What is sunburn? Sunburn is a skin burn caused by excessive exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays damage skin cells, causing redness, pain and sometimes blistering. Symptoms usually appear within a few hours of exposure, and can last for several days. How to prevent sunburn? There are several key steps to take to prevent sunburn: Regularly apply sun cream with a high sun protection factor (SPF), even on cloudy days. Wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses. Limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are most intense. Seek shade whenever possible. Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating. What to do in case of sunburn? In case of sunburn, follow these steps to relieve pain and speed healing: Cool the skin with cold water or damp compresses for 10 to 15 minutes. Apply a lotion or gel containing aloe or calamine to soothe inflammation. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Avoid exposing burned skin to other sources of heat, including the sun. Take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to reduce pain and inflammation. What are the symptoms of severe sunburn? Severe sunburn may present the following symptoms: Intense redness and increased pain. Fluid-filled blisters that may burst. Swelling of the affected skin. Fever, chills or nausea, indicating sunstroke or severe dehydration. Headaches and dizziness. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a health professional immediately. What are the risks associated with frequent sunburn? Frequent sunburn significantly increases the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the most dangerous form. They also accelerate skin aging, causing wrinkles and loss of firmness. What's more, repeated exposure to UV rays without protection can weaken the skin's immune system. How to choose an effective sunscreen? For optimum protection, choose a sunscreen with: A sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. Broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. A water-resistant formula if you plan to swim or sweat. Hypoallergenic ingredients for sensitive skin. Apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes before exposure and reapply every two hours. What natural remedies can help treat a sunburn? Natural remedies to soothe a sunburn include: Aloe vera gel : Apply directly to the skin for its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties. Cold milk compress: Relieves pain and inflammation thanks to the proteins and fats in milk. Oatmeal baths: Helps reduce itching and soothe irritated skin. Honey: Speeds healing due to its antibacterial and moisturizing properties. Is it possible to tan while using sunscreen? Yes, it is possible to tan while using sunscreen. Sunscreen filters out some UV rays, but not all. You'll get a safer tan, reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Why are fair-skinned people more sensitive to sunburn? Fair-skinned people have less melanin, the pigment that helps protect the skin from UV rays. As a result, they are more susceptible to skin damage and sunburn. It's crucial for these individuals to use increased protective measures, such as high SPF sunscreens and protective clothing. Can sunburn cause long-term skin damage? Yes, sunburn can cause long-term skin damage. Effects include: Premature aging of the skin, such as wrinkles and age spots. Increased risk of skin cancers, including melanoma. Fragility of the skin and reduced ability to regenerate after injury. What role do antioxidants play in preventing sunburn damage? Antioxidants, found in foods such as fruit and vegetables, help protect the skin from UV damage by neutralizing free radicals. They complement the protective effects of sunscreen and help reduce the risk of premature aging and skin cancer. How can clothing protect against sunburn? Protective clothing provides a physical barrier against UV rays. Dense fabrics, dark colors and specially designed garments with a high UV protection factor (UPF) are the most effective. Wearing wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with UV protection complete the protection package. What are the medical treatments for severe sunburn? For severe sunburn, medical treatments may include: Corticosteroid creams to reduce inflammation. Antibiotics for infected blisters. Specialized care for severe burns, sometimes involving sterile dressings and pain relief. How to reduce the redness of a sunburn quickly? To reduce the redness of a sunburn quickly, it's crucial to cool the skin and use soothing products. Apply cold compresses or take a cold shower immediately after exposure. Then use a lotion containing aloe or calamine to reduce inflammation. Applying moisturizers and taking antioxidant supplements, such as vitamin E, can also help speed recovery and reduce redness. Can sunburn disappear overnight? Making sunburn disappear completely overnight is difficult, but certain treatments can significantly reduce symptoms. Before going to bed, generously apply a moisturizing lotion enriched with aloe vera to the affected area. Wrap the skin with light bandages soaked in cool water to maintain hydration. Take an analgesic such as ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and pain. Make sure you stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water before bed. What are the best products to apply to sunburn? To treat sunburn, the best products include moisturizing lotions containing aloe vera or calamine to soothe the skin. Corticosteroid-based creams can be used for cases of intense redness, under medical advice. Lidocaine gels can provide temporary pain relief. Balms based on shea butter and vitamin E are also effective in rehydrating the skin and promoting healing. How long does a sunburn typically last, and how can we tell if the skin is healing? A sunburn usually lasts between 3 and 7 days, depending on the severity of the burn. Symptoms such as redness and pain gradually diminish, while the skin may begin to peel at the end of the healing phase. Signs that the skin is healing include reduced inflammation and improved skin color. If the skin remains red and painful beyond this time, or if blisters appear, it's advisable to consult a doctor. What methods are available to quickly relieve the pain of sunburn? To quickly relieve the pain of sunburn, start by applying cold compresses or taking a cold shower to reduce the burning sensation. Applying analgesic creams containing lidocaine may offer temporary relief. Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation. Avoid additional sun exposure and wear soft clothing to avoid rubbing damaged skin. How important is internal and external hydration after sunburn? Internal and external hydration is crucial for healing after sunburn. Drinking plenty of water helps prevent dehydration, which can worsen symptoms. Using moisturizing creams rich in aloe vera or natural oils helps restore lost moisture and protect the skin barrier. Applying these creams regularly and drinking fluids help reduce desquamation and speed up skin recovery.
