How to stop sunburn from peeling

Ogochukwu Ugwu

· 26 Nov 2021

How to stop sunburn from peeling

Sunburn is a painful skin condition that may lead to blister formation, itching and peeling.

This could be as a result of excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Sunburned skin looks dried, freckled, red and inflamed.

Duration of sunburn

The symptoms may appear between 2 to 5 hours but in worse case scenario, it may occur between 12 to 24 hour.

Mild sunburn may take 3 to 4 days to heal. However, severe burns may take few weeks, to several months or years to heal.

Two types of rays that cause sunburn

Ultraviolet A
Ultraviolet B

Ultraviolet A

This ray a very dangerous one. It can penetrate through the inner layer of the skin where it destroys the DNA, forms free radicals and other underlying cells.

The destruction of the DNA may be seen in mutating and frequent ageing of the skin. This may lead to skin cancer.
Ultraviolet B

This a mild ray that only affects the top most layer of the skin where it is absorbed and spurs sunburn.

How does the skin protect itself
The skin tend to shield itself from the damaging effects of these rays by

Making more skin cells - this is seen in the thickening of the epidermis.

Producing more Melanin, a dark pigment that absorbs and scatters the radiation hence reduces it effects on the skin.
Itt only results in the tanning of the skin.

The best cure for any sickness or condition is prevention, avoiding things that will lead to such health issues.

The same with sunburn, the best effective method to prevent sunburn is by

1. Applying good quality sunscreen moisturizer

2. Reducing the amount of time spent under the sun and putting on long sleeve wears and pants; especially when you have a sensitive skin type.

Why it is necessary to stop skin from peeling after sunburn
Peeling of the skin after after sunburn tend to expose the underneath skin cells to infection which could worsen the whole thing.

Also peeling after sunburn could predispose the skin to further damage. This is why it is important to take every precaution seriously.

When the urge to scratch your skin comes up, suppress it, don't give in.

How to stop sunburn from peeling

Use aloe vera
Aloe vera is not just a good moisturizer but a good healer. The therapeutic effects of aloe vera is second to none.

When applied on the skin it soothes and cools the skin. In addition, it acts as antiinflammatory agent thus it reduces the peeling of the skin and brings healing to it.

However, other moisturizing cream can be use but it is recommended that one uses unscented moisturizer

Drink water regularly

Peeling of the skin is as a result of the drying out of the skin. Ensure you drink water regularly for maximum hydration.

On average drinking about 7 to 8 glasses of water daily is necessary for good hydration.

Avoid itching the skin

You want to get healed, right? The urge to scratching the affected surface of the skin will always come but ensure you avoid anything that irritates the skin.

Because irritation of the skin will result to constant scratching and eventual peeling of almost healing skin.

Use good cream

Avoid harsh cream on the affected area. In addition, avoid staying longer under the sun for the moment and of course don't use body sprays on the skin.

#healthandwellness #howtostop