Burnt in the sun? Find out what to do and how to ease the pain!

Contents

Signs of sunburned skin
- Degrees of sunburn
- How quickly does burnt skin go away?
First aid: what to do if you burn out in the sun?
What is forbidden to do with sunburn?
How to choose an effective after-sun cosmetic?
Review of La Roche-Posay after-sun cosmetics
- Posthelios after-sun repair for face and body
- Posthelios after-sun cooling gel for face and body
Prevention of skin burning in the sun

Signs of sunburned skin

On a clear day, the amount of ultraviolet radiation is about 3% of the entire solar spectrum. There are two types of ultraviolet rays that have a negative effect on the skin – UVA and UVB. It is UVB rays, which make up only 5% of the ultraviolet that reaches the ground, that penetrate the epidermis and contribute not only to the manifestation of a dark tan on the skin, but also to the occurrence of sunburn and allergies.

B-rays, penetrating the epidermis, disrupt the work and structure of cells – keratinocytes, immune Langerhans cells, melanocytes – this provokes an inflammatory reaction, which is a burn. At the same time, the skin noticeably turns red, pain and discomfort appear, and the affected area begins to literally burn.

The intensity of skin lesions depends on a number of factors:

duration of exposure to the sun;
time of year and geographic latitude of the area;
skin phototype.

First of all, protruding parts of the body are burned: forehead, nose, ears, shoulders, knees. During swimming, the chest and back are at risk.

Degrees of sunburn

There are several stages of sunburn:

1st degree burn: characterized by redness (erythema) of the skin, which manifests itself within 1,5-4 hours after prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, accompanied by burning and sometimes swelling of the affected tissues. Usually, discomfort disappears in 3-5 days, after which itching, a feeling of tightness and peeling of the skin appear.
2st degree burn: characterized by severe redness: the skin becomes burgundy, noticeably swells, blisters with liquid yellowish contents may appear on the affected areas, when torn, the germ layer of the skin is exposed, which is characterized by a painful reaction to external touches and irritants. Wounds heal in 7-14 days, usually without scarring. After complete healing, the skin begins to peel off in layers.

How quickly does burnt skin go away?

The following factors can influence the duration of tissue repair:

severity of damage;
area and localization of skin lesions;
the age of the victim;
medicines you are taking;
prompt first aid.

The body often reacts to extensive tissue damage with an increase in body temperature, fever, chills, accompanied by dehydration. To speed up recovery, drink plenty of clean water and take an antipyretic.

First aid: what to do if you burn out in the sun?

If it was not possible to protect the skin from excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation and you have a sunburn, then take measures that will alleviate the condition and help relieve the symptoms of inflammation:

If you get badly burned on the beach, when you get home, cool your hot skin by taking a cool (but not icy) shower, applying a wet compress to the affected areas of the body or spraying thermal water on them – this will help relieve pain.
To relieve the symptoms of a burn (burning, tightness, soreness) and alleviate the condition of the skin, cosmetics labeled “after sun” with a cooling effect, powerful soothing, regenerating and moisturizing effect will help. The formulas of such products include: panthenol, allantoin, plant extracts and oils, thermal water.
When going out, be sure to use high-protection products (SPF 50) and cover damaged areas of the body with clothing made from natural materials.
If you have received a 2nd degree burn, in no case do not open the blisters yourself – this way you risk introducing an infection into the open wound.

In the case of prolonged exposure to the sun and the absence of obvious signs of a sunburn, do not think that the influence of ultraviolet radiation has bypassed you: even if redness does not appear, with unprotected exposure to direct sunlight, the process of photoaging of the skin starts: premature wrinkles, pigmentation, dryness and peeling appear , loss of firmness and elasticity of tissues, rosacea.

Even after short periods of sunbathing, be sure to use after-sun revitalizing and moisturizing products to help keep your skin looking beautiful, healthy and youthful.

What is forbidden to do with sunburn?

If the skin is badly burned in the sun, timely measures taken will help relieve pain and soothe it at home. Be aware of common mistakes that can worsen your condition.

If you get a sunburn, it is strongly not recommended:

Apply fermented milk products to the affected areas: kefir, sour cream, yogurt, etc. Leave grandmother’s methods in the past! This method increases the risk of introducing bacteria into weakened and damaged skin, which will aggravate the situation.
Lubricate damaged areas with vegetable oil (olive, coconut, etc.), which forms a dense film on the damaged surface and prevents breathing and natural cooling of tissues.
Eliminate the use of alcohol-containing products: alcohol will further dry out damaged and sun-dehydrated skin, which will worsen its condition.
Do not apply ice to the affected areas – a sharp temperature contrast can provoke tissue frostbite, which will increase the inflammatory response.

How to choose an effective after-sun cosmetic?

Modern manufacturers produce after-sun products of different types and textures:

milk;
cream;
lotion;
mousse;
gel;
foam.

When choosing a product, pay attention to what type of skin it is intended for:

For oily skin choose light textures: gels, lotions, after-sun milk with non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic formulas. Avoid foods high in oils and fats.
For dry skin choose moisturizing and moisture-retaining formulas based on plant extracts, thermal water, hyaluronic acid: creams, milk, mousses.
For sensitive skin light, soothing and restorative products are suitable, for example, foams and milks based on panthenol and aloe extract. Look for products labeled “hypoallergenic”.

Pay attention to the components that make up the product: those that are contained in it in the largest amount are listed at the top of the list and vice versa. Give preference to products that have water, moisturizing and regenerating components in the first place, and anti-burn products are in the middle of the list.

Review of La Roche-Posay after-sun cosmetics

Posthelios after-sun repair for face and body

It has pronounced soothing, moisturizing properties. Restores the protective lipid film of the skin.

Posthelios / posthelios — Where can one buy:

At the moment, La Roche-Posay products are not available for purchase in the official online store. You can purchase our products in other channels you know – in pharmacies, other authorized partners and online marketplaces

Who is the remedy for? All skin types, including sensitive and dehydrated skin, after sun exposure.

How does it work?

Soothes.
Moisturizes.
Softens.
Restores the natural protective lipid film.
Protects skin from free radicals.
Helps strengthen the skin’s protective barrier.
Non-comedogenic.

Texture: non-greasy, non-sticky.

The advantages of the composition:

Karite butter intensively moisturizes and regenerates the skin.
Niacinamide helps to strengthen the protective barrier of the skin and soothes it.
Thermal water La Roche-Posay has soothing, softening properties, and is also high in the powerful natural antioxidant Selenium and helps protect the skin from the effects of free radicals.

How to use?

Apply the product in the palm of your hand, and then spread it over the skin of the face and body with gentle massaging movements.
Use after bath or shower.
Avoid the area around the eyes.
In case of contact with eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.
Not intended for use on damaged skin.

Posthelios after-sun cooling gel for face and body

Formulated with 76% La Roche-Posay Thermal Water, it visibly soothes and repairs damaged skin while moisturizing for up to 48 hours.

Posthelios / posthelios cooling gel — Where can one buy:

Who is the remedy for? For dehydrated and damaged, dry and flaky skin after sun exposure. Also suitable for very sensitive skin prone to allergies.

Texture: light, gel.