How to Wear Red Shoes

Nearly every woman could benefit from having a pair of red shoes in her fashion arsenal. Red shoes can punch up the blandest of outfits and make a bold, confident statement. Unfortunately, red shoes can quickly look tacky or inappropriate if worn the wrong way. Use red shoes to add a touch of spice as needed, but resist the temptation to throw them into an already spicy ensemble to prevent red overkill.

EditSteps

EditChoosing the Right Shoe

1. Look for a slinky red stiletto for the ultimate in sexy footwear. If you want a shoe that will leave a lasting impression for a date or big event, a red heel is the way to go. Be careful about what you pair this shoe with, however, since pairing it with too many notably sexy garments can push your look into the realm of trashiness.
   
2. Tone things down with a red pump. If you want to wear your red shoes to work or for a casual stroll down the block, a simple red pump is your best bet. Flats are simple enough to subdue wild red into submission.
   
3. Find middle ground by choosing a low-heeled pump. Heels can look classy, even if they are red. Closed-toe pumps are your best choice, and you can wear them with both casual and dressy outfits.
   
4. Try a different shade of red. If you feel uneasy about wearing a bright red shoe, start out by wearing a deeper shade, like burgundy. A deep shade of red is more subdued and a little less noticeable, which may make you feel more confident about your ability to pull it off.
   

EditChoosing the Right Outfit

1. Match red with neutrals. If black, brown, gray, nude, white, and deep navy blue are the only colors found in your outfit, a neutral shoe will only make your outfit seem duller. Adding a bright red shoe can make your style pop. Try wearing a red pump the next time you throw on a black pencil skirt and white button-down blouse.
   
2. Color block. Color blocking is the practice of wearing solid blocks of bright, complementary colors against one another. Try wearing your red shoes against an orange or pink dress.
   
3. Avoid wearing red with red. If you have a solid red dress, do not wear it with your red shoes. If you do, you run the risk of overkill. If you would prefer to wear your bright red shoes with a red dress, choose a deep red dress to add depth to your ensemble.
   
4. Also avoid wearing red shoes with bright green. Red and green are too closely associated with Christmas, and wearing them together will make your outfit look too seasonal. Instead of a bright green, mix your red shoes with deeper shades like olive.
   
5. Wear red shoes with a neutral pattern. Red peep-toe shoes make a good accompaniment to a black and white polka dot dress or pinstripe trousers.
   
6. Pair red shoes with patterns that have traces of red in them. While solid red outfits are often overkill with red shoes, a print with traces of red in it coordinates with your shoes in a subtle, appropriate manner.
   
7. Wear your red pumps with casual clothes. Red shoes look great against denim blue jeans, especially medium and dark washes. A red pump is an easy way to add a pop of color and a twist of sophistication to your everyday style.
   
8. Avoid wearing red shoes with trashy or suggestive pieces. Red shoes are already relatively sexy. Wearing them with ripped jeans, tube tops, cut-off shorts, and other revealing garments does not make you look sexier. Instead of looking confident, it may simply look like you are trying too hard to be noticed.
   
9. Wear your red shoes with a conservatively sexy ensemble. If you want to take full advantage of the seductive nature of red stilettos, pair them with an outfit that is subtly, rather than overtly, sultry. For instance, a little black dress with cap sleeves and a hemline that comes down to your knee can be very sexy, even though it shows a modest amount of skin. This makes it a potential candidate for your red high heels.
   
10. Resist the temptation to adorn yourself in too many red accessories. You can match your red shoes with red lipstick and a red handbag, but stop there. Do not add a red belt, red scarf, red bracelet, and ruby red ring to the mix. A few red accessories looks coordinated, but too many looks overdone.
    

EditVideo

EditTips

• If you like the way red shoes brighten up your outfit, experiment with other red accessories, as well. Tie a red belt around a white button-down blouse or sling a bright red purse over your shoulder. Introduce these pieces into your wardrobe one at a time, however, and avoid wearing them all at once.
• Red shoes look great when matched with neutrals and patterns that contain faint traces of red, but they make a poor choice for solid red outfits. You should also avoid red shoes with outfits that are already fairly sultry.
• No two pairs of red shoes are created equal. Before you can determine what to wear your red shoes with, you need to ask yourself what you hope to accomplish by wearing your shoes and where you plan on walking in them. For instance, a red high heel might be appropriate for a date, but a flat is better suited for the office.

