How to Prevent Skin from Peeling After Bad Sunburn

Skin peeling is virtually inevitable after bad sunburns, but there are methods to help slow the process down and prevent excessive pain. Having lived near the ocean for nearly 10-years, I have many bad types of sunburn that left my skin flaky and peeling. This article will examine what methods work best for preventing skin from peeling, however, be advised that bad sunburns will make the skin peel regardless of your methods, but these techniques could slow the process.

1. Aloe Vera Gel

I recommend the Vaseline Aloe Fresh moisturizing gel; it works well in keeping the skin moisturized, and has a cool Aloe Vera solution. Keeping the skin moisturized is vital for preventing a sensitive layer or new skin to form after the burned layer peels off. The Aloe Vera gel works well to keep the burned areas feeling cool and comforted.

2. 100% Cocoa butter

One method of moisturizing the skin that my mother used to use when I would get bad sunburns would be the application of cocoa butter. Cocoa butter works well to keep the skin moisturized, which prevents serious peeling or flaking, but does not cool the skin the same way as Aloe Vera gel.

3. Soak in cool water

The main thing you want to do with sunburned skin is to keep the affected area cool, which can be done by taking a cold bath, or keeping a cool face cloth on the burned area.

4. Avoid sun for a few days

The burned skin will eventually peel, regardless of treatment, but the layer of skin under the burned layer is always more sensitive than the previous layer. Avoid sun contact in the future to prevent skin cancer and further burns.

5. Never use any creams that contain alcohol!

Alcohol based creams will increase the pain of the burn, and will not help prevent any further peeling. The alcohol actually dehydrates the skin, whereas Aloe Vera and 100% cocoa butter helps to moisturize the area and keep it from drying up.

6. Avoid the sun without sun screen

Although obvious, the best way to avoid bad sunburns and skin peeling is to avoid the sun altogether, or use a high SPF sunscreen (40+).

7. White potato juice

My friend's mother used to use a method for dealing with bad sunburns, which was to peel a potato, squeeze the juices out, and apply them to the burn. This method I have tried and works very well with the use of cocoa butter and Aloe Vera gel.

*These tips do not replace the advice of a doctor or medical professional

Sources:

Personal experience

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sunburn-treatment/AN01423