We've all forgotten to protect our skin when out in the sun... and suffered the consequences. Here are a few tips and preventive treatments to help avoid burning your skin during the sunny weather.
What is sunburn?
A sunburn (or actinic erythema) is nothing more than a burn, damage to the skin caused by overexposure to ultraviolet rays (UV rays). These days, getting a sunburn is often seen as a sign of neglect.
What are the symptoms of a sunburn?
The symptoms of sunburn usually include redness, swelling and discomfort. Sometimes, sunburn can even cause signs of pain, burning, general discomfort and skin that feels hot to the touch.
Some people are at greater risk of sunburn, for example, those with pale skin or hair, who live in areas with a lot of sunshine, or who take certain medications, which can make the skin more sensitive to radiation.
As with any injury affecting the integrity of the skin, sunburn requires first aid. If the sunburn is more severe, it is strongly recommended that you consult a health care professional.
Remember that, in the summertime, heatstroke happens quickly, so check out our article to prevent it, and then act appropriately should it happen.
How long does a sunburn last?
Sunburn appears fully 24 to 48 hours after exposure, and begins to heal after 3 to 5 days for milder forms. In more severe cases (blisters, flaking), healing can take up to one week or even ten days.
How to treat sunburn quickly?
As soon as the first signs appear, apply cool compresses, moisturizer or after-sun care. Aloe Vera gel can also be applied to create a cooling sensation around the affected area. Taking acetaminophen can help relieve any pain. Ask your pharmacist for advice on what to do for actinic erythema.
How can I soothe my lips and eyes after a sunburn on the face?
The steps are the same as for a sunburn elsewhere on your body. To relieve these sensitive areas, it's important to gently apply cold compresses to your lips and closed eyelids, and then aloe gel to your lips. Moisturizing the affected skin is key to soothing the burning sensation and enabling proper healing. Use an unscented, hypoallergenic face moisturizer on your lips and eyelids.
Tip: Put your tube of moisturizer or aloe vera in your fridge, and later apply the cold product to your skin for an instant cooling effect!
Our article "Reactive or sensitive skin: Choose the appropriate sun care" will answer all your questions about the effects of the sun on your skin and the right treatments to protect your skin from the sun's UV rays.
How do you get rid of the redness of sunburn?
Favour skincare products enriched with shea butter or jojoba oil to deeply nourish skin and prevent flaking. Patience and gentle care are your best allies in restoring an even complexion.
Can an antibiotic ointment help relieve sunburn?
Antibiotic ointments are not recommended as a main treatment for sunburn. It is preferable to use a soothing after-sun care or ask your Jean Coutu-affiliated pharmacist for advice on a product specifically formulated for actinic erythema.
Every skin type deserves its own sun cream and after-sun care. To find out which products are essential for your skin type, see our article "Sun protection for every skin type!"
What to do about sunburn
1. Reduce exposure
As soon as the first signs appear (redness, sensation of heat), get out of the sun immediately. Look for a shady area, or, better still, go indoors to protect your skin from UV rays.
2. Cool the skin down
Apply cold water compresses to the burnt areas. You can repeat the operation several times a day to relieve the sensation of heat.
3. Apply "after-sun" care
Choose a product with a base of aloe vera or other moisturizing and soothing agents. Some skincare products also contain medicated ingredients. Find all our recommendations in the article "After-skin care products and creams: essential for your skin this summer".
4. Drink lots of water
Optimal hydration is essential to helping your skin repair itself and maintaining your overall well-being.
5. Treat blisters and flaking
- Don't burst blisters and don't remove peeling skin: you could open the door to infection.
- Gently clean the area with a saline solution or clear water and a very mild soap.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment or cream, and then cover with a sterile dressing.
6. Relieve the pain
If the burn is painful, a simple analgesic (e.g., acetaminophen) can help reduce discomfort.
7. Consult a professional if...
- You develop a fever or chills.
- The pain becomes intense.
- Your general condition deteriorates (malaise, dizziness).
- You notice signs of dehydration (extreme thirst, infrequent urination).
In the event of a major sunburn, it's always best to have the situation assessed by a doctor.
The importance of prevention
Protect your skin in all seasons
We sometimes forget the importance of protecting our skin from the sun's rays, in particular in winter or on cloudy days. Bear in mind that UV rays pass through clouds and are reflected on snow, sand or water. Sun protection is therefore essential, whatever the season, weather or outdoor activity.
Tanning booths are no exception
Exposure to the rays of a tanning booth can cause a sunburn just as much as a day at the beach. In the longer term, overexposure to UV rays, whether natural or artificial, promotes premature ageing of the skin and increases the risk of skin cancer.
Prevention first
Limiting exposure is the best way to avoid burns. Every outing in the sun must be involve applying a good-quality sunscreen. Ask your pharmacist for personalized advice on choosing the right protection factor and formula for your skin type.
Think about heatstroke
By avoiding excessive exposure, you prevent not only sunburn, but also the risk of heatstroke, a potentially serious condition that can occur in high heat.
Prevention is the most effective strategy. If you still end up with a sunburn, take this experience as a lesson for the future. Your pharmacist will be able to guide you through both first-aid measures and the best sun protection practices.