EditThings You’ll Need

• Red shoes
• Neutral colored clothing
• Patterned clothing
• Minimal red accessories

EditReferences

• http://www.thechicfashionista.com/red-pumps.html
• http://www.mademan.com/mm/what-wear-red-shoes.html

How to Revive a Dying Aloe Vera Plant

Aloe vera plants make great indoor or outdoor plants; they are also handy to have around because of their healing properties. These plants are succulents, and therefore can become sick due to overwatering, underwatering, and other environmental factors. Root rot is one of the most common ailments of Aloe vera plants, but they can also become sunburned. If your Aloe vera plant looks a little under the weather, don’t lose hope! You can still revive it!

EditSteps

EditRepotting Due to Root Rot

1. Remove the Aloe vera plant from its current pot. One of the typical reasons for Aloe vera plant death is root rot. In order to determine if this is the case, you need to first take the plant out of its pot.^[1]
   
   • Loosely hold the base of the plant and the bottom of your pot. Tip the pot upside down, and continue holding the plant with your other hand. Hit the bottom of the pot with your hand or knock it against a table ledge (or other hard surface).^[2]
   • Depending on the size of your plant, you may need another person to help you. One person should hold the plant base with both hands, while the other person tips the pot upside down and hits the bottom.^[3]. You might also find it helpful to jostle the pot back and forth until the plant comes loose.
   • If you still have difficulties removing your plant with two sets of hands, you can run a trowel or knife around the interior of the pot and try releasing it again, or push some of the soil out through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. If your plant still does not come out of the pot, you may need to break your pot, but this is a last resort.^[4]
   • While releasing the Aloe Vera plant from its pot, be sure that you are keeping the plant itself as steady as possible. All the movement should be centered on the pot, not the plant itself. In other words, hold, don’t pull, the plant. Hitting the bottom of the pot will keep your roots intact, and gravity will push the plant downward.
2. Tend the roots. Examine the roots and determine how many of the roots are still healthy. Mushy roots are characteristic of root rot and need to be removed.^[5] Any roots that aren’t black or mushy are good and can be kept.
   
   • If you see a lot of healthy roots and only a section of dead or mushy roots, you can likely save your plant without too much trouble, but you’ll need to cut away the damaged roots.^[6] You can use a sharp, sterilized knife to cut away the dead roots,^[7] but make sure to get them all.
   • If you notice that the majority of your plant has damaged roots, it will take a little more effort to save the plant, and it may be beyond saving. In this case, you can try to save the plant by removing the largest leaves (with a knife). Cut away about half of the plant. This method is risky. However, with fewer leaves to nourish, the small amount of undamaged roots can better direct nutrients throughout the plant.^[8]
3. Choose a pot that is one-third larger than the root system. Any excess soil will hold water and could cause root rot in the future, so a smaller pot is better than a larger one.^[9]
   
   • The roots of Aloe vera plants grow horizontally, rather than vertically. ^[10] Aloe vera plants can also become quite heavy, and the weight of the plant can cause a narrow pot to tip over. Thus, select a wide pot, rather than a deep or narrow pot.^[11]
   • The pot you choose should also have plenty of drainage holes on the bottom so that excess water does not sit in the soil.^[12]
   • A plastic pot is best if you live in a dryer climate, while a pot made from terra cotta or clay is best for cooler or humid areas.^[13]
4. Use potting soil suitable for cactus or succulents. This type of soil has a higher sand content and produces a well-draining environment for your plant. You can find this type of soil easily at your local garden center.^[14]
   
   • You can also create your own soil mix for your Aloe vera plant by mixing equal parts of sand, gravel or pumice, and soil.^[15] Be sure to use a coarse sand (like builder’s sand), rather than a fine sand. Fine sand can clump and hold water, rather than allowing it to drain down and through the pot.^[16]
   • Although you can use potting soil for Aloe vera plants, they will thrive better in a mixed soil.^[17] Potting soil is more likely to hold moisture and could therefore cause root rot.
5. Replant your Aloe vera. Prepare the pot by filling it with the potting soil mixture, and shake your Aloe vera plant gently to remove about a third of the soil that has attached itself to the root ball.^[18] Place your plant in the newly prepared pot and cover the top with more of the potting soil mixture. Be sure that the entire root ball is covered with the soil mixture , but don't bury the plant deeper than it was in the first pot.^[19]
   
