In a nutshell
When your skin has had too much sun, get into the shade, gently cool it down with cool (not icy) water, drink plenty of water, moisturize generously, and apply a cold chamomile compress to soothe the warm sensation.
Skin that feels tight and hot after a day outdoors can happen so quickly in the summer. The very first thing to do is step into the shade. Next, cool down with fresh water (not ice cold), drink a large glass of water, hydrate generously, and apply a gentle chamomile compress. This is how I help the skin soothe the heat and find its comfort again.
Why your skin feels so hot
You spent the day outdoors, you felt wonderful, and by evening your skin is tight, red, and hot to the touch. It is simply the sun that was a bit too strong. Your skin took more than its share, and it is letting you know. It is nothing to worry about when it remains mild, but it is uncomfortable, it feels hot, and sometimes it keeps you from sleeping. So, we help it take a breather.
Granny's steps
The key word here is gentleness. A heated skin must not be rushed.
- Into the shade, first. Go indoors, cover up, remove anything tight. Stop adding to it, this is the most important step.
- Cool down gently. A lukewarm to cool shower, or a damp, cool cloth placed on the skin. Never put ice cubes directly on it: sudden cold is one shock too many.
- Drink water. The sun dries out the whole body, not just the skin. Have a large glass of water, and keep drinking throughout the evening.
- Hydrate generously. A gentle skincare product, applied several times, to help the skin restore itself.
- The chamomile compress. A cold infusion, a soaked cloth placed on the reddest areas, and the hot sensation is soothed.
The plants Granny uses
For skin comfort, I keep things simple and gentle.
Chamomile is my favorite for this: as a cold compress, it soothes sensitive and reddened skin, even for children. And lavender, just a touch, for its soothing fragrance and gentleness, on intact skin only. Gentleness above all: we do not put anything strong on irritated skin, especially not plants that sting or cool too intensely, like mint. We keep that one for herbal tea, not for the skin.
A recipe to try
My after-sun compress can be prepared in ten minutes. Pour 40 cl of simmering water over a tablespoon of chamomile flowers (and a pinch of lavender if you like), let it infuse for ten minutes, strain, then let it cool down completely in the fridge. Soak a thin cloth, wring it out, and gently place it on the heated skin for five to ten minutes. Repeat as often as it feels good.
When to consult your doctor
A mild sunburn settles down on its own in a few days with these steps. But there are signs that require advice, sometimes quickly. If the skin breaks out in blisters, especially over a large area, go see a doctor or a pharmacist. And above all, never pop a blister: it protects the skin underneath.
If, in addition to the skin, you have a fever, chills, a headache, nausea, or dizziness, it might be heatstroke, and you must get into the cool and ask for help without waiting. For a baby or a young child who has had too much sun, we do not take any risks either: we show them to a doctor. The sun is wonderful when we respect it.
Granny answers your questions
Cold water or ice water?
Cool, never icy. On skin that is already irritated, ice water is one shock too many. A lukewarm to cool shower, or a cool cloth, will soothe the heat much better.
Does yogurt on the skin really work?
It is an old grandmother's trick, and its secret is mostly the cold and the moisture. A cool cloth or a chamomile compress will do just as much good, and it is much cleaner.
Can I go back out in the sun the next day?
As little as possible as long as the skin feels tight and remains red. Cover up, stay in the shade, and wait until it has found its comfort again.
Read also
- My gentle plants for the skin: chamomile and lavender.
- To enjoy the garden without overdoing it: summer in Granny's garden.
- And to leave well-equipped: my holiday plant kit.
Granny’s little steps
- 01
Into the shade, first
Go indoors, get into the shade, remove anything tight. Stop adding to it, this is the first and most important step.
- 02
Cool down gently
A lukewarm to cool shower, or a damp, cool cloth placed on the skin. Never use ice water or ice cubes directly on it.
- 03
Drink and hydrate
Drink water, the sun dries out the whole body. Then hydrate the skin generously with a gentle skincare product, several times a day.
- 04
The chamomile compress
A cold chamomile infusion, applied as a compress for a few minutes, soothes the sensation of heat on the reddest areas.
A recipe to try
The gentle after-sun compress
What you’ll need
- 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers
- A pinch of lavender flowers (optional)
- 40 cl of simmering water
- A clean, thin cloth
How I go about it
- 01Pour the simmering water over the chamomile (and lavender) and let it infuse for 10 minutes.
- 02Strain and let it cool down completely in the fridge.
- 03Soak the cloth, wring it out, and gently place it on the heated skin for 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat as needed.
Your questions
Cold water or icy water?
Does yogurt on the skin really work?
Can I go back out in the sun the next day?
The Letter
Also worth reading
Come into my summer garden, I have a cool brew for you
Come into my kitchen, my dear, the sun is high and the garden is warm. Let us share a cool, traditional herbal brew of mint and verbena to soothe us in the July heat.
Read the letter →My little holiday plant kit to do you good on the road
Are you packing your bags, my dear? Come sit down, I have prepared my favorite traditional plants to soothe your journey and help you feel good wherever the road takes you.
Read the letter →