You can actually undo some of the potential damage. Use this step-by-step rescue plan.
By Hallie Levine Sklar
Take Aspirin or Ibuprofen These meds work by reducing inflammation, which means they ease the irritation and redness that are your body's first responses to a serious burn. The catch is, you have to take them within 24 hours of getting fried. Otherwise, the redness can cause permanent damage, says Ellen Marmur, MD, chief of dermatologic surgery at the Mount Sinai Medical Center, in New York City.
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Moisturize Like Crazy Lotion infused with an anti-inflammatory agent like aloe vera or soy will decrease the dryness and flakiness you'll likely experience as the redness from your bad burn turns into peeling, itchy skin, says Dr. Marmur. Slather it on as often as possible; you can't go overboard, and it'll feel cool and soothing.
Use Sunscreen Religiously Blocking UV light exposure gives skin time to heal and your immune system a chance to repair some of the damage, says David J. Leffell, MD, professor of dermatology and surgery at Yale School of Medicine. In fact, research suggests that zealously using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 can keep precancerous cell changes you've already racked up from progressing.
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Exfoliate the Area Once your burned skin has completely healed, exfoliate the affected area with an over-the-counter alpha hydroxy acid cleanser twice a week for a month. This will stimulate the growth of new, healthy skin cells and also eradicate the dead ones that are making your skin tone look blotchy and uneven.
Apply a Retinol Cream Sun destroys your skin's collagen, the substance that gives it elasticity. Retinol (a vitamin A derivative) can up production of new collagen, says NYC dermatologist Doris Day. After the burn has healed, an over-the-counter retinol cream should work, but if you have rougher skin, ask for an Rx like Renova.
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Get Lasered If you have chronic sun damage, consider laser or intense pulse light treatments in your derm's office. Both penetrate your skin, erasing discoloration, wrinkles, and blotchiness. The downside is that you may need several treatments, and they're expensive: Three can run at least $1,500.
Next Time, Skip the Sun and Fake a Tan Cosmo's Sexiest Beauty Secrets book reveals how to get the perfect tan, sans sun. Check out the six simple steps now.
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