Skin Care Tips: 5 Things To Avoid While Treating a Sunburn

Sunburn is an aggravated skin condition that causes redness and inflammation due to overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. It can be painful or cause soreness. It can increase the risk of premature aging, and it could also be a sign of cell damage, which is the body's inflammatory response to repair the injury. It can range from mild redness to severe blistering.



Sunburn can be caused by a multiple of reasons like if someone stays too much outdoors in the sun especially without any sun protection. So over exposure to the sun's rays can cause damage to the DNA in the skin cells. It can also lead to blistering and peeling as the body might destroy some cells to remove the damage.

Sunburn can cause uneven skin tone as the part exposed to the sun is likely to get more damage from the sun than the part which is covered. Taking some precautions and treatment options can help in curing sunburn and can also protect the skin from any further damage.


Avoid ice packs: Using ice packs can damage the skin by delaying the healing process as it lead to more discomfort to the already sensitive and damaged skin. It can also cause more dryness and increase the pain on the skin.

Don't pop the blisters: Puncturing the blisters caused by sunburn can cause more damage to the skin and delay the healing process. Scratching or Peeling the skin can also increase the risk of scarring or infection.

Avoid Petroleum Jelly: Petroleum jelly can trap the heat and can prevent the skin from cooling down. It more suitable for treating dry skin issues instead of sunburn as it does not have any sun protection or soothing properties to treat sun burned skin. It can also increase inflammation and discomfort on the skin.

Avoid Tight Clothes: One should avoid wearing tight clothes during sunburn as it can cause discomfort and irritation on the skin. It can slow down the healing process and cause pain in the affected area.

Do not use makeup products: It is advised that one should not use any makeup products over the sunburned skin as that can increase the risk of infection or it can also lead to allergic reactions.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. Can vaseline stop sunburn?
   Do Not use vaseline, or other oil-based products. These can block pores so that heat and sweat cannot escape.
2. Should I put lotion on sunburn?
   Applying a moisturizer, lotion or gel can help in soothing the skin.
3. Do sunburns turn into a tan?
   One sunburn won't get a deep dark tan but ongoing exposure and damage from UV light will darken the skin.
4. What can be mistaken for a sunburn?
   Hell's Itch is commonly misdiagnosed as sunburn.