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Although it is important to protect your skin from UV rays throughout the year (even indoors), it is especially important that we spend more time outdoors in the sun as the temperature rises in summer. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about one-third of Americans report sunburn every year. Dr. Michael C. Cameron, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, explained that “sunburn indicates that your skin is exposed to too much ultraviolet radiation.” The data shows that historical sunburn— —Especially blisters (also called second-degree) sunburn — may increase your risk of skin cancer in the future. This emphasizes the importance of applying (and reapplying) sunscreen at any age and investing in UPF clothing and hats.

Despite our best efforts, sunburns still happen from time to time and can be very uncomfortable. We discussed with the doctor how to treat sunburn and what you should look for in over-the-counter products that provide relief, and how to know if you should seek further treatment.

Skip the sunburn FAQ | Sunburn treatment | Prevent sunburn

Cameron said that aloe vera and moisturizer help relieve sunburn. This aloe vera moisturizer is also available in jars-according to Dr. Mary Stevenson, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor in the Department of Dermatology at New York University Lange Health’s Ronald O. Perelman, this is more moisturizing than the cream in the pump. thicker.

According to Dr. Michele Farber, a board-certified dermatologist of the Schweiger Dermatology Group, the best option for sunburn "aside from water" is "a normal odorless moisturizer." She said that especially for peeling and sunburn, it is important to help the skin repair itself, and applying moisturizer is one way. Stevenson agrees that a mild, odorless cream is the best, and this cream from CeraVe is fragrance-free.

All the experts we interviewed recommended the use of aloe vera gel for sunburn. It is known for its cooling and soothing effects, and it also moisturizes the skin.

Hydrocortisone cream helps relieve itching and irritation. Farber says that over-the-counter hydrocortisone ointments like Cortizone 10 cream are a good starting point, but more severe burns may require prescription steroids.

Farber says that if you get sunburned, wet dressings like hydrocolloid bandages can promote healing. These bandages have a waterproof seal and can be worn for up to 7 days after use.

According to Farber, wet dressings can be used to treat blisters. They provide a barrier to keep the skin clean and moisturized. These burn pads do not stick to the skin, they can soothe and cool the burned area.

According to Cameron, you can take Advil, the brand name of ibuprofen, as needed to help reduce swelling, redness and pain. Motrin is another brand of ibuprofen. You can try it. Amazon, CVS, Walgreens and other retailers also sell their own brand of ibuprofen.

According to Farber, Aquaphor and Vaseline have sealing properties, which means they help to seal water into the damaged skin barrier. Cameron said that if blisters develop into skin erosions, both products can be used to help prevent secondary skin infections.

Farber said that cold compresses can relieve inflammation caused by sunburn. This product from Ace is surrounded by a tactile fabric, so you can apply the compress directly to the skin without wrapping it in a towel first. The design of the compression bag is also very flexible and can fit the contours of multiple parts of the body.

According to Faber, sunburn is an inflammatory response to ultraviolet radiation on the skin's surface. There are different degrees of sunburn, which depends on the depth of the skin damage. "A first-degree sunburn affects the top layer of the skin, which is usually red, warm and swollen," Farber said. "Second-degree burns involve deeper layers of skin and blisters."

According to Stevenson, UV radiation can cause an inflammatory response, because UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, causing sunburn and sometimes the formation of pigment (tan). "This is your body trying to protect itself," Stevenson said. "Everyone has different skin types, but if your skin turns black or red, you will be harmed by ultraviolet rays."

Dr. Dina Strachan, a board-certified dermatologist at Aglow Dermatology, said that sunburn can range from mild skin redness, tenderness and blisters to fever, chills or nausea. Strachan said that because of these systemic symptoms, sunburn can be dangerous - for example, extensive blisters and fluid loss can cause dehydration and require intravenous hydration.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, sunburn also increases the risk of skin cancer in the long run. Skin damage will increase over time, so the more you burn, the greater your risk of skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, whenever five or more sunburns occur, your risk of developing potentially fatal melanoma will more than double. Even if there is no obvious sunburn, UV damage may occur. The foundation also pointed out that a blister sunburn in childhood or adolescence can more than double the risk of a person suffering from melanoma in later life.

Cameron said that how you treat a sunburn depends on whether there are blisters and signs of secondary infection, such as pus or drainage, or systemic reactions, such as fever or chills. Generally speaking, Faber says it is best to apply a thick moisturizer to the sunburn, replenish moisture and take ibuprofen as needed. She recommends using aloe vera and a cold bath to calm irritated and sunburned skin. But she said that deeper burns may require more aggressive treatment and even see a doctor.

Farber does not recommend using apple cider vinegar and witch hazel (two popular home remedies) for sunburn because they can irritate sunburned skin. In addition, all the experts we interviewed stated that you should not break blisters or pull on peeling and flaking skin.

According to Strachan, if you feel very uncomfortable or burn most of your body, you should see a doctor about your sunburn. She also said that extensive blisters and systemic symptoms such as fever, chills and nausea require medical attention. In addition, Cameron added that if your sunburn causes changes in your mental state, such as confusion, or signs of secondary skin infections, including pus and drainage, you should see a doctor.

Farber says that applying - and constantly reapplying - sunscreen is the key to preventing sunburn. "Any sunscreen is the best, as long as it is broad-spectrum and has at least SPF 30," she pointed out. Farber recommends trying different sunscreen formulas to determine which one you prefer, such as tinted sunscreen, spray sunscreen, mineral sunscreen, etc. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen clothing is also helpful. She mentioned that we should try to avoid the time when the sun is strongest: 10 am and 4 pm. Farber also recommends regular skin examinations to promote early detection of possible skin cancer, especially Yes if you burn often.

Finally, Strachan said that drugs such as non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors (NSAI) and tetracyclines increase the risk of sunburn, so if you use these products, please pay special attention to applying sunscreen and other sun protection measures.

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Zoe Malin is a digital editor intern at NBC News Select.

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