How to Treat Sunburn: Causes, Treatment & Prevention Tips

Introduction

It’s a bright, sunny day, and you’ve planned a fun day out with your pals, maybe lounging at the beach or just exploring the city. The sun feels amazing, the breeze is perfect, but you forgot to apply sunscreen. Uh-oh, you’ve committed a serious mistake! 

Your face turned red, and hot, and you started to feel tight. Yep, you’ve got a sunburn. 

We’ve all been there! Even when we try to be mindful, sometimes the sun gets the best of us. And because our facial skin is thinner and more delicate than the rest of our body, it’s even more susceptible to sunburn. The worst part is if not treated properly, sunburn can even lead to irritation, peeling, and long-term damage. 

Fret not; in this guide, we’ll discuss in detail how to treat sunburn on your face, the best home remedies for sunburn, and, most importantly, how to prevent face sunburn because as we all know, prevention is better than cure.

Let’s go! 

What Causes Sunburn On The Face?

Skipping Sunscreen

Face feels like it’s on fire, it’s flaky, dreading the inevitable peeling - how did we end up here? The answer is simple - too much sun and not enough protection. Even after knowing that sunscreen is as essential as breathing (just kidding), we, at times, tend to skip it thinking ‘I’ll be fine just this once.’ But no, you won’t! Without SPF, your skin is defenseless against the harsh UVA & UVB rays of the sun. These invisible troublemakers penetrate deep into the skin and cause sunburns and even long-term damage like premature aging.

High UV Index Areas

By this we mean areas like beaches, mountains, and cities with intense sunlight. The higher the UV index, the faster your skin burns, sometimes in as little as 15-20 minutes. Wondering if it’s the same on cloudy days? Oh yes, the mischievous UV rays can still sneak through even when the sun takes a break behind the clouds. 

Some Skin Types Burn Faster

Sensitive skin? Fairer skin? Unfortunately, you’re more susceptible to sunburn. If you have lighter skin tone, it means your skin has lesser melanin (a natural pigment that helps protect against UV damage). Well, it doesn’t mean that darker skin tones are immune. Sunburn and sun damage can happen to anyone, but those with sensitive & light skin should be extra cautious. 

Certain Medications 

Certain medications like antibiotics and some allergy meds can also make your skin extra sensitive. Your skin becomes extra reactive to the harsh UV rays. So if you’re on any of these consider it a free pass to be extra cautious with sun protection. And for sunburn prevention, don’t forget to apply the CITTA Invisible Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 PA++++.

Harsh Skincare

Harsh skincare products are equal to weakened skin barrier. So if your skincare regimen includes strong exfoliants, like AHAs, BHAs, or retinoids, your skin might be more prone to sunburn. Even though these products are great for glowing skin, they can strip away the natural barrier. Moral of the story: always pair these products with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. 

How To Treat Sunburn On The Face?

Now that the damage is already done, don’t panic. The key to how to heal sunburn on the face is acting fast and treating your skin with care. Here’s what to do:

Cool The Skin Immediately

First things first! Splash your face with cool water (not icy) to bring down the heat, use a damp soft washcloth, or take a lukewarm bath. Best if you have aloe vera gel, refrigerate it for a few minutes before applying, it feels amazing. Don’t, we repeat don’t, use ice directly on the face as it makes things worse. 

Hydrate & Moisturize

Sunburn will make your skin feel tight and flaky as it pulls out moisture from your skin. Drink plenty of water and rehydrate yourself, use a gentle yet hydrating moisturizer like the CITTA Aqua Boost Face Gel, enriched with 5X hydration power of Hyaluronic Acid, AQUAXYL™, Glycerin, Ashwagandha, and Olive-Squalane. Home remedies for sunburn include applying cool aloe vera gel or chilled cucumber slices to help soothe and rehydrate naturally. You can also mix colloidal oatmeal with water and apply it as a face mask.

Reduce Inflammation

Did you know, that sunburn is not just about redness, it is an inflammatory reaction that needs to be calmed down. Home remedies for this include a cold mild compress as it has soothing vitamins and proteins. 

Avoid Harsh Skincare Products

Now is not the time to apply harsh skincare products like retinol, scrubs, or anything that exfoliates as these products can delay healing and lead to sensitivity. Stick to mild cleansers like the CITTA Encapsulated Ubtan Face Wash and ultra-hydrating moisturizers like the CITTA Aqua Boost Face Gel so that your skin recovery process gets expedited. Always remember the golden rule: less is more when it is about how to treat sunburn on face.

Protect From Further Sun Exposure

As your skin is already sunburned, exposing it to more sun, and that too without proper protection, will only make things worse. Rock those oversized shades, wide-brimmed hat, and most importantly, apply the CITTA Invisible Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 PA++++ before heading out, if at all you need to. And if you’re thinking - “how can you prevent sunburn from getting worse?,” protect your skin at all costs by staying indoors or in the shade. 

How To Prevent Sunburn On The Face?

Never get burned in the first place by protecting your skin. Let’s see how!

Apply Sunscreen Daily

Yes, even when it’s winter, even when it’s cloudy, and even if you’re just indoors or about running errands just around the corner. In short, every single day. The CITTA Invisible Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 PA++++ protects your skin from both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. Gently massage an adequate amount onto your face and neck, 15-30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Reapply every 2-3 hours - and even more often if you’re swimming or sweating. 

Avoid Peak Sun Hours

The sun is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM when you’re most likely to burn. If possible, stay indoors or stick to the shade during these hours. Need to be outside? Find a spot with a shade, use an umbrella, or walk on the side of the street that’s shadier. 

Wear Protective Accessories

Just like sunscreen, wearing protective accessories is also important. Sunglasses, lightweight scarves, and wide-brimmed hats will help protect your face from direct sunlight. Consider sun-protective clothing too. Bonus: They look effortlessly stylish, which is a plus!

Maintain a Hydrating Skincare Routine

Last but not least, healthy, well-hydrated skin is more resilient to sun exposure. As mentioned earlier, use a mild cleanser like the CITTA Encapsulated Ubtan Face Wash and ultra-hydrating moisturizers like the CITTA Aqua Boost Face Gel so that your skin barrier remains strong. Adding antioxidants like the CITTA Vitamin C Brightening Face Serum can also help protect your skin from UV damage and boost its natural defense (think of it as a sunscreen’s backup team).

Bottom Line…

To put it plainly, a consistent skincare routine with broad-spectrum sunscreen in it will support long-term skin health. And if your skin is sunburned, the guide will help you treat it effectively. 

Also Read: Invisible Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 PA++++ Feels Like Nothing, Protects Like Everything

FAQ:

Q.1 How to get rid of sunburn redness overnight?

You can’t expect a sunburn to disappear overnight. You can reduce redness by trying home remedies for sunburn like applying aloe vera gel, using a cold compress, using a hydrating moisturizer, and staying hydrated from within. Anti-inflammatory remedies like honey or ibuprofen can also help.

Q.2 What is the best protection from sunburn?

The best sunburn prevention includes daily application of the CITTA Invisible Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 PA++++, wearing protective clothing, avoiding peak sun hours (10 AM - 4 PM), and hydrating your skin with the CITTA Aqua Boost Face Gel. A consistent skincare routine can also help.

Q.3 How long do sunburns last on your face?

A mild sunburn lasts 3 - 5 days. More severe burns can take up to a week or more to heal. Using home remedies for sunburn, gentle skincare, and staying out of the sun can expedite the recovery process.