Sunburn Recovery Support Protocol
Primary Stack
Core supplements with strongest evidenceSoothes skin; anti-inflammatory; promotes healing
Supporting Studies (1)
Antioxidant; supports skin repair and collagen synthesis
Supporting Studies (1)
Supporting Stack
Additional supplements for enhanced resultsAntioxidant; may help with skin repair and reduce peeling
Supporting Studies (1)
Anti-inflammatory; supports skin barrier repair
Supporting Studies (1)
How This Protocol Works
Simple Explanation
Sunburn is skin damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, typically from sun exposure. The skin becomes red, painful, and may blister in severe cases.
DEGREES OF SUNBURN:
SYMPTOMS:
IMMEDIATE CARE:
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR:
PREVENTION IS KEY:
* Aloe vera soothes and promotes healing.
* Antioxidants (vitamins C, E) support skin repair.
* Stay hydrated during recovery.
Expected timeline: Mild sunburn heals in 3-5 days. Moderate to severe takes 1-2 weeks. Peeling is normal during healing.
Clinical Perspective
Sunburn: Acute cutaneous inflammatory response to UV radiation. First-degree (superficial) vs second-degree (partial thickness with blistering). Risk factors: fair skin, high UV index, no protection, certain medications (photosensitizers).
Treatment: Symptomatic - cool compresses, aloe vera, NSAIDs, hydration. Severe burns: may need wound care, topical antibiotics if blistered areas. Prevention far more important than treatment - sunscreen, protective clothing, avoid peak UV hours. Supplements: aloe topical has best evidence; oral antioxidants support healing but modest evidence.
* Aloe Vera (B-grade topical): Soothing/healing. Systematic review: (PMID: 26027943). Apply TID-QID.
* Vitamin C (C-grade): Antioxidant/collagen. Review: (PMID: 23440782). 1000-2000mg daily.
* Vitamin E (C-grade): Antioxidant. Review: (PMID: 23075608). 400 IU + topical.
* Omega-3 (C-grade): Anti-inflammatory. Review: (PMID: 27840029). 2-3g EPA+DHA daily.
* Zinc (C-grade): Wound healing. Systematic review: (PMID: 26845419). 15-30mg daily.
Assessment targets: Pain control, healing progress, infection monitoring.
Protocol notes: Cool compresses: not ice (causes vasoconstriction); cool water or cool bath. Aloe vera: pure gel preferred; avoid products with alcohol or fragrance. Hydration: skin inflammation increases fluid loss. NSAIDs: ibuprofen or naproxen help inflammation and pain. Don't pop blisters: increases infection risk. Peeling: don't peel skin; let it shed naturally. Moisturize: non-irritating lotion after initial acute phase. Sun avoidance: burned skin more sensitive; protect until fully healed. Photosensitizing medications: antibiotics, NSAIDs, diuretics increase risk. Skin cancer risk: severe sunburns, especially in childhood, increase melanoma risk. Prevention: SPF 30+ (SPF 50 blocks marginally more), reapply q2h, protective clothing.