EDIT: I do read comments as I can and noticed a trend in many comments. In the 10 years I’ve known about this, I’ve never felt as if the menthol burned on my skin. It has always felt very cooling instead. My mother-in-law actually learned of this from a doctor about 40 years ago. She thought it was crazy then too until she saw it in action.
I’m not saying to go out and do this, I was just showing my friends what I do. I never expected to get this much attention. I guarantee that all three pictures are me and this is MY result each time.
I’ve been asked about tanning with this method. My skin isn’t the greatest at tanning. I normally burn and return to white. However, sometimes, if a tan happens, I tan for about a week before returning to white. That’s my skin. Everyone is different. I would think it wouldn’t hurt the tanning.
My husband can not use aloe. He has said it feels like acid on his skin. There are people with an allergy to aloe. I have used aloe myself and it does soothe. However, I love this method because it works so fast. Seriously, lather, wait 30 minutes, rinse. The next day reapply on stubborn parts if necessary (and it’s not always necessary), wait 30 more minutes, rinse, and done!
I’ve also used Noxema. I hated it because I would have it all over and sleep in a shirt that just stuck to me at night and wouldn’t be comfortable. I’m not saying it doesn’t work, but I’d rather not be sticky at night when I’m trying to sleep.
PSA: Please remember to always use sunscreen! Too much sun exposure can be dangerous and lead to cancer. By no means am I endorsing going out without sunscreen! I burn with sunscreen as well and know of the hassle, but it is worth it to wear it!
After her sunburn hack post began to go viral and was picked up by several news websites, Allen-Stewart DID feel the need to clarify some things. She edited her post to say:
EDIT: Let me just clear up a few things. I have been approached by a couple of news companies, and I have given my permission to repost this, but let me just tell you something. Most of them that are being posted have not asked permission to post on their sites. They are free to do so, but they don’t post the complete truth. I am not allergic to aloe, but my husband has a sensitivity to it and can not use it. Yes, aloe does help too, but I think this way with the shaving cream is a lot faster.
Also, I am not saying it has to be Gillette. That’s just the brand that I happened to have on hand. It just has to be a MENTHOL FOAM shaving cream. Not gel! It can be any brand as we’ve used multiple brands and had the same result.
Lastly, it’s not just 30 minutes and done. It’s 30 minutes, rinse. The next day, if you still feel hot areas of a burn, reapply. Then wait another 30 minutes and rinse. It will look as if it’s dissolved and dried out a bit. That’s just how the shaving cream is. It has nothing to do with the burn, it just gives you a visual idea of what 30 minutes would look like. It still takes a day after the last application to show you a significant difference.
I stand by this method. If you want to try it, go for it! If not, that’s fine too! I just figured I’d help my friends out a bit to show them the way I use. I have used it for about 10 years and have never had an issue with it. I always get the same result.
I must admit that I’ve never heard of this sunburn hack before. I burn very easily, even with sunscreen, and I am definitely going to give this a try next time I have a sunburn.
In their coverage of the story, Fox News reported that dermatologists do agree that this sunburn hack works.
Dermatologist Lauren Eckert Ploch, who works at the Georgia Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, told Fox News that the menthol in the shaving cream is what eases the pain and redness associated with sunburn.
“[These] products cause a cooling sensation on the skin and can also numb the skin to pain,” Ploch told Fox News. She also added, however, that menthol-containing shaving cream or other products should NOT be used on sunburns that is blistering or peeling, because it will cause irritation, hurting instead of helping.
Ploch, of course, also cautions that sunburn is “completely avoidable” and says if you’re going to be in the sun, you should wear sunscreen AND UV protecting clothing.
But, for those of us who will slip and get burned this summer, it’s nice to know there’s a quick, soothing remedy in the bathroom cabinet, right? Thanks, Cindie, for sharing your sunburn hack!
