What Is A Sunburn? How To Soothe And Heal Your Skin After A Day In The Sun!
No sunburns anymore!
We’ve all been there – spending a day at the beach or lounging by the pool and forgetting to reapply sunscreen. The next thing you know, your skin is red, inflamed, and painful to the touch. Sunburn is a common skin problem that can be both uncomfortable and unsightly. But fear not, with the right care, you can soothe and heal your skin in no time. So here’s everything you need to know about sunburn, including its causes, symptoms, and effective treatments.
1. What Is Sunburn?
When you spend too much time basking under the sun, your skin can end up getting roasted, and that’s what we call a sunburn. This happens when the skin is bombarded with an excessive amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. This radiation can damage your skin cells, causing them to become inflamed and irritated. When your skin is exposed to too much UV radiation, it triggers a response from your immune system, which sends blood to the affected area to help repair the damage. This increased blood flow is what causes your skin to turn red and become painful.
Also Read: This SPF Season, Keep Your Skin Summer-Friendly By Avoiding These 13 Sunscreen Mistakes!
2. Symptoms of Sunburn
The symptoms of sunburn can be quite diverse and can differ based on the degree of the burn. Mild sunburns may cause redness and slight discomfort, while more severe burns can cause blistering, swelling, and even fever. Some common symptoms of sunburn include:
a. Redness and inflammation
b. Pain and tenderness
c. Itching and peeling
d. Blisters and swelling
e. Headache and fever
f. Causes of Sunburn
3. Causes Of A Sunburn
Sunburn is caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun or other sources, such as tanning beds. UV radiation can damage your skin cells and cause them to become inflamed and irritated. A few things that can heighten your chances of getting sunburnt are:
a. Spending too much time in the sun without protection
b. Using expired or ineffective sunscreen
c. Having fair skin or a history of sunburn
d. Using particular medications that make your skin more susceptible to the sun’s harmful rays.
Also Read: Which Is Better: Sunscreen Serums Or Sunscreen Sticks? 3 Tips To Help You Pick!
4. How to Treat Sunburn
If you do get sunburned, there are several things you can do to soothe and heal your skin. Here are some effective treatments for sunburn:
a. Cool Compresses: Applying cool compresses to your skin can help reduce inflammation and ease pain. Use a damp cloth or towel and apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time.
b. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help soothe sunburned skin. Apply aloe vera gel to the affected area several times a day to help reduce redness and inflammation.
c. Moisturizers: Moisturizers can help soothe dry, peeling skin and prevent further irritation. Look for moisturizers that contain ingredients like chamomile, oatmeal, or lavender oil.
d. Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease the pain and discomfort of sunburn.
e. Hydrate: Sunburn can dehydrate your skin and body, so it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to help your skin heal from the inside out.
5. Preventing Sunburn
Prevention is the key to avoiding sunburn. Here are some helpful tips for preventing sunburn:
a. Shield Yourself from the Sun’s Harmful Rays by Applying Sunscreen with an SPF of At Least 30, Reapplying Every Two Hours or After Swimming or Sweating.
b. Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours when the sun’s rays are the strongest, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
c. When you wear clothes that protect your skin from the sun, it adds an additional layer of protection from UV rays.
So here you go girls, remember to always keep these things in mind when you go out in this sun.
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