Sunburn is a form of thermal burn resulting from excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes damage to the skin’s outer layers. This cellular damage triggers an inflammatory response, leading to the familiar redness, pain, and heat sensation. Choosing the appropriate water temperature for cleansing and soothing the burn is an important step in managing the immediate discomfort and preventing further damage to the compromised skin barrier.
Why Cool Water is the Recommended Choice
The primary goal of treating a sunburn is to draw the residual heat out of the damaged skin, and cool water accomplishes this by acting as a heat sink. Applying cooler water transfers this heat away from the skin’s surface through conduction, lowering the elevated temperature of the epidermis. The water temperature should be cool or tepid, not icy cold, as extreme temperatures can shock the system or cause further irritation to the already-sensitive skin.
Cool water helps to constrict the superficial blood vessels in the skin, a process called vasoconstriction. This reduction in blood flow helps to diminish the redness and swelling associated with the inflammatory response. The anti-inflammatory effect of cooling the skin provides direct relief from the burning and stinging sensation. Frequent, short cool showers or baths are recommended to manage the ongoing pain and heat.
Limiting the duration of water exposure is also beneficial, as prolonged time in the water can strip the skin of its natural moisturizing factors. Cool water helps reduce the painful inflammation that peaks between 24 and 36 hours after sun exposure. By actively cooling the skin, you help mitigate the body’s overactive inflammatory cascade that is trying to repair the UV-induced DNA damage. This simple action allows the skin to recover from the radiation injury it has sustained.
The Detrimental Effects of Hot Water
Using hot water on sunburned skin is harmful because it counteracts the body’s attempts to cool down the damaged tissue, worsening the overall condition. Hot water introduces more heat to the skin, which can significantly exacerbate the inflammatory response already triggered by the UV radiation. This increased heat can intensify the pain, tenderness, and redness of the burn.
Heat causes vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the skin’s surface. Adding external heat simply overwhelms the system, bringing more inflammatory mediators to the already damaged area. This increased circulation amplifies the sensation of burning and can prolong the discomfort.
Hot water has a significant drying effect on the skin. It strips away the natural lipid barrier and sebum, which are protective oils that help retain moisture. The skin is already dehydrated due to the sunburn drawing fluid to the surface, and removing these natural oils leads to further moisture loss, increasing the chance of peeling and delaying the healing process. Avoiding hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms is equally important, as they elevate the skin’s core temperature and promote dehydration.
Immediate Steps Following the Shower
After a cool shower or bath, the skin should be dried by gently patting it with a soft, clean towel rather than rubbing, which can cause friction and further irritation to the damaged epidermis. It is advisable to leave the skin slightly damp, as this creates the optimal surface for the next step.
The most important action immediately following water exposure is the application of a soothing moisturizer to lock in hydration. This should be done within approximately three minutes of exiting the water to trap the moisture before it evaporates. Look for lotions or gels containing ingredients like aloe vera or soy, which help soothe discomfort and support skin repair.
Avoid petroleum-based ointments on fresh sunburns, as these products can create a barrier that traps heat inside the skin, potentially worsening the burn. In addition to topical care, taking an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen, soon after sun exposure can help reduce internal inflammation and manage pain. Throughout this process, avoid using abrasive sponges or harsh soaps on the burned areas to prevent mechanical damage to the compromised skin.