Sun damaged skin? Here are the best tips for when it happens
Sun damaged skin occurs when your skin is exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays, resulting in red and sore skin. People with fair skin are at higher risk of getting sunburned because they have less melanin, which protects against the sun's rays.
If you get sunburned, it's recommended to use cooling creams/gels and aloe vera to soothe the sunburn. In severe cases, you should consult a doctor. It's also crucial to drink plenty of water because sun damaged skin increases water evaporation from the affected areas.
Read on to find the best tips for when sun damaged skin happens.
Table of contents
What is sun damaged skin?
When your skin is sun damaged, it means the skin is sunburnt. A sun damaged skin occurs when your skin is exposed to too much ultraviolet radiation from the sun. This damages the outer layer of the skin and causes redness, pain, and sometimes swelling. Melanin in our skin helps protect against the sun's rays, but people with fair skin have less melanin, increasing the risk of damage.
UV rays, both UVA and UVB, are strongest between noon and 3 PM when the sun is most intense.
Symptoms of sun damaged skin typically appear 4-6 hours after sun exposure. It's essential to protect your skin with clothing, a sun hat, and sunscreen, especially during the hours when the sun is strongest.
Sun damaged skin can occur even on cloudy days, as UV rays can penetrate clouds.
Sun damaged skin on face
The face is particularly prone to sunburn because it's often the most exposed area of the body. Redness, soreness, and dryness are common symptoms of a sun damaged skin on face. It's important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF and to wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors. After a sunburn, aloe vera and moisturizing creams can help soothe irritation and support healing.
Sun damaged skin on scalp
The scalp can easily be overlooked when it comes to sun protection, but it's very vulnerable to UV rays, especially in people with thin hair or bald spots. Symptoms of sun damaged skin on scalp include redness, flaking, and a burning sensation. It's recommended to wear a hat or use a sun-protective spray specifically designed for the scalp.
Sun damaged lips
Lips have very thin skin and almost no melanin, making them particularly susceptible to sun damage. Sunburned lips can become very dry, cracked, and painful. Using a lip balm with SPF is crucial to protect against UV rays. In case of sunburn, soothing gels and moisturizing lip products can help heal and restore moisture.
How to treat sun damaged skin?
To soothe sun damaged skin, you can use cooling aloe vera gel, take cool baths, and drink plenty of water. These methods can help reduce the pain and redness after a sunburn.
Using aloe vera gel
Aloe vera gel helps soothe sun damaged skin. It cools and relieves quickly. Many people buy it from the pharmacy for quick relief. The gel from the aloe plant is known for its healing properties.
It penetrates the skin and provides immediate relief.
Apply a thick layer to the affected areas. Repeat several times a day for the best effect. This natural treatment is popular and easy to use. Aloe vera without added colors and perfumes is best for the skin.
Cool baths
Cool baths can be a good way to relieve the pain from sun damaged skin. The cold water helps cool down the skin and reduce inflammation. Make sure the water isn't too cold, as it can further irritate the skin.
After the bath, it's important to pat the skin dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing.
Using cooling aftersun products after the bath can also enhance the relief effect. These products, often enriched with aloe vera and other moisturizing ingredients, help hydrate and soothe sun damaged skin.
Frequent cool baths combined with subsequent moisturizing can make a big difference in your skin's recovery.
Drink plenty of water
Drinking plenty of water is essential to soothe sun damaged skin, as sunburned skin evaporates more water. This helps keep your body hydrated.
Water loss can be a challenge with sun damaged skin, so it's important to drink plenty of water to compensate for this.
Water helps cool the body and can reduce inflammation in the skin, which can help ease sunburn pain. By drinking enough water, you can also support the healing process and promote healthy skin function.
Preventing future sunburns
Use sunscreen with a high SPF and remember to reapply it regularly, especially after sweating or swimming. Wear protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to shield against harmful UV rays.
Seek shade during the most intense sun hours, usually between 12 PM and 3 PM. Avoid sunbeds and overexposure to direct sunlight to reduce the risk of future sunburns.
Keep an eye on the times when the UV index is highest, and make sure to protect yourself and your loved ones by using the right preventive measures.
Conclusion
After learning why you get sun damaged skin and how to relieve the damage, it's important to remember prevention. Using sunscreen and avoiding excessive sun exposure can help protect your skin.
If you do get sunburned, take immediate steps to cool the skin with aloe vera gel and cool baths. Also, remember to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Don't forget to consult a doctor if the sunburn is severe.
FAQ
How long does sun damaged skin last?
The duration of a sunburn can vary, but typically the skin begins to heal after 3-5 days. Full healing, including peeling and any color evening out, can take up to two weeks.
Why do you get sun damaged skin?
You get sun damaged skin when your skin is exposed to too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which damages skin cells. This leads to redness, pain, and in some cases, swelling.
What helps with sun damaged skin?
Cool compresses, aloe vera, and moisturizing creams can soothe pain and speed up healing. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding further sun exposure is also important.
Can you get sunburned through glass?
Yes, it is possible to get sunburned through glass, as UVA rays can penetrate regular window glass, although UVB rays, which primarily cause sunburn, are mostly blocked.
What should you do if you get sun damaged on your face or lips?
For sun damaged skin on face and lips, apply aloe vera or a moisturizing cream to soothe pain and speed up healing. Use a lip balm with SPF and avoid further sun exposure until the skin is healed.
What should you do if you get sun damaged skin?
Cool the skin with damp, cool cloths or take a cool bath. Apply aloe vera or a light moisturizer to soothe the skin. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and avoid further sun exposure until the skin is healed.
Can you get a tan after being sunburned?
Yes, it is common for the skin to develop a tan after the initial redness from a sunburn. This happens because the body produces more melanin in response to UV radiation to protect the skin from further damage.