   • You can also layer small rocks or gravel on the top of the soil, which helps reduce the evaporation of water.^[20]
6. Do not water immediately after repotting. Your Aloe vera plant needs a few days to readjust to its new pot and to repair any broken roots.^[21]
   

EditMonitoring Water

1. Check the soil. You can tell if your Aloe vera plant needs to be watered by pressing your index finger a few inches down into the soil. If the soil is dry, your plant needs water. Aloe vera plants are succulents and do not need to be watered often. Overwatering can kill your plant!^[22]
   
   • If you keep your plant outside, watering every two weeks should be sufficient.^[23]
   • If you keep your plant inside, water it every three to four weeks.^[24]
2. Modify watering according to the season. Aloe vera plants need more water in the warmer months, but less in the cooler months. Water less often in Fall and Winter, especially if your plant lives in a cool space.^[25]
   
3. Examine the leaves. As a succulent, Aloe vera plants store water in their leaves. If you notice the leaves are dropping or are becoming almost transparent, your plant likely needs water.^[26]
   
   • However, the same qualities can be a sign of root rot, caused by overwatering. Ask yourself when you watered your plant last. If you watered it recently, you should remove the plant from the pot and check for root rot.^[27]
4. Water until the soil is just moist. Water should never sit on top of the surface of the soil, so water with a light hand. Continue to check your plant weekly or bi-weekly by testing the soil to see if it needs to be watered.
   

EditCaring for a Sunburnt Plant

1. Check the leaves. If the leaves of your Aloe vera plant are turning brown or red, your plant may be sunburned.^[28]
   
2. Reposition your plant. Move your plant to a place where it receives indirect, rather than direct, sunlight.^[29]
   
   • If your plant is typically in a position to receive artificial light rather than sunlight, reposition the plant so that there is a greater distance between it and the light source. You can also try moving it outside so that it is getting some indirect natural light, rather than artificial light.^[30]
3. Water your plant. Check the soil and determine if your plant needs to be watered. The soil is likely dry if your plant has been getting too much sunlight, since the water would be evaporating more quickly.^[31]
   
4. Remove dead leaves. With a sharp, sterilized knife, cut the leaf away from the plant at the base. Any leaves that are dead take nutrients from other parts of the plant, so be sure to remove them so that the rest of your plant doesn’t suffer.^[32]
   

EditTip

• Instead of snapping off leaves when you want to use the aloe, cut the leaves at the base with a sharp knife where the leaf meets the soil. The plant will heal itself better from a more precise cut.^[33]

EditRelated wikiHows

• Grow Kalanchoe
• Fertilize Carnivorous Plants
• Clean African Violet Leaves
• Choose a Good Office Plant
• Make Pot Liners for Plants
• Raise Carnivorous Plants
• Plant Aloe Vera
• Care for Your Aloe Vera Plant

• Revive a Wilted Herb Plant

EditReferences

EditQuick Summary

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How to Wear a Graduation Cap

Cap-and-gown graduation ceremonies are a tradition that go back to the Middle Ages. Even though times (and styles) have changed considerably since then, it’s still important to cut a handsome image when you’re walking across the stage. Donning a graduation cap may seem simple, but there’s a right and a wrong way to do it that may vary depending on your school, field of study or graduate level. No matter what sort of cap you’re wearing, you’ll want to make sure that it fits properly and is lined up in all the right places, and that you keep it in pristine condition until it’s time to receive your diploma.

