Is Shaving Cream A Good Remedy For A Sunburn?

No one wants to get sunburned. But it happens, especially if you forget to put on sunscreen or you don't reapply it often enough. If you do end up with a painful sunburn, you'll probably try anything to get relief. One popular remedy for treating a sunburn is shaving cream (via Healthline). Shaving cream may be able to help you find relief from your sunburn in two ways: by providing hydration and by cooling the skin. When you put shaving cream on your skin, it forms a barrier that helps to lock in moisture. This can help to soothe the dry, tight feeling that often comes with a sunburn. The cooling effect of shaving cream can also help to ease pain and discomfort. The menthol in some shaving creams can have a numbing effect, which can be helpful if your sunburn is particularly painful, although it can also irritate burns.

However, shaving cream has not been extensively studied when it comes to treating sunburns. Proven sunburn remedies include taking a cool shower or bath, applying aloe vera gel, and using over-the-counter (OTC) products like ibuprofen or hydrocortisone cream. Holding cold compresses against your burn or taking an oatmeal bath can also help. If you have a severe burn that is blistering or very painful, you should seek medical attention.

Of course, you can avoid searching for the best sunburn remedy by avoiding a sunburn in the first place. Wearing sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays (via Cancer.net). When selecting a sunscreen, choose a product with an SPF of 30 or higher for your face and body. Apply it generously, and make sure to cover all exposed skin, including exposed parts of your scalp, feet, and hands. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, or more often if you're sweating or swimming.

In addition to wearing sunscreen, you can also protect your skin by avoiding the sun during peak hours when its UV rays are the strongest. This is typically between the late morning and early evening. If you must be outdoors during these hours, make sure to wear protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses. Another way to protect your skin is to use a self-tanning product instead of lying out in the sun or using a tanning bed. Self-tanning products can give you the look of a tan without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays. Finally, visit your dermatologist regularly to keep your skin healthy and to allow your doctor to evaluate your skin cancer risk.