So, your attempt at the perfect bridal glow before the big day didn’t turn out so well and you now look like a boiled lobster. First off, tsk tsk for not using SPF! But since we’ve passed the point of no return, I’m going to let you in on a little secret that gets rid of sunburn—fast. The average time it takes to go from burnt to brown: 12 hours. Giving you that fun-in-the-sun tan you wanted, just in time to say “I do.”
- Step 1: When you get home, take a cold shower. This will rinse off any SPF 10 lotion you put on and start reducing the redness, swelling and itching.
- Step 2: Take an Ibuprofen, such as Motrin or Advil, or naprosyn, like Aleve which are all anti-inflammatory to help dull the pain.
- Step 3: Fill a bowl with warm water and soak four black tea bags in it (I prefer Earl Grey) until it’s black. The tannins in the tea help draw out the burn.
- Step 4: Let the water cool to a lukewarm temperature, and dunk a rag into the tea (note: it’ll get stained, so don’t use a nice washcloth). Then lightly dab it onto the burn.
- Step 5: Keep doing the entire area until it’s either covered or the tea has turned cold. Do not rinse off. Re-apply using lukewarm tea as necessary.
- Step 6: Consistently drink water to rehydrate your skin, which helps it repair itself.
- Step 7: In the morning, slather on moisturizer and, if you go outside, practice safe sunning!
