Everyone knows how essential it is to apply sunscreen to your face and body to protect your skin from health issues and premature aging. However, there’s one more spot that should not be ignored – your scalp. Find out the issues this can lead to and how to prevent them.
The Downsides of a Sunburned Scalp
Too much sun exposure is the main reason for a sunburned scalp. Some of the biggest signs you should look out for are redness, itching, tenderness, and peeling. Your health is another potential concern, as the scalp area is often ignored. What you can do is ask someone to check for any new or changing moles or spots on your scalp.
Even a single bad sunburn can damage the hair follicle. This can lead to hair loss, known as telogen effluvium. Temporary shedding will start a few months after the burn itself, and even though the hair will grow normally again, it can take months for this to happen.
How to Prevent a Sunburned Scalp
Needless to say, stopping a sunburn from happening in the first place is the best option. Here are a few sun protection strategies.
Wear a Protective Sun Hat Trucker hats don’t tend to provide enough protection. It is best to go for one with a tight weave so the rays can’t pass through. Or, use one made from a sun-protective fabric.
Use a Scalp-Specific Sunscreen If hats are not your cup of tea, opt for a sunscreen made for scalps. There are now plenty of light formulas and powder options that are easy to apply and won’t make your hair feel heavy or greasy. You can choose SPF spray options, too.
Take an Antioxidant-Powered Supplement Sun-protective supplements can enhance your body’s tolerance to UV rays and help prevent sun damage. Find one that contains antioxidant-rich polypodium leucotomos extract. It has been shown to reduce the damaging effect of UV light.
How to Soothe a Sunburned Scalp
Despite our best protective efforts, sunburns can still happen. If that’s the case, try these simple tricks to get relief fast.
Opt for a Gentle Shampoo First and foremost, wash your hair with cool or lukewarm water, as it will not dry out your hair even further. Then, use an ultra-gentle shampoo to prevent additional irritation or dryness. Go for a fragrance-free formula like Vanicream Free & Clear Shampoo.
Apply Some Castor Oil Caster oil moisturizes sunburned skin and has anti-inflammatory properties. Add two drops onto your fingers and apply on the sunburned spots. Use twice a day until the burn is healed.
Apply an Aloe Vera Mask Aloe can work wonders for your scalp. It is loaded with moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties and helps against dryness and irritation. Instead of using aloe-infused lotions, go for a pure aloe vera gel or buy fresh leaves and apply the pulp. Apply a pea-sized amount of the gel onto your scalp twice a day until the redness is gone.