EditSteps

EditPutting on the Cap

1. Arrange the cap so that the point is in front. The mortarboard (the square piece on the crown of the cap) is meant to be worn offset in a diamond shape. The front and back of the cap will usually be indicated by the design of the headpiece—look for the slight taper in the forehead area and the elastic band in the rear.^[1]
   
   • Situate the cap so that the front corner of the mortarboard is centered on your forehead.^[2]
   • If you’re still not sure which way it goes, take a look inside the brim. The manufacturer often includes basic directions for how to wear the cap properly.
2. Make sure the cap sits evenly. Once the cap is on your head, the mortarboard should be flat and level with the ground. If it’s not, you may need to tilt it slightly to straighten it out. Double check that the band of the headpiece is symmetrical and comes to a stop about an inch above your eyebrows.^[3]
   
   • Don’t push the cap too far forward or back on your head or let it lean to one side.^[4]
   • To test whether your cap is level, try placing a lightweight object on top and see if it stays in place.
3. Attach the tassel. If the cap doesn’t have a fixed tassel, or it doesn’t arrive preassembled, you’ll need to put it on yourself. To do this, simply loop the circular end of the tassel over the raised button in the center of the mortarboard. It should be able to slide freely around the button without coming loose.^[5]
   
   • Give the tassel a couple gentle tugs to make sure it’s secure.
4. Position the tassel correctly. At the beginning of the ceremony, the tassel should fall on the right side of the cap (unless otherwise specified). Once everyone in the class has been announced, you and your fellow grads will flip it around to the left side, signifying your transition from student to graduate.^[6]
   
   • Some schools and programs may do things a little differently. Be sure that you’re clear about your school’s established practices prior to the big day.
   • Keep the tassel out of your line of sight and resist the urge to mess with it as much as possible.
5. Leave your cap on for the duration of the ceremony. Once you've got your cap and gown on, try not to fidget with them too much. They may not be the most comfortable, but you'll only have to wear them for a couple of hours.When it comes time to remove your cap, do it in style—new graduates traditionally toss their caps into the air as a celebratory gesture when the ceremony draws to a close.
   
   • Resist the urge to remove your cap for any reason once the ceremony is underway, unless it's for the singing of the National Anthem.^[7]
   • You can hold onto your cap if you'd rather be wearing it when it comes time to take pictures. In fact, this will definitely be a good idea if your regalia is rented!

EditLooking Your Best

1. Order your cap and gown in the right size. Use the size measurements provided by the supplier to ensure that your graduation regalia will fit the way it’s supposed to. The cap itself should be snug, but not too tight. If it keeps slipping out of place, it’s most likely too big, whereas if it’s cutting off your circulation you might benefit from going up a size.^[8]
   
   • Get a more accurate estimate by measuring your crown with a tape measure and comparing that measurement to the available sizing options.^[9]
   • Return poorly-fitting caps and gowns right away to give yourself plenty of time to have them exchanged for the correct size.
2. Give the cap a trial run. It’s a good idea to try your cap and gown on a time or two before the actual ceremony so you can get an idea of how the completed ensemble will look together. This will also give you a chance to make any necessary last minute adjustments.^[10]
   
   • The more times you wear the cap, the more comfortable you’ll feel once it’s time to take to the stage.
3. Style your hair to fit under the cap. Most guys and ladies with shorter hair will be able to get away with minimal styling. Those with longer locks can experiment with ponytails, braids or straightened looks that draw the eye to the neck and shoulders. The key is to keep the hair smoothed away from the crown to give the cap the space it needs to rest comfortably.^[11]
   
   • If you’d prefer to show off a more elegant style, try curling the ends or tucking it up so that it’s just visible beneath the cap.
   • It’s typically wise to avoid up-dos and styles with too much volume.
4. Save the cap for last. Wait until you’re wearing your gown, stole and any other components to put on the cap. That way, you can focus your attention on fixing your hair and makeup without worrying about messing them up later. The cap should be the final addition to your graduation regalia.^[12]
   
   • Some gowns and hoods are designed to be slipped over your head, which can be tricky if you’ve already got your cap on.
5. Decorate your cap. Some schools may allow you to add small embellishments to your graduation cap to express your personality and help you stand out from the crowd. Tack on a few buttons or a pendant for a modest injection of personality, or break out the paint pens, glitter and fabric letters to really make a statement. This is an important day in your life, so it's important that you enjoy yourself while you're receiving your honors.^[13]
   
   • Use paint, fabric and other accessories in your school's colors.
   • Spell out a special message or quote related to graduation. Even if your classmates can't see it, the audience will.^[14]
   • Be sure to run your decorating ideas by the principal or dean before you making any drastic modifications to your regalia.

