January the 26th is traditionally our national holiday of beach going, barbeques and sunburn. Ouch- not again! Even the most diligent of us can get caught out or miss a spot and get a touch of sunburn on Australia Day. Sunburn can really sting and for serious cases of sunburn, hospitalisation may be required. Rest assured that at home treatments are effective and while complete repair of the skin may not be possible, reducing the pain will be much needed relief for many.
Summer Burning Happens So Fast
Did you get burnt splashing around in the summer sun? Why do you burn more easily in the summertime and not winter (the winter sun can still do damage though!)? During the summer months, the earth is tilted towards the sun making us orbit slightly closer in. The days are longer, hotter and the UV index is higher. With a high UV index we are exposed to more UV radiation, which means we burn more easily.
The best way to avoid a sunburn is to avoid being out in the sun during the danger times. During summer in Australia, this is generally between 9am and 4pm. If you are out in the sun this Australia Day cover up with sunscreen, sunnies, hats and light, long clothing.
Sunburn occurs when excess amounts of UVA and UVB radiation damage the skin. Lifetime exposure to sunburn is a risk associated with developing skin cancers and other non-cancerous lesions. Though sunscreens offer a lot of protection, they need to be used correctly to offer maximum protection. Follow the directions and reapply as directed, and more frequently if you have been sweating a lot or swimming. Don’t get caught out with even a tiny patch of sunburn: consider items that might rub sunscreen off such as car seat belts and shoulder bags!
What to do if you do get burnt
- Stop yourself being exposed to the trigger and get out of the sun.
- Remove any tight clothing that might irritate the burn.
- Have a cool shower and avoid any harsh soaps, exfoliants or scrubbing.
- Apply an after-sun product. Reapply as needed.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Do not pop any blisters, peel back skin or scrub off the peeling skin.
At the clinic we are in love with Dermalogica’s After Sun Repair: “a cooling treatment balm to help remedy damage from exposure to UV sunlight…Help calm skin and reduce irritation induced by sunburn with Prickly-Ash and a unique blend of Clove Extract, Licorice, Mugwort, Lavender, Cucumber, Chamomile and Yucca. Algae Extract and Alnus Firmifolia Fruit help restore lost moisture to help accelerate skin’s recovery process. Formulated without artificial fragrances or colors.”
Further reading: Daylight Defense and SPF
To book a free Dermalogica Face Mapping consultation and discover your unique skin needs or for more information about general skincare. Contact us today!
