By: Amina Elfarouk
With summer in full swing, everyone and their mothers are travelling so it’s time to get serious about sun protection. That being said, sunburns happen—especially if you forget to reapply SPF throughout the day—and can put a damper on your summer fun, to say the least, so I’ve listed a bunch of ways to prevent, deal with and heal sunburns.
1.SUNSCREEN
Loud and clear for the people in the back, this should be your number 1 priority while on vacation. Getting burnt will not help your tan, as this is one of the many thought of beliefs about tanning.
Sunburn is a form of radiation burn that affects living tissue, such as skin, that results from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and to be honest with you it’s never the desirable outcome any of us want.
So if you already have a sunscreen that is already shielding both your face and body from the sun, go you. For those who don’t, I suggest paying a visit to your dermatologist for a prescription of the sunscreen that is best for your skin.
2. Aloe Vera
Sunburns are super painful and can start to peel really early. Aloe vera is your true saviour on that one. Aloe Vera’s inflammatory properties provide sunburned skin with a soothing sensation upon application.
Keep a bottle of aloe vera in your beach bag this summer—or, even better: use the gel from the actual plant—and apply when needed. This will help heal any peeling that has started and moisturise any dry patches on your skin.
3. Exfoliate
DON’T FOR THE LOVE OF GOD PEEL YOUR OWN FACE!!
This will cause so much general damage to your skin so instead exfoliate. Personally, I used Black Lotus’ Grape Seed Oil all over my face and let it sit for about 30 mins and when my skin had soaked it all in, I washed it off gently, this got rid of so much unwanted dead skin.
4. Moisturise
After exfoliating your skin will be as dry as ever, and this calls for tons of moisturiser. Whether you use oils as your moisturiser or have a prescribed one you need it.
I highly recommend the Bioderma sébium global as it moisturises efficiently and gets rid of any left dry patches around your skin.
As for your body i recommend the vaseline intensive care/ essential healing body cream.
5. Lightening Corrective Serum
This is the final step to the eventual tan that comes at the end of a painful sunburn. I use the uriage depiderm white, lightening corrective serum on any dark areas or spots to color correct and give you an even tan.
Your lips will be super dry as well so i suggest layering up on the lip balm. I used the black lotus natural lip balm as it’s free of chemicals and retains the moisture of my lips. But feel free to use the lip balm best for you.
With all that being said and done, try to avoid the early morning sun but if you have to. Don’t forget the sunscreen!!