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12th May 2019

The surprising thing you should do first if you get a sunburn

Trine Jensen-Burke

At this stage the majority of us know that protecting our skin from the sun is really, really important.

We know that not only is the sun the number one factor when it comes to skin ageing, but it also causes skin cancer.

The thing is, accidents happen, and despite our best intentions and slatherings of sun cream, sometimes we fall asleep and get burnt to a crisp. Ouch!

And if this happens, your first thought might be to step under an ice cold shower, but try to resist. The most helpful thing you can do is actually to pour yourself a glass of milk.

Why milk, you may ask? Well, prepare to be amazed.

Here is what you need: A clean washcloth, a small bowl, a few ice cubes and a bottle of skim milk.

Here is what you do: Pour the ice and milk into the bowl and soak the washcloth in it. Wring out the washcloth and apply it to wherever your skin is burned.

Here is why it works: Proteins in the milk coat the skin (as opposed to evaporating off like water will) and help to repair a damaged barrier. And skim milk is best because there is a higher amount of protein in it since the fat has been removed.

Good aul’ milk, huh?