Ahhh, sunburn. Not only is it uncomfortable, but getting tormented by your mates for looking “very Brits abroad” is painful in a different sense of the word. In an ideal world, we’d all avoid getting sunburnt completely but – let’s be realistic – it happens to the best of us. We spoke to skin expert, Hannah Barnes from Dermalogica, about how to treat sunburn – the quicker, the better.
By Beth Ludolf
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1 What should I do if I get sunburnt?
“Whenever the skin is inflamed, we suggest following ‘the less rule’ – so, less time, less heat, less friction and less product”, Hannah explains. This means sticking to the shade, covering up the skin and opting for cool, breathable clothing (think linen or cotton). “Try applying a cool compress to reduce heat and avoid any active serums or exfoliation until the skin is healed”.
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2 Which ingredients soothe sunburn?
While the skin is still inflamed, Hannah recommends natural ingredients like oats and aloe vera, which calm the skin. “Once the sunburn has begun to subside, look for products rich in hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and aid healing”. If you’re in pain, an anti-inflammatory pain killer (like ibuprofen) can help too.
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3 Does sunburn cause ageing?
Brace yourself – yes, Hannah warns. “UV exposure causes inflammation within the skin and damages dermal proteins, like collagen and elastin which can lead to signs of photo-ageing including lines, wrinkles and pigmentation,” she explains. In fact, it can add up to 6.5 years onto your perceived age *shudders*.
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4 Which ingredients treat the long-term damage caused by sun exposure?
This depends on the damage you’re wanting to treat. “If you’re concerned with pigmentation caused by long-term sun exposure, look for ingredients like Oligopeptide and Vitamin C,” Hannah suggests. “If you’re looking to target more structural concerns, like lines and wrinkles, look for Vitamin A and peptides specific to ageing”.
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5 Remember, protection is key
Avoiding sun damage is your best option. Make sure you’re using the right amount of product to get effective coverage, “around a teaspoon amount for your face, neck and chest” Hannah explains. “Try to stay out of the sun when it’s at its highest point (between 10 am and 3 pm), seek shade or invest in a wide-brimmed hat”. Your skin will thank you.
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FAQs
What should you do immediately after getting sunburnt?
You should follow the ‘less rule’: less time, less heat, less friction and less product. Stay in the shade, wear cool and breathable clothes like cotton or linen, and avoid touching or rubbing the area. Applying a cool compress helps reduce heat.
Which ingredients help soothe sunburned skin?
Natural ingredients such as oats and aloe vera can calm inflamed skin. While your skin heals, avoid active serums and exfoliating until the redness subsides. For pain relief, an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen may help.
When should you use hyaluronic acid after sunburn?
Use products with hyaluronic acid once the sunburn has started to subside. This ingredient boosts hydration and supports the healing process after the initial inflammation has decreased.
Does sunburn make you look older?
Yes, repeated sunburns can accelerate signs of ageing, adding up to 6.5 years to your perceived age. UV exposure damages collagen and elastin, leading to lines, wrinkles and pigmentation, also known as photo-ageing.
How much sunscreen do you need for your face, neck and chest?
You need about one teaspoon of sunscreen for your face, neck and chest for full coverage. Make sure to apply this amount and reapply regularly, especially when spending time outdoors, for effective sun protection.