The reality is that even the most diligent sunscreen users can still experience sunburn. You forget to reapply in time. You miss a hard-to-reach spot on your shoulder. The sun was just too intense. Whatever the reason, that heat in your skin is increasing like an alarm on your body, signaling that you’ve gone too far. You’re burned. So, what should you do?
Let’s start with what a burn is and why you must treat it. When you get burned, the skin cells are damaged or destroyed depending on the burn severity. A mild sunburn means redness and some pain that resolves after a few days, while a severe burn has blisters, swelling, and more intense pain. You might also have fever, chills, headache, or dizziness. Whether you have a mild or severe burn, it’s important to take action immediately to help the damaged skin heal and hopefully minimize the amount of scarring. By assisting the body’s inflammatory response, you can help reduce the damage.
How to Prevent a Sunburn
Burns happen even if you're careful, but the best way to avoid them is prevention. Experts recommend applying a broad-spectrum SPF with UVA and UVB protection daily, especially if you're prone to sensitive skin, going through perimenopausal skin changes, or have increased sun sensitivity.
The Vidaderma Sheer Physical Sunscreen and Antioxidant Sunscreen are ideal for daily use. These formulas are designed for all skin types and help defend against sun damage, discoloration, and premature signs of aging.
Reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating, to maintain protection. Cover up with hats or lightweight clothing and stay in the shade during peak sun whenever possible.
Heal the Burn
If you do get burned, it’s important to act quickly to soothe the skin and prevent further damage. At the first sign of redness, stop sun exposure and begin treatment. Ideally, you should begin with aspirin. If you take it early, aspirin can have tremendous anti-inflammatory effects. But it must be taken in the first few hours after a burn begins. Dermatologists recommend cold compresses and topical hydrocortisone cream for the skin and staying well-hydrated from the inside out.
Once the burn sets in, Silvadene cream [which is a topical antibiotic] may be prescribed by a dermatologist to help prevent infection and aid in healing. For minor burns, Aquaphor is a great option as it is important to keep the area greased up as much as possible. Ingredients to look for in an after-sun gel or lotion include aloe vera, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and tea tree oil. Also, keep the hydration up (double your water intake because the body will be drawing water to the burn area) and avoid alcohol, which will dehydrate the body and also increase inflammation.
What to Avoid
The first thing to avoid: More sun. Burnt skin is more sensitive to UV damage. Also, avoid hot showers or baths until the skin has healed. Lukewarm or cold (if you can handle it) is the way to bathe. Also, try not to peel the skin (as tempting as it may be) and don't exfoliate the area. Let the body determine when the damaged cells are ready to come off naturally. Dermatologists recommend moisturizing frequently to help with peeling skin. However, using skincare products with fragrances and multiple ingredients is not recommended as you don't know what will irritate already damaged skin.
Keep an eye out on social media and Vidaderma for more insights on how to keep your skin glowing throughout the summer!
