How to Treat Sunburn: Causes, Treatment & Prevention Tips

Introduction
It’s a bright, sun shiny 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 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.
Related Products
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.
Lexicon Lifestyle
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Is Sunscreen Really Good for Kids? What Every P...
Introduction Children's skin is delicate. Their skin is about 30% thinner than adult skin, which makes it more vulnerable to the sun in India. Yet, many parents think sunscreen for...
Read moreIs Sunscreen Really Good for Kids? What Every Parent Should Know
Introduction Children's skin is delicate. Their skin is about 30% thinner than adult skin, which makes it more vulnerable to the sun in India. Yet, many parents think sunscreen for kids is an extra burden instead of considering it a daily essential. Sun protection is absolutely necessary, yet it falls to the bottom of parenting priorities. Now, it is indeed important to explore the following questions: Is sunscreen really necessary and safe for our little ones? Why Kids Need Sunscreen More Than Adults Children’s skin needs extra protection than adults. Because their skin is much thinner, it absorbs UV radiation more readily, leading to immediate and long-term damage. Children often seem to spend their hours on playground breaks, school sports, or maybe a family outing, which all happen under significant sun exposure. According to research, during childhood years, substantial sun damage occurs. As per the Skin Cancer Foundation, before age 20, five severe sunburns increase melanoma risk by 80%. Therefore, early protection is about preventing temporary sunburns as well as safeguarding against future issues like premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and more serious conditions. What Makes a Sunscreen Kid-Friendly? All the sunscreens we see contain different components, particularly when it comes to children's sensitive skin. The best sunscreen for kids offers: These broad-spectrum covers come with both UVA and UVB protective factors. High SPF ratings, such as SPF 70 sunscreen, provide the best protection. Sunscreen, holding a PA++++ rating, provides intense protection in India's hot and humid conditions Formulations that have zero harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, parabens, and others. Unscented, gentle formulas that won’t irritate sensitive skin Try CITTA Protecting Sunscreen SPF 70 – specially formulated for baby-soft, sensitive skin. What to Look for in a Baby Sunscreen Lotion Things parents should prioritize while buying a baby sunscreen lotion Products that have gone through extensive dermatological testing Tear-free formulations that do not trouble the eyes Water-resistance properties are included, especially when kids are sweating or swimming The product is lightweight and has non-greasy textures that kids will not resist wearing All these features ensure your child will receive the best protection from the sun with no discomfort, which will eventually make the daily application much easier for everyone involved. When and How to Apply Sunscreen on Kids Timing and technique are both extremely important to know when it comes to effective sun protection. Apply sunscreen for kids 20 minutes prior to going out as it gives the product some time to form a protective barrier on the skin. While applying, we have to be really generous, as most parents use too little. Apply all the exposed areas, including often forgotten ones: ears, neck, and feet. Putting an alarm on in your phone for the reapplication of your preferred sunscreen every two hours is essential, especially after swimming or heavy perspiration. Do not forget to make sunscreen a year-round habit. It is just not for sunny days, but it is necessary to apply sunscreen on cloudy days too. Harmful UV rays penetrate cloud cover, reaching your child's skin. Common Myths About Sunscreen for Kids Let's go through some common misconceptions: ❌ "Children don't need sunscreen if they stay in the shade." Reality: Reflection of UV radiation from surfaces like sand, water, and concrete reaches the skin even in shaded areas. ❌ "Sunscreen is only necessary during summer or beach outings." Reality: UV radiation affects skin year-round, no matter what the temperature is. ❌ "Dark-skinned children have natural protection." Reality: It is true that melanin offers some protection, but it is essential to have dedicated sun protection for children. ✅ Truth: Every child benefits from daily sun protection irrespective of the nature of the weather, location, or skin tone. Also Read: Sunscreen for Kids: Debunking Myths and Determining the Right Age to Start The CITTA Advantage: Why Parents Trust Our SPF 70 Sunscreen When choosing the best sunscreen for kids, parents trust in CITTA's SPF 70 protection. Let’s take you through what sets it apart: Specifically formulated to protect children's delicate skin from the sun Doesn't leave a chalky white residue that kids will not like Contains no harsh chemicals that might cause sensitivity Works effectively and efficiently across all skin types and tones Pediatric skin specialists do recommend this to parents. As per parents’ honest reviews, children prefer CITTA Protecting Sunscreen SPF 70, its pleasant, non-sticky feel, which is less of a battle and has turned into a routine of protection for their children’s skin. Final Thoughts Sun protection isn't just about preventing today's sunburn, but it is also an investment towards your child's lifelong skin health. When applying baby sunscreen becomes a habit of daily skincare routine as brushing teeth, it establishes a discipline, a healthy habit that will benefit them for decades. With the right child-safe sunscreen in India, children get the freedom to enjoy outdoor activities while you are also ensuring that their precious skin is protected. Remember: healthy skin begins with early protection, and the responsibility of keeping the skin protected begins with you. Also Read: How to Choose the Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin FAQ Section: 1. Is sunscreen safe for babies and toddlers? Yes, for children over 6 months, it is absolutely okay to apply sunscreen, which is a mineral-based formula with zinc oxide for sensitive baby skin. For younger babies, rely on shade and be picky about clothing instead. 2. Can I use adult sunscreen on my child? It's better to use dedicated baby sunscreen products as children's skin is more sensitive. Therefore, kid-friendly formulas have fewer irritating ingredients. 3. How often should I reapply sunscreen on my child? Every 2 hours during sun exposure, and repeat the application more frequently (every 80 minutes). Do the same while swimming or sweating heavily. 4. Is SPF 70 sunscreen too much for kids? No, SPF 70 sunscreen provides appropriate protection for children and is perfect for dealing with India's climate. Most parents are not aware of the right quantity of the product to use, so higher SPF offers better safety. 5. Can sunscreen cause skin irritation in kids? Some children may be sensitive to certain ingredients. Before picking a sunscreen, perform a patch test first. Choose mineral sunscreens for sensitive skin and consult a doctor if irritation occurs. Also Read: The Best Sunscreen for Newborn: Protecting Your Baby’s Delicate Skin
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