Posted on 30th Aug 2011 @ 2:03 PM

Sun burn is one of the biggest problems our skin has to deal with during summertime. Sunburn is not only unsightly and painful; sunburn dramatically increases our risk for skin cancer. No matter how diligently we apply the sunscreen, we all face risk of sunburn when we bake under midday sun.

What happens when we get a sunburn?

There are two main types of ultraviolet radiation from the sun: UVA and UVB. When exposed to ample amounts of direct sun rays, our skin gets burnt by UVB type of UV radiation. UVA rays cause the skin to lose its elasticity, leading to premature ageing and leathery skin. Both types of UV radiation can cause damage to cellular DNA, which is why being sunburnt also increases your risk of skin cancer.

What is the first thing to do when you get sunburnt?

Get out of the sun – immediately. Stay away from the sun for at least three days while your skin is red and inflamed. I find it helpful to take an aspirin after a really bad burn but please consult you’re the medical practitioner first.

Avoid the temptation to cool down the sunburn with ice cubes! There are helpful sprays with topical analgesic lidocaine and panthenol.

While recuperating from the sunburn, drink lots of cool caffeine-free non-alcoholic fluids. If the sunburn doesn't improve within a few days or you have severe pain or a fever contact your medical practitioner or at least a pharmacist when abroad.

Natural remedies for sunburn

Nettle and chamomile infusion helps your skin regain some comfort. Prepare some chamomile, nettle, or peppermint tea and soak some towels or muslin cloths in the cool liquid. Apply to sunburnt areas and replace the fabric when it becomes warm. This helps cool down the skin temperature and soothe the soreness. Oatmeal baths are also very helpful but the water must be lukewarm. Try a natural cooling mist prepared without alcohol or irritants.

How can you make your skin more comfortable after the sunburn?

First of all, avoid applying oil to your skin if you have sunburn. It is absolutely imperative to avoid all kinds of oil including mineral oil (of course!) and undiluted plant oils. Even light oils such as coconut and jojoba are best avoided. You skin needs to cool down and the only way it can cool down is to evaporate water off its surface, so do not block your pores with oils, no matter how light they seem.

Instead, cool down your sunburnt skin with mineral water and water-based light gels. Mineral water in spray is the best. I prefer La Roche Posay mineral water in an aerosol dispenser (kept cool in the fridge) because it contains lots of a natural antioxidant selenium. Choose mineral waters that are rich in selenium and magnesium – both minerals are really good in calming down the skin.

Aloe vera is a time-tested skin remedy, but many people dislike the sticky after-feel and the dry, pulling effect that aloe vera causes when it dries out on sore, sensitive sunburnt skin. Instead, prepare a really strong cup of green tea (so strong, it is almost brown), let it cool down and spray your skin liberally with the infusion. I also recommend spraying a soothing mist liberally over post-tanned skin to help it recuperate from the damage.

How do you deal with sunburn blisters?

Rule #1. Never pop or puncture them. Allow blisters to dry out naturally. Do not pick the dry skin, either, because the skin underneath is pale and unprotected. Wear an extra layer of natural sunscreen on top of your sunburn lesions.

Tanned, dark skin has a natural sun protection factor of 8 to 12 but this is not the reason to skip sunscreen when you have developed a lovely tan!

What to do after the sunburn has improved?

When the redness subsided, you can start using after-tan oils and rich creams to replenish the lost moisture and improve the look of peeling areas. I find that coconut, jojoba, and olive oils help soothe my skin and repair some damage.

Any ideas to prevent sunburns?

Avoiding the midday sun and using a plenty of mineral sunscreen is the obvious advice, but recent scientific studies found that taking sea kelp, beta-carotene and lycopene supplements for at least four weeks before the beach season helps improve the natural protection of your skin.