EditKeeping Your Cap in Good Condition

1. Put the cap away until you need it. The best way to protect your graduation cap from damage is to not take it out any more often than you have to. Stash the cap in the box it was packaged in when it’s not in use and set it on the top shelf of a closet where it won’t get crushed or bent. This will keep it from being exposed to dust, sunlight and moisture, as well as other potential dangers like pets or small children.
   
   • Handle the mortarboard carefully. Always grip it lightly by the edges whenever you’re picking it up or setting it down.
   • As soon as you receive your cap and gown, place them on a hanger to work out the wrinkles.^[15]
2. Brush out the tassel. As your cap gets moved around, the strands of the tassel may get hung up on one another. Run your fingers through the strands before putting on the cap to separate them and keep them looking neat and orderly.^[16]
   
   • This should be done just before you put the cap on so you can walk down the aisle confident and tangle-free.
3. Keep your cap spotless. There will probably be no need to clean your cap prior to graduation, but if for some reason you must, do it with a gentle steaming or ironing. Never put the cap through the washing machine, have it dry cleaned or allow it to get wet, as this can easily ruin the fabric or cause it to lose its shape.^[17]
   
   • Brush loose dust and dirt from your cap and gown by hand rather than using an implement that may damage the material.
   • Don’t leave your cap sitting out where it may get something spilled on it.

EditTips

• Use a couple clips or bobby pins to prevent the cap from sliding around or being carried off by a gust of wind.
• A small amount of low-hold hair styling product can keep a tight cap from wreaking havoc on your hair before you take pictures or go out for a celebratory dinner.
• If your cap or gown needs to be ironed due to wrinkling, try placing a pillowcase between the gown and iron, then ironing it on low heat.

EditWarnings

• Find a better place to keep your graduation regalia than in your car, locker or luggage.
• Avoid ironing caps or gowns made from synthetic materials like polyester or rayon. Intense heat can cause them to melt.

EditReferences

EditQuick Summary

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How to Reduce the Redness of Sunburn

A bad sunburn can be painful, irritating, and tough to get rid of quickly. We’ve looked into it for you, and the very best thing you can do to diminish the intense redness is to take actions to properly heal and conceal your skin. After this, ease your discomfort with medication, cool temperatures, and other remedies. Prevent yourself from burning next time by protecting your skin with sunscreen and protective clothing, and by practicing awareness.

EditSteps

EditHealing and Concealing Sunburns

1. Drink a lot of water. Try to drink at least 10 full glasses of water each day for a week after your sunburn. This will help your body to re-hydrate which will, in turn, aid in the healing process. Drinking water while you are out in the sun will also help you to avoid heatstroke and other heat-related medical conditions.^[1]
   
   • At the same time, make sure to avoid consuming any alcohol during your recovery period. This will only dehydrate you and dry out your skin even more.^[2]
2. Apply aloe vera. This is the traditional go-to remedy when dealing with a burn. The gel of the aloe vera plant has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can speed up the healing process if applied correctly. You can buy a store-brand aloe, but it is best to use the gel directly from a plant when possible.^[3]
   
   • To remove the gel from a plant, break off a single full stem. Cut the stem open lengthwise. Open the stem and scrape out the gel using a spoon or your finger. Apply the gel to your skin between 2-3 times a day.^[4]
   • For extra relief, you could also fill up an ice cube tray with aloe vera and freeze it, making aloe cubes that you can rub on your burn. (Wrap the cubes in a light hand towel before touching them to your skin). You can also apply aloe gel to your face in an overnight mask.^[5]
3. Create a baking soda paste. Get out a small bowl and mix equal parts baking soda and cornstarch. Add cool water until it reaches a thick enough consistency to apply to your skin. Both of these primary ingredients may take some of the redness out the burned areas. Rinse the paste and reapply as needed to soothe your skin.^[6]
   
4. Use witch hazel. You can use the leaves and bark of the witch hazel plant for medicinal purposes. The “tannins” contained in witch hazel may help to repel bacteria and promote healing. Look for a vial of witch hazel extract at your local natural foods store. Use a cotton ball to apply the extract to your skin.^[7]
   
