Prolonged sun exposure can cause a person to develop sunburn. After exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun, your skin might turn red, swell and feel painful. As the skin cells start to repair damage, you'll notice peeling at the skin's surface. You should allow the skin to fall off naturally instead of picking or pulling at loose pieces to avoid further damage. Taking care of the sunburn can help speed up the peeling process.
Step 1
Apply a prescription corticosteroid cream to the sunburn. You can get this medication from your doctor. It can speed up the healing process of the skin after sunburn, according to MayoClinic.com. If you are unable to see a doctor, a low dose 1 percent concentration corticosteroid cream is available over the counter.
Step 2
Soak compresses in cool milk. Place the compresses directly on the peeling skin, suggests the Care Fair website. Leave them on for 10 to 20 minute intervals over the course of the day. After you are finished, rinse off the milk to avoid smelling sour.
Step 3
Bathe in cool water. Before the bath, mix together freshly squeezed lemon juice and 2 cups of cold water. Use a sponge to apply the mixture to the skin. It is meant to act as a disinfectant and get the skin to heal quicker, states the Health 911 website.
Step 4
Use moisturizing cream on the peeling skin. Generous amounts of thick moisturizing creams can help the skin regain lost moisture and help heal the sunburn, indicates MayoClinic.com. Apply the creams after bathing to lock in even more moisture and remove peeling skin.
Things You'll Need
- Moisturizing cream
- Corticosteroid cream
- Milk
- Washcloths
- 3 lemons
- 2 cups water
