US market has many sunburn relief cream and Over-The-Counter sunburn treatments that can bring instant relief from mild to moderate sunburn if used in the proper way. I have analysed the ingredients list of top 50 brands on amazon.com before recommending the brands along with correct usage in this article.

MILD SUNBURN (SLIGHT REDNESS AND NO OR MILD PAIN)

In mild sunburn, inflammation has just started . You can expect relief with natural anti-inflammatory and soothing sunburn relief creams. You can apply hydrocortisone if redness persists beyond 48 hours.

• Use aloe vera based sunburn relief cream several times in a day. SunBurnt After-Sun Gel is better than other brands because it does not have irritating ingredients, thick oils, or harmful preservatives.
• Apply hydrocortisone cream once a day if no improvement occurs. 1 % hydrocortisone cream from Aveeno is best for sunburn because it has soothing oats base.
• Follow the steps given in article, How To Heal Sunburn-10 Steps Guide From Dermatologist

MODERATE SUNBURN (REDNESS AND MODERATE PAIN)

At this stage, you will need stronger anti-inflammatory medication like steroids and paracetamol for not only pain relief but also for halting the inflammatory process. You can also use 0.5 % lidocaine for pain relief. It acts by numbing the skin for an hours or so, but has no role in blocking the disease process.

• Apply hydrocortisone cream twice a day until redness subsides (maximum 5-7 days). 1 % hydrocortisone cream from Aveeno is best for sunburn because it has soothing oats base.
• Take Paracetamol after meals and repeat after 8 hours if the pain starts again. Continue till pain subsides.
• Apply aloe vera gel in combination with 0.5 % lidocaine on the sunburn for local pain relief, not more than three times a day. Ocean Potion Instant Burn Relief Ice is better than other brands because it comes with the advantage of arnica and comfrey root extract. But it has harmful preservatives and menthol like all the other brands. Avoid lidocaine in following situations:
• If you are allergic to lidocaine. A simple rule is that if you have tolerated the anaesthetic injection given during dental treatments or surgeries, you are not allergic to lidocaine.
• If you have sensitive skin, heart diseases, or allergy to the local anaesthetic.
• Large sunburn because lidocaine should not be used on large skin area.
• Instead, you can use plain aloe vera based sun relief cream without lidocaine in above situations. SunBurnt After-Sun Gel is better than other brands because it does not have irritating ingredients, thick oils, or harmful preservatives.
• Follow the steps given in article, How To Heal Sunburn-10 Steps Guide From Dermatologist
• See a doctor if no improvement occurs within 2-3 days.

SEVERE SUNBURN (BRIGHT RED, SEVERE PAIN, BLISTERS)

For severe sunburn, seek medical help asap. The inflammation has reached its summit in severe sunburn and it should be halted with round the corner stronger anti-inflammatory medication. You need topical steroids and oral paracetamol for not only pain relief but also for stopping the inflammatory process. Start a paracetamol or Ibuprofen(if needed) every 8 hours along with hydrocortisone three times a day. You can also use 4% lidocaine for pain relief. It acts by numbing the skin for an hours or so, but has no role in halting the disease process.

• See a doctor ASAP.
• Apply hydrocortisone cream 2-3 times a day until redness subsides (maximum 10-14 days)
• Take Paracetamol three times a day after meals. Continue till your pain subsides.
• Do not pop blisters.
• Apply aloe vera gel in combination with 4% lidocaine for local pain relief. Alocane Maximum Strength Emergency Room Burn has higher strength (4%) lidocaine along with aloe vera. It does not have harmful preservatives or irritants. Avoid lidocaine in following situations:
• If you are allergic to lidocaine. A simple rule is that if you have tolerated the anaesthetic injection given during dental treatments or surgeries, you are not allergic to lidocaine.
• If you have sensitive skin, heart diseases, or allergy to the local anaesthetic.
• Large sunburn because lidocaine should not be used on large skin area.
• Instead, you can use plain aloe vera based sun relief cream without lidocaine in above situations. SunBurnt After-Sun Gel is better than other brands because it does not have irritating ingredients, thick oils, or harmful preservatives.
• Follow the steps given in article, How To Heal Sunburn-10 Steps Guide From Dermatologist

SKIN PEELING WITHOUT REDNESS AND PAIN

At this stage, you can aid the healing process of your skin by applying a generous amount of moisturiser several times a day.

BRAND SUGGESTION:

• Coconut Oil is excellent moisturiser that can help in healing your skin faster. Apply it altleaat least a day.
• Cetaphil restoraderm moisturising lotion: It has You can keep a bottle of this moisturiser with you all the times and apply it all through the day on the peeling skin.