Ten tips and tricks to avoid sunburn
Write the 30/06/2022 by Santarome Bio
In summer, it's difficult to escape the temptation to sunbathe and relax while enjoying these rays. However, be careful: sunburns cause very unpleasant sensations, but above all present a danger for the skin. The sun is the main cause of skin aging , and too much exposure poses a risk of skin cancer.
What causes sunburn and how to prevent it? Discover our advice in this article.
What is a sunburn?
To understand what a sunburn is , you need to know that there are three types of UV rays.
- UVA rays are not blocked by glass or clouds. They penetrate the skin deeply and can cause certain skin cancers. Their action oxidizes the melanin already present in the skin.
- UVC has much more harmful effects on the body. However, they cannot cross the ozone layer.
- Finally, UVB, which causes sunburn , burns the epidermis and penetrates the skin deeply. These ultraviolet rays are at the origin of the skin tanning process through an action of melanin synthesis.
The sun's UVB rays cause skin burns against which the body provides natural defenses: tanning is a defense reaction. But if UVB rays are too aggressive, the cells of the epidermis are literally burned and destroyed. This is the cause of sunburn .
Tips to avoid sunburn
Blisters, redness or itching are signs of sunburn when the skin is exposed without adequate protection or with little sun protection. But do not panic ! We have solutions:
Apply sunscreen every two hours
Sunscreen is based on a simple principle: it absorbs harmful solar rays and forms a protective film on the outside of the skin. The extent of the action of the sun cream is indicated in particular by the sun protection factor (SPF). Depending on your skin type, you can opt for a higher or lower protection index.
Cover up: hat, scarf, t-shirt…
In summer, it is strongly recommended to cover up: a t-shirt, a scarf or a cap are essential so as not to expose too many areas to the sun . A lightweight shirt or long-sleeve dress is an essential part of your summer wardrobe.
Do not expose yourself between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
By exposing yourself to the sun during peak hours, you increase the risk of sunburn but also of sunstroke, particularly in young children. If your schedule allows it, we invite you to plan your outings at the very beginning of the day, or just before sunset.
Limit exposure time
Your duration of exposure to the sun should be directly linked to your sunscreen index: the higher the index, the longer exposure you can afford.
However, it is difficult to give precise advice on the ideal exposure duration because it is impacted by many factors: time of exposure, latitude, sunscreen index, etc.
In any case, be aware that fifteen minutes of daily exposure replenishes the body with vitamin D.
Take sun gummies: Sublime Bronz' Organic Gummies
Santarome Organic gummies with a good apricot flavor are made from carrot, sea buckthorn and tomato.
Plants full of vitamins and carotenoids which help prepare the skin, activate and prolong the tan. Attention ! Taking sun gummies does not exempt you from covering yourself with sunscreen before going out into the sun.
Stock up on vitamins and antioxidants
Vitamin D, known as the sun vitamin, is an excellent vitamin for tanning in good conditions. It is easily found in pharmacies.
Eat foods rich in beta-carotene
To favor foods that will help you benefit from the benefits of the sun, a simple tip: favor colorful foods! Carrots, tomatoes, peppers, melons... will be your best allies to strengthen your body and face the sun's rays more calmly.
How to relieve a sunburn?
Despite all these precautions, are you suffering from a sunburn? Don't let this ruin your vacation. Here are the right actions to adopt to relieve a sunburn:
Moisturize your skin after a sunburn
Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause dehydration of the skin, which worsens the effects of sunburn. It is important to maintain good hydration by using a moisturizer or after-sun gel. Choose a soothing product like aloe vera or chamomile, which can help reduce inflammation. Soothing creams are also available in pharmacies, ask your health specialist.
Drink water if you get sunburned
Sunburn dehydrates the skin and causes loss of body water. It is therefore essential to rehydrate regularly. Drink plenty of water and don't hesitate to eat vegetables rich in water such as watermelon or melon.
Refresh the skin in case of sunburn
Here's a tip that we don't always think of to prevent a sunburn from being too painful : you can cool your skin with a compress or a previously moistened towel.
An ice pack on the sensitive area is also beneficial. Be careful, however, not to apply it directly, but to insert a cloth between the ice cubes and the skin.
Take a cold bath
Cold water can be a great relief from that strong feeling of heat and discomfort caused by sunburn! Fill a bathtub with cold water and bathe for a few minutes.
Get in the shade to avoid sunburn
This is of course the simplest solution: to avoid sunburn , the wisest thing is to avoid exposure. If your skin is sensitive to the sun and reddens easily, it is much more reasonable not to have more tanning sessions at the beach. If you still want to enjoy the seaside, choose shaded areas and bring a parasol.
How to get rid of a sunburn?
When you find yourself with a sunburn, your priority is how to get the skin to fade! Here are some secrets to help speed up the healing process:
- Cool the burned area with warm water (between 15°C and 25°C);
- Clean your skin gently with a neutral soap;
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Apply a natural after-sun treatment, such as aloe vera or colloidal oatmeal.
By following these tips, you are equipped to fully enjoy the sun without fearing the dreaded sunburn. Remember to prepare your skin well, choose the right sun protection, adopt healthy lifestyle habits and stay vigilant throughout your outdoor activities. Remember, prevention is the key to healthy skin and a radiant summer. So get out, enjoy the sun and enjoy all the wonderful summer moments in complete safety!
