Tanning Advice: How To Turn Sunburn Into A Tan - Top Tips

Kim Kardashian covers her sunburn with makeup

The UK is experiencing a heatwave, with many places forecast to see highs above 30C. I t’s important to wear a good sunscreen with a high SPF if you’re planning to go out in the sun. Sunscreen should also protect you from UV rays, and you can find out if your sunscreen has these protections on the bottle.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

How to turn sunburn into a tan

Some dermatologists would argue there is no safe way to tan, and burning your skin is certainly not an advisable way to get a tan.

Sunburn can increase your risk of falling ill with heat exhaustion or heat stroke, and it is also widely known to increase your chances of getting skin cancer.

But if you do end up burning, it is important to take extra care while your skin heals.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

READ MORE: Is it too hot to walk my dog? How to keep your dog cool in 30C heat

Tanning advice: How to turn sunburn into a tan - top tips (Image: GETTY)

Tanning advice: By keeping your skin moisturised with products like aftersun cream or aloe vera, you will help to prevent your skin from peeling (Image: GETTY)

• Why are UV rays harmful? The secret behind sunburn and link to cancer

You must get out of the sun as soon as possible, and stay away to prevent further burning.

You should also wear a sunscreen with a high SPF, as this will help prevent further burning and will help your skin to heal.

By keeping your skin moisturised with products like aftersun cream or aloe vera, you will help to prevent your skin from peeling.

Sunburn usually goes away within seven days, depending on the severity of the burn.

Tanning advice: You should help protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen (Image: GETTY)

So once your skin is fully healed, if you are looking for a safer way to tan this summer, many people swear by a fake tan as an alternative to baking in the sun.

There are plenty of different fake tan products available on the market for you to consider.

Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic, told netdoctor: “Using a fake tan is considerably safer than lying in the sun or tanning booth.

“Real tanning works by exposing you to UV radiation that damages the skin and increases the risk of skin cancer.”

DON'T MISS: 

How to get rid of sunburn: Two simple steps to healing sunburn - EXPLAINERSkin cancer: What puts Britons at higher risk? - ANALYSISHow to treat sunburn fast: Dr Ranj recommends how to cool skin down - INSIGHT

• Sunburn help: Should you have a hot or cold shower for sunburn?
• Sunburn home remedies: How to cure sunburn at home

• UK heatwave rules: What are your home working rights in a heatwave?

How to treat sunburn

There are a number of ways you can help your skin to heal after it has been burnt by the sun.

If you are sunburnt, you need to get out of the sun as soon as possible.

The NHS recommends you cool your skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel.

You can also apply aftersun cream or spray, like aloe vera.

Drink plenty of water to cool down and prevent dehydration, and you can take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for any pain.

Tanning advice: Sunburn dramatically increases your risk of health problems like skin cancer (Image: GETTY)

• How to keep cool while working from home in a heatwave - top tips
• Heat stroke symptoms: The warning sign that appears after 30 minutes

It is important to cover sunburnt skin from direct sunlight until the skin has fully healed.

Despite what you may have heard, the NHS does not recommend using petroleum jelly on sunburnt skin.

You should also avoid putting ice or ice packs on sunburnt skin, nor should you pop any blisters.

The NHS adds you should try not to scratch and should not try to remove peeling skin, and do not wear tight-fitting clothes over sunburnt skin.

If your skin is blistered or swollen, you are running a high temperature or you feel hot and shivery, you should call NHS 111 or your GP urgently.

Health news, advice and symptoms to watch out for Subscribe Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

If you feel tired, dizzy, sick, have a headache or muscle cramps, or your baby or young child has sunburn, you should also seek medical advice.

How to Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments Most Read Most Commented Latest videos Spain islands rule could see Brits hit with major ban Genesis Rodriguez's very famous dad is leaving fans gobsmacked Virgin Media TV customers are getting a major Sky channel at no extra cost ISA warning as Brits told to act quickly BBC Silent Witness seasons ranked and number 6 is unexpected Pharmacist's 20-second rule as winter vomiting bug cases hit 1,000 daily Doctor says 'do this hourly' to reduce sluggishness on flights Cholesterol levels could be slashed by eating this nut, study finds ‘Smart T-shirt’ could diagnose hidden heart conditions affecting 340,000 Brits Truth about the deadly Victorian disease that never went away – now stalking the UK Exact amount of Vitamin D supplement that risk ‘heart problems’ and ‘kidney stones’ Cancer patients urged to follow Princess of Wales's advice to help stop spread 'Support' announced as UK battles outbreak of highly contagious disease NHS shares 'silent killer' condition that 4.1 million could have and not know it Coroner's urgent warning after 'healthy' man dies from 'minor' fall Blood pressure and cholesterol could be 'reduced' by 6p spice I'm a comic who grew up with deaf parents – here's all the good things that came of it Optician says hay allergy sufferers should never keep one item at home NHS alert to 'call 111' if you spot symptom in just one leg Woman's husband and brother died from Eric Dane's disease and had 'secret signs' I'm a gut health expert — there are five foods I always avoid eating

Daily Express uses notifications to keep you updated

Keep me updated No thanks