How to Hide a Sunburn

It's natural to want to get a little sun while on vacation; a little sun-kissed color flatters almost everyone. But when that color is closer to boiled-seafood red than to rich golden-brown tan, you've gotten a sunburn.

The best way to deal with a sunburn is not to get one in the first place, but that isn't always possible. It's easy to forget that the intensity of sunlight in the tropics is very different from the gentler rays you might be used to. That SPF 15 lotion that works well to keep your skin safe from sun damage during daily errands at home isn't enough to withstand the blaze of a tropical sun.

If the worst happens, and you wind up with an angry sunburn, there are ways to downplay its appearance and alleviate the discomfort.

Wear the Right Clothing
A sunburn is uncomfortable enough without subjecting delicate skin to the heat and friction of binding clothes. Tight waistbands, fitted sleeves, and "skinny" pants rub already damaged skin and could cause peeling. Instead, opt for flowing sundresses, sarongs, and loose-fitting shirts that won't scratch your sensitive skin. Wear smooth fabrics with soft fibers like cotton and silk instead of synthetics that contain blunt, scratchy fibers or natural products that tend to be itchy. A wool blazer may look sharp, but it doesn't go well with a sunburn.

Looser clothes will leave you more comfortable, but choosing the right colors can also make your burn less noticeable. The color of your sunburn will help you decide which shades to avoid. If you're naturally fair and burn in the pink or purplish range, steer clear of yellows and oranges that will emphasize your burned hue. If your usual skin tone is more olive or golden, you probably burn bright red and should avoid greens and pale pinks. Darker shades play down a burn while light colors highlight it, so choose darker outfits for a few days as your burn fades.

Makeup for the Sunburned Face
The less makeup you wear on a sunburned face, the more comfortable you'll be. While you might be tempted to hide your face under a thick layer of foundation and concealer, that route will leave your face stinging, puffy, and more noticeably burned than before you applied your makeup. Instead, go with just enough translucent powder to take the shine from your nose and cheeks. If there is any good news about a sunburned face, it's that it renders spots and undereye circles virtually invisible, so you shouldn't need concealer at all.

For eyes and lips, stay with neutral colors to avoid wearing tones that offset or clash with your unwanted new hue. Choose colors with a golden undertone rather than a pink one; your face doesn't need any more ruddiness than it already has and gold or yellow bases minimize pink tones in skin. Black, espresso browns with no hint of red, taupes, and champagnes are your safest choices for eye makeup, while lips look best with clear or coral-tinged gloss.

Can Anything Fade a Sunburn Quickly?
Although very few remedies will cause a sunburn to fade more quickly, there are a number of mistakes people make that lead to a burn staying visible longer than it should. Sunburns aren't called burns for no reason; sunburned skin is traumatized skin and requires gentle treatment. If you want your sunburn to fade as quickly as possible, skip any kind of abrasive exfoliation, astringent toner, or acidic cleanser. Home remedies like lemon juice or vinegar may feel cooling initially, but they ultimately irritate tender skin.

The best way to wash your sunburned face is with a gentle facial cleanser and plenty of cool water. Taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory may also help the redness and discomfort. Aloe vera gel feels cooling and is non-irritating; while it may not make redness fade, it's soothing to apply. Once you've gotten a burn, wear sunscreen daily to prevent worsening the damage.

Life After a Sunburn
A sunburn doesn't have to ruin the rest of your beach vacation. Wear loose clothing, sunscreen, and a beach hat until the worst of your burn is over, then stick to colors that flatter ruddy skin until it's mellowed into a rich tan. Try to keep your swimming to the morning and evening hours if you're fair-skinned to prevent a recurrence of your sunburn.

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