Sunburned skin, help! What now?
For many of us, summer vacation is coming to an end. This is a great moment to reflect on the condition of your skin after weeks of sun exposure. Did you experience sunburn during your recent holiday? Then this blog is here to help.
In this article, we explain how your skin reacts to sunburn and offer practical tips on how to care for and treat sun-damaged skin.
A look inside the skin: what happens during a sunburn
When your skin is exposed to too much sun, something that often happens during a summer holiday, it can become sunburned due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UVB radiation mainly affects the upper layer of the skin, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the epidermis and even into the dermis. Both types of UV rays damage skin cells.
Once your skin comes into contact with UV radiation, your body triggers an inflammatory response: the skin turns red, feels warm and painful, and may even swell. The redness occurs because blood vessels in the skin dilate (vasodilation) to increase blood flow and bring in repair cells to the damaged area. In more severe cases, blisters can also develop.
After a few days, the skin may start to peel. This is a sign that your body is actively clearing away damaged cells and beginning the healing process. As the redness fades, a tan often remains. This sun-kissed look is actually a protective reaction by the body: pigment cells produce melanin, which forms a “parasol” over the nucleus of the cell to shield your DNA from further UV damage. Although many people associate tanned skin with health, it is actually a sign that skin damage has already occurred.
Help! I got sunburned. What can I do now?
Almost everyone experiences sunburn at some point. That’s why we’ve listed a few quick tips below to help you care for your skin if it happens to you:
- Stay out of the sun. Keep in mind that you can also burn in the shade due to indirect sunlight;
- Wear UV-protective clothing (UPF 50+) and/or apply SPF 50 sunscreen every two hours (reapply after swimming or sweating);
- Cool the skin using a cold or lukewarm damp cloth;
- Hydrate the skin 2–3 times a day using a light moisturizing cream or lotion. Avoid heavy, occlusive ointments that trap heat inside the skin;
- Take a lukewarm bath with 50g of oats (wrap them in cheesecloth and place in the water while filling the bath). Oats have a soothing and moisturizing effect on the skin.
Prevention is better than the cure
Cumulative UV exposure (the amount of UV radiation your skin is exposed to over a lifetime) increases the risk of long-term skin damage. That’s why it’s important to start protecting your skin early. Here are two key tips:
1. Keep an eye on the UV-index
Check the UV index before going outdoors. If it’s 3 or higher, it’s important to protect your skin with sun-protective clothing or sunscreen. When the UV index is high—usually between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM—it’s best to avoid direct sun exposure altogether.
2. Wear sun protection
You can protect your skin using both clothing and sunscreen. The protective value of clothing is indicated by UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), while sunscreen is labeled with SPF (Sun Protection Factor). We recommend always choosing the highest level of protection available.
Want to book an appointment?
Did you find this blog informative and would you like personalized advice on how to best protect your skin? Book an appointment with one of our skin therapists using the button below. We’re here to help! It’s also possible to make an appointment by phone or via e-mail.
If you have questions regarding this information, you can always contact us via info@huidzorgwest.nl or call 015 – 2561 806. Our team will be happy to help you. See you soon!
Team Huidzorg West