Can I shave sunburned skin?
Yes, technically you can but it's definitely not barber advised. Shaving removes dead skin cells and a superficial layer of the epidermis which reduces your skin's defenses. If you shave a sunburned area of skin it will most likely lead to additional irritation. I would suggest giving your skin a break and allowing it to heal before you attempt to shave again.
Treatment:
The best treatment for most sunburns is time as most sunburns heal completely within a few weeks. There are also a number of products that help manage the discomfort and help with the healing process.
Lidocaine and benzocaine are popular FDA approved local anesthetic pain relievers for sunburns and are available at most drugstores in the form of ointment or spray. Skin can also be rehydrated by applying natural based products containing Aloe Vera or Vitamin E which reduce inflammation.
The most important piece to remember about sunburn care is to avoid exposure to the sun while healing and to take precautions to prevent future burns. Here are my two favorite shaving products that will cool off your skin and calm everyday shaving irritations:
Shave with AlphaGel Natural Shaving Gel Cooling as it is packed with skin nourishing ingredients like Aloe Vera and Tea Tree Oil. Available at retailers nationwide including CVS and Target.
Always apply an alcohol free post shave product after shaving to leave your skin feeling smooth, supple and soft - not tight and dry!
King of Shaves K-24 contains UVA and UVB sunscreens to prevent sunburn plus it is fragrance free and rich in Vitamin E. Available at www.kingofshavesdirect.com
Five important points to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy this summer:
1. Apply a sunblock with a SPF of 15 or greater every day. An ounce of sunblock will effectively cover your entire body. Use a higher-level sunblock for the tips of your ears, bridge of your nose, or if you are among the super intelligent the top of your head if you are balding. Sunblock should be applied 15 to 30 minutes before venturing out into the sun and re-applied at least every couple of hours.
2. The sun is most damaging between 10am and 2 pm during our summer months. Limit your outdoor activities between those times and try to do your golfing, play tennis, swim, etc., in the early morning or late afternoon.
3. Be aware that some drugs and products contain substances that cause the skin to absorb more of the sun's radiation. These include but are not limited to birth control pills, tetracycline, diuretics, and some of the major tranquilizers. If you are taking any prescription medications you should check with your physician prior to major sun exposure. People with fair hair and/or freckles generally have a greater risk of sunburn than others because of their lighter skin tone.
4. Sunburned eyes are no joke and it can take up to 24 hours before you realize you have a problem! Purchase a good pair of sunglasses that will block the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.
5. If you experience blistering, fever, chills or weakness as a result of your sunburn, contact your doctor. Do not pop the blisters or apply lotions or gels to them.
