While we all need a vitamin D hit, sun damaged skin is bad news. If you’re feeling the burn & looking for relief, you’ve come to the right place
You know the drill. You’ve spent the day having fun in the sun and boom – you’ve woken up with sunburn that looks far worse than it did the night before (ouch). It goes without saying that it’s best not to get sunburnt in the first place and we all know the importance of sunscreen. Don’t worry though, we aren’t here to scold you about not protecting your skin in the sun – you’ve been burnt with that already. If you get caught out and need a little TLC for your frazzled skin, we’ve got you covered.
What is sunburn anyway?
The sun naturally gives out ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Sunburn is the skin’s response to UV radiation damage. It usually causes the skin to become red, sore, tender and sometimes itchy for around a week. The pigment melanin in the skin helps block out damaging UV rays up to a point. This is why those with lighter skin are more likely to burn in the sun compared to those with naturally darker skin. Certain groups of people need to be really careful in the sun, including those who have:
• A family history of skin cancer
• Moles
• Freckles
• Red or light hair
• Had skin cancer before
• Spend a lot of time outdoors
Wearing the right sunscreen for you is very important to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays.
Isn't sunscreen only for holidays?
If you’re not jetting away on a sunny holiday, it doesn’t mean you can say adios to the sunscreen. Definitely not. UV rays are present all year round, not just in summer. Even if it’s not scorching outside, you can burn on overcast days. Don’t let clouds fool you. Although they do a good job of blocking sunlight, they don't block all harmful UV rays. As you can’t feel UV rays, it’s still possible to burn on cooler days.
Why is sunburn dangerous?
When it comes to sunburn, there’s a lot more to worry about than the red, peeling skin. Although the visible signs of sunburn are often short-lived, the long-term effects stick around a little longer. You may think basking in the sun, topping up your tan gives you the youthful glow. Don’t kid yourself. It actually has the opposite effect over time. Sun damage to your skin can cause photo-aging, changes in skin texture, wrinkles and age spots. There’s no healthy way to get a tan and having a tan won’t protect you fully from UV rays. If you’re after the bronzed glowy look (aren’t we all?) then opt for the safer options of a body bronzer or fake tan.
Too much UV radiation from the sun can also damage DNA in your skin cells and cause skin cancer. The majority of melanoma cases (the most serious type of skin cancer) are caused by UV damage. Getting sunburnt just once every two years can triple your risk of melanoma.
Top tips to ease the burn
Unfortunately, there’s no miracle cure for sunburn, it’s all about time and patience. There are a few things though that you can do to help soothe your skin and avoid any further damage. The first tip may seem so obvious it doesn’t even need to be said, but get out of the sun.
If you must go out, cover up as much as possible. Sunburnt skin needs to be covered from the sun until the skin has completely healed. Wear long sleeved shirts, loose trousers, a hat, sunglasses and protect any exposed areas with a high protection factor sunscreen. Make sure you drink lots of water and calm your skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel. Our range of aftersun creams and lotions can help to moisturise and soothe your skin following sun exposure. If needed, paracetamol can be taken for pain relief.
Take extra care to protect babies and children. Their skin is much more sensitive than adult skin. Children younger than six months old should be kept out of direct strong sunlight.
Sunburnt skin will usually heal within a week. If you experience any of the following please speak with your GP immediately:
• Blistered or swollen skin
• A very high temperature or you feel hot and shivery
• Headaches and muscle cramps
• Your baby or young child has sunburn
• You’re very tired, dizzy and sick
When it comes to protecting your skin in the sun, prevention is key. Make sunscreen a staple in your everyday skincare routine. Lather up before you hit the sun to help keep your skin safe and avoid unnecessary damage.
