When you are exposed to the sun for a prolonged period, the ultraviolet light, specifically UVA and UVB rays from the sun, damages your skin. Your skin becomes red and inflamed. One of these cases is swollen face from sunburn. 

We will discuss why your face becomes swollen when it is sunburnt, the various home-based remedies you can try to relieve it, and simple ways to prevent it. 

Table of Contents:

• Why Is My Face Swollen Due to Sunburn?
• How Can I Treat Swollen Face Due to Sunburn?
• Vitamin D
• Cool Shower
• OTC Medications
• Aloe Vera Gel
• Hydrate
• Do Not Go Out In The Sun
• Cool Compress
• Cooling Ingredients in the Moisturizer
• Mashed Cucumbers
• Coconut Oil
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• How Can I Prevent Getting Sunburnt?

Why Is My Face Swollen Due to Sunburn?

Sunburns can be mild to severe, depending on a host of factors. Your skin type, sun exposure time, and intensity all contribute to the degree of sunburn. 

In case of severe sunburns, your face develops swelling and is painful to touch. Other common symptoms of severe sunburns include blisters, pain, tingling sensation, nausea, dizziness, headache, dehydration, fever, and chills. 

If you observe any of these symptoms, you should seek medical consultation right away. 

A severe case of sunburn is also known as sun poisoning. UV light can prematurely age your skin and alter your DNA, contributing to the risk of skin cancer. 

Due to the severity of sunburn, it may take a few weeks to completely heal. As you start healing, you may observe skin peeling and itchy as your body tries to remove the sun-damaged cells.

How Can I Treat Swollen Face Due to Sunburn?

While you should definitely consult a doctor when your face is swollen due to sunburn, here are a few home-based remedies you can try for some immediate relief first. 

Vitamin D

Some research suggests oral consumption of up to 200,000 IU of vitamin D can help improve the inflammation and damage caused by sunburn.

Cool Shower

A nice cool shower can help relieve the pain associated with sunburn. After you have splashed cold water on your face, gently pat it before putting on a generous amount of moisturizer on your face. 

OTC Medications

If your face is too swollen and painful, consider taking an OTC pain reliever such as ibuprofen. 

There are also OTC creams available nowadays. To relieve the swelling, pain, and itching post sunburn, use an OTC hydrocortisone cream.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, so it helps relieve the discomfort and irritation on the face. 

Put a thin layer of natural aloe vera gel on your face and massage it a little for absorption. Let it get naturally absorbed into your face.

Hydrate

Hydration is key. Sunburn causes your skin to become dry. It draws the fluid from your body to the surface of the skin. Drinking more water will help prevent dehydration. 

Do Not Go Out in the Sun

Avoid going outside. Since your face is already swollen from excessive sun exposure, the extra sun would only make it worse and worsen the condition and make the healing process longer. 

Cool Compress

Apply cool compresses to your face throughout the day. 

Cooling Ingredients in the Moisturizer

Make sure that your moisturizer does not contain alcohol, as it dries out the skin. You can keep the cream in the fridge and apply a cold moisturizer on your sunburnt face. Look for cooling ingredients like menthol, camphor, etc. 

Avoid using skin care products that contain fragrances as they can dry and irritate the skin even more. 

Mashed Cucumbers

Cucumbers have natural antioxidant and pain-relieving properties. Take a cold cucumber, mash it roughly and apply to the affected sunburnt areas.

Coconut Oil

After your skin has started healing, you can use coconut oil to enhance the healing process. Coconut oil can help moisturize your parched, sunburnt skin and help in reducing itching and peeling. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can help balance the pH and promote skin healing. It is a natural astringent that soothes the skin and reduces inflammation. 

WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Mist Tonic

WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Mist Tonic could bring back your skin's suppleness. It has intense hydrating, anti-microbial properties and is suitable for all skin types. Free from harsh parabens and sulfates, it will not irritate your already irritated skin. 

After cleansing your face, spray the tonic all over your face. Let it dry completely before putting on your moisturizer. 

How Can I Prevent Getting Sunburnt?

It is way easier to prevent getting sunburnt than it is to treat it. On that note, read below 2 simple tips you should keep in mind next time before going out in the sun for long hours. 

Wear Sunscreen

Wearing sunscreen is important regardless of how long you will be out. 

Studies show that sunscreens with SPF 50 and higher protect your skin better than lower SPFs. 

• Make sure to put on sunscreen for at least 15 to 20 minutes before stepping out. 
• Reapply every couple of hours. 
• Make sure that your sunscreen protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. 
• Wear sunscreen regardless of how hot and sunny it is outside. 
• Also, avoid stepping out between 10 am to 2 pm as the sun rays are harsher between these times. 

Protective Clothing

Wear protective clothing, put on a cap and sunglasses to avoid skin exposure.

An extreme case of sunburn leads to swelling, pain, and more. Consider trying OTC hydrocortisone creams, aloe vera gel, vitamin D, and other home-based remedies to promote skin healing. 

To make sure that your skin gets the right amount of care, you should try the 2 products I have mentioned below.  

WOW Vitamin C Face Cream

WOW Vitamin C Face Cream is powered by active vitamin C, which helps renew, brighten, and even the skin tone. 

The shea butter, cocoa butter, Moroccan argan oil, almond oil, jojoba oils, and hyaluronic acid hydrate the skin, helps retain moisture for long, and nourish the skin.

Take a dime-sized amount and softly massage it on your skin in a circular motion. With regular usage, your skin will become nourished and hydrated like before the sunburn. 

WOW Coconut Super Rich Facial Toner

WOW Coconut Super Rich Facial Toner is packed with skin-loving ingredients that will moisturize and refine your skin. Spray it on a clean face and let it absorb in your skin. Follow up with a moisturizer. 

Explore the WOW website for more skin nourishing products.