other non-alcoholic beverages each day.
You can also drink fruit juices and sports drinks, but avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee and soda, as they can dehydrate you. If you are vomiting or have diarrhea, be sure to drink even more fluids to replace what is lost as well reach out to your doctor.
Do not drink alcohol
It’s no secret that alcohol can be dehydrating. When you’re already dealing with the dehydration that comes with a sunburn, drinking alcohol is only going to make things worse.
Alcohol can also increase inflammation and redness, and can make your sunburn feel even more painful. So if you’re looking for ways to soothe your sunburn, it’s best to steer clear of alcohol.
In addition to being dehydrating, alcohol can also increase inflammation and redness in sunburned skin. This can make your sunburn feel even more painful. So if you’re looking for ways to soothe your sunburn, it’s best to steer clear of alcohol.
One way I like to stay hydrated at home and on the go is a collapsible water bottle. These are great because you can fill it up and drink while you’re’ on the go. When it’s empty, simply smoosh it down to a smaller size and throw it in your bag or purse.
Plus this water bottle is BPA Free (super important to me!) and can withstand extreme temperatures from -40ºF to 248ºF without compromising the integrity of the foldable water bottle.
Additionally, I like this water bottle because I can keep track of how much water I’m truly drinking. I know that I need to drink at least four a day, so it makes it easy to stay on track and stay hydrated.
Avoid additional exposure to the sun.
This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s important to avoid further exposure to the sun while your skin is still healing. Otherwise, you run the risk of developing a more serious case of sunburn.
If you follow these tips, your sunburn should start to improve within a few days. However, if you experience any severe symptoms, such as blistering or excessive pain, it’s important to seek medical attention.
How long does sunburn last?
It depends on the severity of the sunburn. A mild sunburn may last for a few days, while a more severe sunburn can last up to two weeks. Sunburn can cause pain, swelling, and redness.
It can also lead to more serious problems such as dehydration and heat exhaustion. If you have any symptoms of these more serious conditions, you should seek medical attention immediately.
How to Prevent a Sunburn
Being sunburned sucks, so how do you actually protect yourself from sunburn? Here’s some of my tips!
1. Wear sunscreen
Dark skin can sunburn, though it takes longer for the skin to show signs of damage, so it’s important to be extra vigilant about sun safety if you have dark skin… which means wearing sunscreen.
Additionally, with dark skin, you should always wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
BlackGirlSuncreen
BlackGirlSunscreen is a sunscreen designed specifically for black girls and guys. It’s made with natural ingredients that are safe for the skin and provide broad-spectrum protection against the sun’s harmful rays.
BlackGirlSunscreen is water-resistant, non-greasy, and won’t leave your skin feeling sticky or oily. It’s perfect for a day at the beach, a pool party, or any outdoor activity.
BlackGirlSunscreen is available in SPF 30 and 50, so you can choose the level of protection that’s right for you. It’s also available in a convenient travel size, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
BlackGirlSunscreen is the perfect way to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays while keeping it healthy and hydrated, and best of all? This sunscreen doesn’t make your skin ashy like others.
How does sunscreen work?
The sun emits both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA rays are the main cause of premature aging and skin cancer, while UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn.
Sunscreen works by absorbing or reflecting UV rays. However, it is important to choose a sunscreen that is right for your skin type and activity level.
Additionally, with dark skin, you should always wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
How often should you apply sunscreen?
You should also reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if you are sweating or swimming.
Additionally, you can still get sunburned on a cloudy day because up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate clouds.
Wearing sunscreen every day can help reduce your risk of skin cancer by up to 50%.
So, there you have it! These are just a few of the many reasons why you should always wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Be sure to apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least.
2. Wear protective clothing
Wearing protective clothing is one of the best ways to prevent sunburn. Clothing that covers your skin and blocks out the sun’s UV rays can help keep you from getting burned. Hats, long sleeves, and pants are all good options for sun protection.
When choosing clothes for sun protection, look for pieces that are loose-fitting and made from a breathable fabric. If you plan on being in the sun for an extended period of time, consider wearing UV-protective clothing. This type of clothing is specifically designed to block out the sun’s harmful rays.
Fun fact: Whenever I know I’ll be out in the sun, I wear a sun visor!
I live in Florida, which isn’t the sunshine state for nothing! I love my sunny walks by the beach, so I always make sure to have a visor when I walk to keep my face protected.
Get a sun visor hat
A sun visor hat is a great way to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. It can help keep your skin from getting sunburned and can also help reduce the number of wrinkles that you develop over time. There are a variety of sun visors on the market, so it is important to find one that fits your needs.
If you are looking for a sun visor that will offer the most protection, then you should look for one that is made of a thicker material. This will help to keep the sun from penetrating through to your skin.
You should also look for a sun visor that has an adjustable strap so that you can adjust it to fit your head correctly.
When you are choosing a sun visor, you should also consider the type of activities that you will be doing while wearing it.
If you plan on doing a lot of outdoor activities, then you will want to choose a sun visor that is made of a breathable material. This will help to keep your head cool and will also allow your skin to breathe.
If you are only going to be wearing a sun visor for a short period of time, then you may want to choose one that is made of a lighter material. This will help to keep your head from getting too hot.
Once you have found the perfect sun visor for your needs, then you can begin to enjoy the benefits that it can provide. You will be able to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, and you will also be able to keep your head cool and comfortable while you are outdoors.
WAIT. Did you know you can get sunburned from UV lamps for your nails? Protect your nails too!
To protect your nails from the harmful effects of UV light, it is important to use a quality nail polish that has been designed for use with UV lamps. There are many brands of nail polish on the market that claim to be “UV-safe”, but not all of them live up to their claims.
Before purchasing a nail polish, be sure to read the label carefully to make sure that it is truly designed for use with UV lamps.In addition to using a quality nail polish, you can also take some simple precautions to protect your nails from the harmful effects of UV light.
One easy way to do this is to apply a clear top coat over your nail polish. This will help to reflect the UV light away from your nails, and will also help to keep your nail polish from chipping or fading.
Another simple way to protect your nails from UV light is to wear gloves when you are working with UV lamps. This will help to keep your hands from coming into direct contact with the UV light, and will also help to keep your nails from getting damaged.
By taking some simple precautions, you can help to protect your nails from the harmful effects of UV light.
3. Limit your time in the sun
Seek shade whenever possible, and avoid being in the sun during the peak hours of 10am to 4pm as this is when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
Frequently asked questions: How to get rid of sunburn on dark skin
Do sunburns go away on dark skin?
The short answer is yes; sunburns go away on dark skin.
How long does a dark sunburn last?
A dark sunburn can last for weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the burn. In some cases, the skin may even become permanently discolored.
If you have a dark sunburn, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately to avoid any further damage to your skin.
Have you ever been sunburned? It’s not a fun experience, is it? Not only does it hurt, but it can also leave your skin peeling and irritated for days (or even weeks).
In this post, I’ve shared some tips on how to get rid of sunburn on dark skin quickly and effectively. But more importantly, I want to help you prevent future burns from happening in the first place. I hope this article was helpful and you will put them into practice before hitting the beach or pool this summer!