5. Apply apple cider vinegar to the area. You can fill up a bottle and spray the vinegar directly on your skin for relief. Or, you can soak cotton balls in vinegar and place them on your skin. Vinegar is a known anti-inflammatory, so it may speed up the healing process. You can also take a cool bath in vinegar. Fill the tub up with cool water and then 1 cup of vinegar. Relax in the tub for approximately 20min and then rinse off. Do this once a day for about three days. The cool water mixed with vinegar will pull the burning sensation of the heat out of your body, and make you feel cooler.^[8]
   
   • Be aware that some people react badly to apple cider vinegar. It is a good idea to apply a small amount on the back of your hand, via a cotton ball, before putting it all over your body. This will allow you to watch your body’s reaction on a small scale to make sure you will be okay.
6. Apply potato slices to the area. Many natural healers swear that potatoes can reduce pain and inflammation. Get a few potatoes and use a knife to cut them into thin slices. Then, place these slices on the burnt areas of your skin. Rotate the slices until you feel some relief.^[9]
   
   • You can also dice or shred a potato and place it into a blender. Blend for a few pulses and then apply the resulting paste (being careful to include the potato juices) onto your skin.
   • Make sure to carefully wash the potatoes before slicing or dicing.
7. Apply live cultured yogurt. This one is a bit of a long-shot but, if nothing else, the cool temperature of the yogurt may soothe your skin. Get out a cup of plain, probiotic yogurt and apply a light coating to your burned skin using a cotton ball. Let the yogurt sit on your skin for around 5 minutes before wiping off with a clean damp towel.^[10]
   
8. Wear loose and dark clothing. Light, cotton garments that fall away from the skin are your best options during your recovery period. These items will let your skin breathe, preventing stagnation and lessening the possibility of infection. Stick to darker colors as they will draw less attention to your skin. Avoid whites and neon colors as they will create contrast with the redness, making it more noticeable.^[11]
   
9. Use make-up to cover the redness. Apply a green-tinted primer to the burned areas to counterbalance the appearance of redness. Don't apply blush as it will only increase the red look. Use a light hand with make-up, however, as you can run the risk of skin irritation.^[12]
   

EditLessening Your Pain and Discomfort

1. Take pain medication. As soon as you get out of the sun, take an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medication, such as Aspirin. Go ahead and ingest the highest recommended dose for at least the first 24 hours to kick-start the healing process. Keep taking the medication until the immediate discomfort from the burn has subsided.
   
   • No matter how much pain you feel, it is critical that you follow the dosage instructions for OTC or prescription pain medications. Taking more than the proper dosage can cause serious medical injuries, such as liver damage. Read the label carefully to determine how many pills to take and at what intervals.
   • Make sure that you are also aware of any possible pain medication side effects or drug interactions. These are often also listed on the bottle’s label or you can contact your doctor with any questions. For example, people with bleeding issues are often advised to avoid consuming Aspirin.
   • You can also get a small bowl, drop one or two aspirin tablets into it, and crush them into a paste (adding a little water, if needed). Then, apply this paste to the most burned areas. Wipe off after a few minutes. However, for health safety reasons, do not crush and use more pills than the recommended dosage on the bottle or apply this paste while also taking a pain medication orally.^[13]
2. Apply a cool cloth to the area. Pull out a soft cotton washcloth and dip it into cool, not cold, water. Wring it out slightly and then place it on your skin. Re-soak the cloth and repeat as necessary. You can also dip the cloth in whole cold milk. This will let you get the cooling benefits and the restorative effects of vitamin D.^[14]
   
3. Take a cool bath. Run a bath for yourself using cool, not cold, water. Soak for a bit. For even more benefit, fill up a clean sock with 2 cups of uncooked oatmeal and tie it off at the end. Place the filled sock in the tub with you and squeeze it to release the juices. The oatmeal’s polysaccharides will coat and calm your skin.^[15]
   
   • You can also, of course, dump the raw oats directly into the tub with you, but expect more of a clean-up this way.
   • Resist the urge to scrub off with soap or a body cleanser while in the tub. This will only dry your skin out and extend the healing process.^[16]
4. Soothe with cucumber. Add a bit of cucumber to your water for a relaxing way to hydrate. Place thin slices of cucumber on your burn. Or, blend cucumbers to create a mask that you can then apply to your face or elsewhere. All of these approaches will maximize the antioxidant properties found in cucumbers.^[17]
   
   • Feel free to mix the cucumber paste with aloe vera gel for even more of a healing boost.
5. Drink some tea. Make yourself a cup of green tea. You can either drink the tea directly or dip some cotton balls into it and apply it to your skin. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of the tea may reduce redness and swelling, allowing your skin to heal.^[18]
   
6. Avoid applying ice. It is very tempting to pluck a few cubes out of the freezer and place them directly onto your skin. Resist this urge as that type of extreme cold can actually damage your skin, even more, killing the skin cells in the process. Instead, if you really want to use ice, wrap the cubes in a soft, clean washcloth before touching them to your skin.
   
