Terrible Advice: Popular Sunburn "Hacks" You Should NEVER Try (7 Photos)
A golden bronze tan never goes out of style, but stay out in the sun a little too long, and you'll end up looking like a boiled lobster. Beyond being unsightly, sunburns sting, itch, and make sleeping a nightmare. Social media is full of quick fixes to soothe the burn, but experts warn that most of these viral hacks are useless—or worse, dangerous. Here are the most common sunburn remedies you should NEVER put to the test. 
The best way to dodge the painful aftermath of a day in the sun is proper prevention. Whenever you're outdoors in direct sunlight, wear a hat and slather on sunscreen. But if you do end up getting burned, your top priority should be soothing the inflamed skin.
Sunburns can be severely painful, often bringing blisters, swelling, headaches, nausea, and fatigue. Worse still, severe sunburns significantly raise the risk of melanoma—a form of skin cancer where 90% of cases are driven by UV exposure. 
While social media promises dozens of ways to take the sting out of a burn, dermatologists warn that many popular trends can actually make matters worse. Here are the most dangerous viral sunburn hacks you should strictly avoid.
Mouthwash 
Some TikTok users claim that splashing mouthwash on a sunburn instantly numbs the pain. While dermatologists acknowledge that ingredients like menthol and eucalyptus offer a cooling sensation, mouthwashes also contain alcohol and benzoic acid, which will dry out and severely irritate damaged skin.
Sour Cream 
Slathering on sour cream is an old home remedy for sunburn. While lactic acid can assist in skin cell turnover, far better and safer alternatives exist—such as aloe vera, coconut oil, soy-based moisturizers, and staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Vinegar 
Several online posts advocate using vinegar to ease sunburn pain. Do not follow this advice! Vinegar is highly acidic. Dousing your skin in it breaks down the protective barrier, causing intense pain and inflammation. On top of a sunburn, you risk suffering a chemical burn as well.
Sunscreen Contouring 
Using sunscreen to contour your face is a terrible trend. Influencers recommend applying SPF selectively, leaving areas like the cheeks and forehead exposed to get a "natural" bronzed contour. While it might create a brief cosmetic effect, this practice leads to sun damage, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. During summer, you should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 50 evenly across your entire face every day.
Staying Safe in the Sun 
Everyone's skin is different, but sun protection is non-negotiable for all skin types. People with fair complexions are more vulnerable to UV damage, putting them at a higher risk for sun-induced skin cancer.
However, people with darker skin tones are far from immune to the sun's harmful effects. While higher melanin levels provide a degree of natural protection against UV radiation, it isn't enough to prevent skin damage. Broad-spectrum SPF is essential for deeper skin tones as well.
Skin is one of the most sensitive organs in the human body. And it isn't just sun exposure you need to worry about—blue light from smartphones and computers can affect it too.
