Repeated sunburns lead to premature wrinkles and an increased risk of skin cancers, including melanoma. Cells can damage their DNA over time, and if the damage is not repaired every time, cancerous cells can develop.
To take the sting out of sunburn after cycling, apply a moisturizer containing aloe vera or soy, take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen, and use cool compresses or a cool bath. These methods help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.
This blog will give you the lowdown on some of the best strategies to quickly take the sting out of your sunburn so you can get back to enjoying your bike rides in no time.
What Takes The Sting Out Of Sunburn After Cycling: 9 Best Strategies
Sunburns can happen, causing discomfort and a stinging sensation. Cycling in the sun can invigorate but also lead to a painful sunburn. Several effective strategies are available to ease the sting of sunburn after cycling.
Cool Baths or Showers
One of the quickest ways to relieve the sting of sunburn is to take a cool bath or shower. The cool water helps to lower the skin temperature and reduce inflammation, providing immediate relief from the burning sensation.
How It Helps
- Reduces Heat: The cool water cools down the skin, which can be effective right after cycling when the skin is still hot.
- Soothes Inflammation: Water can help reduce the redness and swelling associated with sting sunburn.
- Hydrates Skin: Baths can help to hydrate parched skin, especially if you add ingredients like oatmeal or baking soda, which have soothing properties.
Tips
- Use lukewarm to cool water rather than very cold water to avoid shocking your system.
- It is best not to scrub your skin or use harsh soaps, as this can further irritate the sunburn.
- After your bath or shower, apply a soft towel to your skin instead of rubbing it.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is crucial when dealing with the sting of sunburn. Fluid is pulled away from the rest of the body when you get sunburn, which can lead to dehydration.
How It Helps:
- Replenishes Lost Fluids: Drinking water helps to replenish the fluids lost due to sun exposure.
- Supports Skin Healing: Proper hydration aids in skin repair and regeneration.
- Reduces Discomfort: Staying hydrated can also help reduce the feeling of malaise that often accompanies sunburn.
Tips
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses or more if you are active and sweating.
- Hydrating foods include watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges.
- Avoid drinking alcohol, as it can further dehydrate your body.
Take a Pain Reliever
Over-the-counter pain relievers can effectively treat sunburn-related pain and inflammation.
How It Helps
- Reduces Pain: Medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help alleviate pain.
- Decreases Inflammation: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil) or aspirin can reduce swelling and redness.
Tips
- Medication packaging usually includes dosage instructions.
- Consult your physician if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications.
Avoid Additional Sun Exposure
Once you have a sting sunburn, avoiding further sun exposure is crucial to prevent additional damage.
How It Helps
- Prevents Worsening: Avoiding the sun allows your skin to heal without further irritation.
- Reduces Risk of Complications: Additional UV exposure can increase the risk of complications like blistering and infection.
Tips
- Stay indoors or in shaded areas as much as possible until your sting of sunburn heals.
- Grab a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, and sunglasses if you need to go outside.
- Put on broad-spectrum sunblock with at least 30 SPF on any exposed skin.
Drinking Water
Drinking water is a simple yet effective way to help your body recover from sunburn.
How It Helps
- Hydrates Skin: Water helps to rehydrate your skin from the inside out.
- Flushes Toxins: Staying hydrated helps to flush out toxins that can accumulate due to sun exposure.
Tips
- Bring a reusable water bottle to drink water throughout the day.
- Infuse your water with fruits like lemon or mint to make it more appealing.
Aloe Vera
A natural remedy for sunburn, aloe vera soothes and heals the sting of sunburn due to its soothing and healing properties.
How It Helps
- Skin Soother: Aloe vera contains a cooling property that can immediately relieve the stinging sensation.
- Promotes Healing: It contains compounds that help to reduce inflammation and support skin repair.
- Moisturizes: Aloe vera is also hydrating, which can help to prevent peeling and dryness.
Tips
- Use pure aloe vera gel from a store or directly from an aloe plant.
- The gel should be applied generously to the sunburnt areas and let it absorb into your skin.
- Reapply as needed for continued relief.
Apply a Cold Compress
It is possible to relieve the heat and pain of sunburn.
How It Helps
- Reduces Heat: The cold temperature helps to draw heat away from the skin.
- Numbs Pain: A cold compress can also temporarily numb the area, reducing the pain.
- Decreases Swelling: The cold can help to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Tips
- Use a clean cloth soaked in cold water or a commercial cold pack wrapped in a towel.
- Apply the compress to the affected areas for 15-20 minutes.
- Ice shouldn’t be placed directly on the skin. It can cause frostbite.
Apply Hydrocortisone Cream
Creams containing hydrocortisone can relieve itching, redness, and swelling.
How It Helps
- Reduces Inflammation: Hydrocortisone is effective at reducing inflammation and redness.
- Eases Itching: It can also help relieve itching, a common symptom of sunburn.
Tips
- Use a 1% hydrocortisone cream, which is available over the counter.
- To treat sunburns, apply a thin layer as directed on the packaging.
- Avoid using hydrocortisone cream on broken skin or blisters.
Take Ibuprofen or Aspirin
Ibuprofen and aspirin are both NSAIDs that are effective in treating sunburn.
How It Helps
- Pain Relief: These medications can provide effective pain relief.
- Reduces Inflammation: They also help to reduce redness and swelling.
Tips
- Take the medication with food or milk to reduce the risk of stomach upset.
- Be sure to follow the dosage instructions and not exceed them.
- A healthcare provider should be consulted if you have any questions or pre-existing conditions.
Conclusion
Sunburn can be a painful consequence of cycling outdoors. However, you can alleviate the sting and promote healing with the right strategies. You can manage sunburn symptoms and support your skin’s recovery by taking cool baths or showers, staying hydrated, taking pain relievers, avoiding additional sun exposure, applying cold compresses, applying hydrocortisone cream, and taking ibuprofen or aspirin.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your sunburn heals quickly and that you can resume cycling adventures without unnecessary discomfort. Prevention is always better than cure, so protect your skin with sunscreen and clothing to avoid sunburn.
FAQs
How Long Does The Sting Last On A Burn?
Most sunburns disappear within three to five days of getting sunburned. More severe burns and blistering can last up to 10 days.
Why Does My Sunburn Keep Stinging?
Swelling, redness, heat, and pain result from immune cells pressing against the skin. Blisters form when unbroken sheets of cells die and lift away, leaving a space below that is filled with fluid. Dry peeling occurs when large layers of dead cells are peeled off.