7. Do not pick at the affected area. Resist the urge to run your fingers over your skin, removing flakes as you go. Your dead skin will fall off in due time without your direct assistance. Forcibly exfoliating your skin too early can lead to scarring or infection. This is especially the case if you puncture any raised areas or sores.^[19]
   
   • Once your skin has returned to a close-to-normal color and is pain-free then you can spend some time exfoliating it with a soft sponge or scrubber.
8. Consult with a doctor. Make an appointment to see a physician if your sunburn develops blisters or seems to be swelling. If you see any pus coming from the burned areas, it can be a sign of possible infection. You can also see a doctor if your burn is simply making you miserable and the home remedies seem to have no effect.^[20]
   
   • Depending on your specific situation, your doctor will most likely give you a corticosteroid cream. They may also prescribe an antibiotic if your burn shows signs of infection.

EditPreventing a Sunburn

1. Apply sunscreen before going out. Purchase a broad-spectrum (also called a full-spectrum) sunscreen that will block both UVA and UVB rays. Get a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 50, the higher the better. Then, apply the cream to your skin at least 20 minutes before heading outside. This allows the sunscreen to begin working before you are actually exposed to the sun, thus preventing burning.^[21]
   
   • As you consider various sunscreen brands, consider what activities you’ll be doing that will require protection. If you will be in the water, then you’ll want a sunscreen that is water-resistant. If you are hiking, you may need a sunscreen that includes insect repellant.
2. Reapply sunscreen on a regular basis. You should aim to reapply your sunscreen at least every 90 minutes. This interval may need to be shortened if you are sweating heavily or spending time in the water. When you reapply, don’t rush. Make sure to coat all exposed parts of your body.^[22]
   
   • For each application you can estimate using a nickel-sized portion on your facial area and two shot glasses worth of lotion on your body.
3. Wear a hat. It is almost impossible to apply sunscreen to your scalp and that makes this area very susceptible to burning. To prevent a painful head burn, wear a solid hat when venturing outdoors for extended periods of time. This will also offer some protection for your face as well.^[23]
   
4. Pay attention to your body’s signals. Your body will often tell you when it has had enough of the sun. Pause in your activities for a moment and evaluate your condition. Does your skin feel overly warm? Are you starting to notice feelings of tightness? Are you experiencing any pain at this point? If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, head indoors.
   
5. Ask your friends to check you out. If you are outside with other people you can always ask them to look you over. However, the reflection from the sun on your skin can often mask the visual signs of a burn, so it may be difficult for them to accurately gauge if you are headed in that direction.
   
6. Be very careful when recovering. It can take up to six months for your skin to fully heal after a sunburn. If you are burned again during this interval, the healing process can come to a standstill. While you are healing, be careful with your body and limit your time in the sun.^[24]
   

EditVideo

EditTips

• Over-the-counter moisturizers get a bad rap when it comes to burns. Buy a water-based moisturizer and then place it in the fridge to cool. Applying it to your burns should help a bit.
• Be patient with the healing process. Most sunburns begin to visibly improve within a week or less.^[25]
• If you want to expedite the healing process, you might try LED laser therapy treatments. These applications promote healing and can be done immediately following a burn.^[26]
• Don't apply apple cider vinegar to your sunburn without first diluting it significantly with water. Pure apple cider vinegar will be far too acidic and cause further damage and additional pain.

EditWarnings

• If you are experiencing severe swelling, a high temperature, dizziness, nausea, or headaches along with your burn, then get medical attention immediately. You could be experiencing sun poisoning.^[27]
• Be aware that certain medications, such as particular antibiotics, can make you particularly susceptible to the sun’s rays, potentially resulting in a sunburn.^[28]

EditReferences

EditQuick Summary

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