Personal Care skincare Tips and Tricks

Tips to Prevent & Treat Sunburn

There are not many sensations like coming home from a long day out in the sun and feeling the tenderness of a sunburn. Clothing hurts, warm showers are uncomfortable and the aftermath can last for several days.

We have 5 tips for sun protection, here & SPF recommendations here so on beautiful summer days you don’t have to miss out on the fun.

For prevention of burns we recommend antioxidants and increased hydration. Load your diet up with rich sources of vitamins and nutrients to fight off the free-radical damage UV rays present. Antioxidants inhibit the oxidation of cells which is key to keeping skin health in top form. 

Hydration is important to decrease overall dehydration and that also applies to skin hydration. Pack water and fruits & veggies with you to help with water retention and electrolyte replenishment. Foods rich in potassium and lycopene are great snacks to have around.  

It is important to remember that even if you do not intend to get any sun, the sun reflects off surfaces which will lead to an increase in sun exposure even when sitting in the shade.

Ultraviolet radiation comes in forms of UVA, UVB & UVC. But the two culprits for premature aging, eye disorders and cancer are UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays. Below John Hopkins University breaks down what these rays are known for:


  • UVB rays cause a much greater risk of skin cancer than UVA.
  • But UVA rays cause aging, wrinkling, and loss of elasticity.
  • UVA also increases the damaging effects of UVB, including skin cancer and cataracts.

    • When dealing with sunburns still prioritize antioxidants and hydration for both diet and topical products. The best feeling is soothing skin with cooling showers or compresses and then applying moisturizer on top. 

    My go-to after a long day in the sun with or without visible sun damage is a cool shower. I'll alternate between hot and cold for lymphatic drainage if my skin isn't sensitive. Then apply Arnica Massage & Body Oil for an anti-inflammatory hydration that is rich in nutrients my skin craves. If I’m lucky, I'll have coconut water to enjoy too.

     

    Here's to the many sunny days ahead!


    References:

    https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/hn-4398006
    https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/sites/lpi.oregonstate.edu/files/potassium-flashcard.pdf
    https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/inflammation
    https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/carotenoids#food-sources
    https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/better-me/bad-sunburn-eight-tips-to-treat-and-find-some-relief
    https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/sun-safety

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