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    Summer Skin 101: How to Treat a Sunburn

    By | Beauty on Shine – Tue, Apr 17, 2012 10:26 AM EDT

    Jennifer Scruby, Lucky magazine

    NEUTROGENA WET SKIN SUNBLOCK SPRAY SPF50, $11, DRUGSTORE.COM NEUTROGENA WET SKIN SUNBLOCK SPRAY SPF50, $11, DRUGSTORE.COM The Problem:     Sunburn
    Solution: Be extra vigilant with sunscreen; get inflammation down as fast as possible.
    • Treat burns immediately with a cold compress. "If the burn is smooth and red, apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream," says New York dermatologist Amy Wechsler.

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    • Taken immediately, aspirin or Advil can actually lessen skin damage overall by reducing inflammation.

    • Soothing ingredients like aloe can speed healing. If skin starts to peel, resist the urge to touch it.
    • One bad sunburn more than doubles your risk for skin cancer. "Get checked once a year," says Miami dermatologist Alicia Barba. "This is especially true if you've had more than one burn."

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    • Apply and reapply at least SPF30 every two hours and after swimming. Staying in the shade is ideal.


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