Is it Safe to Get a Massage After Sun Exposure?

• Why you shouldn’t get a massage while having a sunburn

• How long to wait before booking

• Alternatives to speed up sunburn healing time

• Benefits of getting massaged during summer months

Why you shouldn’t get a massage while having a sunburn

A sunburn is more than just redness or irritation, it’s damaged skin due to sun exposure and triggers an immune response in the body to repair skin cells. The severity can vary greatly as to whether or not you have minor redness or in more serious cases, blistering, peeling and potential sun poisoning.

Getting a massage during this time (aside from being painful and unpleasant) can be disruptive to the skin’s healing process and can prolong discomfort.

Good rule of thumb: If it’s red, warm to the touch, inflamed or peeling… No Touchy!

How long to wait before booking

Waiting period can obviously depend on severity of the sunburn, anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks. If you already have a service scheduled and are unsure as to whether or not you’re good to go for your appointment, you can always give us a call for guidance as to whether or not cancelation is necessary. ( 540-418-6882)

Alternative services for relaxation or accelerating healing time

• Massage in unaffected areas may be an option, if sun exposure is minimal and not resulting in sun poisoning.

• Localized cryotherapy

• Woojer vibroacoustic mat

Benefits of receiving massage during the summer months

Typically, in summer months we are more active; hiking, traveling, swimming, yardwork, sports, dragging bags of charcoal to the grill, etc.. With that comes more physical demand on the body and opportunities for muscle tension and injury.

Massage improves circulation and mobility to help keep you moving and pain free for summer adventures. We also see lymphatic benefits and as a result can aid assist with hydration in the body, which we know is especially important in warmer seasons.

Summer schedules are often very different from the remainder of the year, but making time for massage can keep you doing the things you love all summer long.