Is Noxzema Good For Sunburn After Cycling: 10 Pros and Cons and 6 Best Way[5 Precautions]

When I first used Noxzema on a sunburn, the cooling helped ease the itching and burning. The menthol and camphor in it soothe the pain almost instantly. But I soon realized that Noxzema isn't meant for treating sunburns, and its fragrances can sometimes irritate sensitive skin, significantly when it's already damaged.

Yes, after a long ride, I tried Noxzema on a mild sunburn, and the cooling mentholated formula felt like a quick relief. It didn’t speed up the healing, but for those few hours, the discomfort faded away, making it much easier to unwind. It's not a cure, but it made a difference when I needed it most.

In this blog post, I will share my experience using Noxzema for sunburn after cycling. I will discuss its pros and cons, best usage methods, and precautions if you’re considering it for sunburn relief.

Is Noxzema Good For Sunburn After Cycling: 10 Pros and Cons

While cycling with friends one summer, I got a nasty sunburn despite all the sunscreen and precautions. We were in the middle of nowhere, and all I had in my bag was a tub of Noxzema that I usually used for my face. Out of desperation, I gave it a shot on my sunburn. Here are some pros and cons of using Noxzema for sunburn relief after a cycling trip:

Pros

• Quick Relief: Noxzema has been around for ages, and its cooling effect was exactly what I needed at that moment. It felt like a breath of fresh air on my burning skin, taking the edge off the pain almost immediately.
• Cooling Effect: The menthol and camphor in Noxzema created a refreshing, cool sensation that made the itching and burning bearable. It was like applying a soothing balm that calmed my nerves and skin.
• Natural Ingredients: Noxzema contains witch hazel and aloe vera, both known for their soothing properties. Witch hazel helped reduce the swelling and redness, while aloe vera started working on the repair process right away.
• Escape from the Burn: Slathering something cold and comforting on my sunburned skin gave me a much-needed break from the relentless burning sensation. It was like finding an oasis in the desert.
• Easy to Find: One thing I love about Noxzema is that it can be found almost anywhere—drugstores, supermarkets, you name it. After that trip, I always kept some in my cycling kit for emergencies.
• Non-Greasy Formula: Unlike other remedies that can leave your skin feeling sticky or greasy, Noxzema absorbs quickly. This was a big plus, especially when I had to reapply during breaks without feeling covered in oil.

Cons

• Potential for Irritation: On the downside, if your sunburn is severe, the menthol and camphor might feel a bit too intense. I remember one spot where the burn was terrible, and it stung more than it soothed. It’s not for everyone, especially if your skin is super sensitive.
• Not Designed for Sunburn: While it helped me in a pinch, I had to remind myself that Noxzema wasn’t explicitly made for sunburn relief. It doesn’t have the specialized ingredients like aloe vera or hydrocortisone that some dedicated sunburn treatments offer.
• Temporary Relief: The relief was great, but it didn’t last as long as I’d hoped. After a while, the cooling effect wore off, and the deeper pain and inflammation started creeping back in.
• Fragrance Sensitivity: I didn’t mind the strong fragrance, but I can see how some might find it overpowering. If you’re sensitive to smells or prone to allergic reactions, the scent might be too much to handle.

6 Best Way To Use Noxzema For Sunburn After Cycling

Cycling under the blazing sun can be an incredibly liberating and rewarding experience. However, for us cyclists, it's often a painful sunburn. Many of us go to extra lengths to prepare for these challenges. 

We hydrate and gear up properly, but the sun's relentless rays sometimes leave us red and raw. And we must address this discomfort quickly, effectively, and with the right products. Here are a few ways in which you can use Noxzema for sunburn after cycling:

Cooling Cleanser Method

• Wash and Dry Your Hands: Clean hands are crucial to avoid additional irritation on sensitive skin.
• Apply a Thick Layer: I scooped a generous amount and gently spread it over my sunburned areas. The thick layer really helped provide cooling relief.
• Leave It On for 5 Minutes: Let it sit for about five minutes. The cooling, tingling sensation was a welcome distraction from the burn.
• Rinse with Cool Water: I rinsed it off with cool water, not cold, which helped calm my skin even more without shocking it.
• Apply Moisturizer: After washing it off, I applied a gentle, unscented moisturizer to keep my skin hydrated and promote healing.

Noxzema Good For Sunburn After Cycling: 5 Precautions

Noxzema should be used with caution when sunburned. Because of ingredients such as menthol and eucalyptus, sunburned skin might find the tingly sensation too intense. Imagine putting a cooling gel on a hot stove. It might feel nice initially, but it could worsen if your skin is irritated.

Gently Apply to Avoid Extra Irritation

When you apply Noxzema to sunburned skin, think of it as giving your skin a gentle hug rather than a vigorous pat-down. The goal here is to calm the burn, not aggravate it. Instead of stroking the cream with a heavy hand, smooth it with light strokes. This helps avoid adding more irritation to your already sensitive skin. It might seem minor, but it can significantly affect your comfort level.

Steer Clear of Broken Skin and Blisters

Let’s discuss the state of your skin. If you have broken skin or blisters, it is best to keep Noxzema away from these areas. Applying it directly to broken skin can increase the risk of infection and make things worse rather than better. 

It’s like trying to soothe a scraped knee with a rough towel; it's just not the right approach. Stick to applying Noxzema only to intact skin free from blisters.

No Tight Bandages

Avoid wrapping your sunburned skin tightly with bandages over a thick layer of Noxzema. Your skin needs to breathe, and tightly bandaging it can trap heat and moisture, potentially worsening the burn and slowing the healing process. Think of it as letting your skin have some space to recover. Instead of tight bandages, consider loose, breathable coverings if you need to protect the area.

Listen to Your Skin

Everyone’s skin reacts differently, and while Noxzema can be soothing for many, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you apply it and notice that the stinging or burning sensation increases, it’s time to stop using it. Your skin is trying to tell you something, and pushing through the discomfort might lead to more irritation or even a reaction. Trust your instincts and your skin’s signals.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Finally, be mindful of what’s in your Noxzema. Some formulations include more vital chemicals like benzoyl peroxide, which might not be best for sunburned skin. Look for gentler versions of Noxzema, or consult a dermatologist if unsure. Your sunburned skin is already compromised, so adding harsh chemicals could add to your troubles.

Conclusion

As with many things in life, it has its pros and cons. Yes, it gave me quick relief and a cooling effect, and it was super convenient to find and use. But be aware that it's not explicitly designed for sunburn and may have the potential for irritation, especially if your skin is already severely burnt or sensitive to strong fragrances.

It's crucial to listen to how your skin responds and take precautions if you use Noxzema for sunburn relief after cycling. But let's not forget the most essential tip: Always wear sunscreen before hitting the trails, and keep your skin hydrated and protected.