How To Treat Sunburn:
Discover 6 Key Tips
Sunburn occurs when the skin is exposed to too much sun, causing it to burn. This usually makes the skin red, sore, and sometimes swollen. Knowing how to care for sunburn is crucial for several reasons. First, it helps the skin heal faster, reducing the time spent in discomfort. Appropriate skin care also helps to reduce the risk of skin damage. Knowing how to treat sunburn helps the skin to recover more quickly from excessive exposure to the sun.
What is sunburn and
what causes it?
- Have fair or sensitive skin that burns easily:
People with fair skin have less melanin, the pigment that provides some protection against UV radiation. This makes them more susceptible to sunburn. People with sensitive skin, may also react more severely to sun exposure, even after a short time.
- Use tanning beds or lamps frequently:Tanning beds and lamps emit UV radiation, which can cause skin damage and increase your risk of sunburn. Frequent use of these artificial tanning methods can lead to progressive skin damage and make it much more likely that you’ll get burned.
- Are near reflective surfaces like water, snow, or sand:Be cautious near reflective surfaces like water, snow, or sand, as they intensify UV exposure. Swimming, skiing, or spending time at the beach can all increase your risk of sunburn because of these reflections. Additionally, prolonged exposure through a window can lead to skin damage and, in some cases, even sunburn, as glass does not completely block UV rays.
- Spend a lot of time outdoors without sun protection:
Whether at the beach, hiking, or doing yard work, being outdoors for extended periods without proper protection increases the risk of sunburn. It is important to wear sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, and to seek shade whenever possible.
6 common sunburn
symptoms to watch for
- Redness:Your skin turns noticeably red and feels warm to the touch. This redness is caused by increased blood flow to the affected area as your body tries to repair the damage.
- Pain:
The sunburned area often becomes tender and painful. The pain could range from mild discomfort to severe pain, depending on the extent of the burn.
- Swelling:Sunburn can cause your skin to swell and feel tight. Swelling is a sign of inflammation as your body responds to the skin damage.
- Blisters:In more severe cases, blisters might form on the sunburnt skin. These blisters are filled with fluid and can be very painful. It’s important not to pop them, as they help protect the underlying skin during the healing process.
- Peeling:As your skin heals, it often peels away to remove the damaged cells. This is a normal part of the healing process, although it can get itchy.
- Flu-like symptoms:In extreme cases, sunburn can cause systemic symptoms such as headaches, fever, chills, and fatigue. These symptoms indicate a more severe reaction and may need medical attention.
How to
help sunburn
- Get out of the sun:The first step is to get out of the sun to prevent further damage. Find shade or go indoors. Protect your sunburnt skin from any more sun exposure.
- Cool down your skin:Take a cool (not cold) shower or bath to help soothe your skin. Avoid hot baths and showers, as hot water can further irritate sunburnt skin.
- Cold compresses:Use cold, damp cloths on the sunburnt areas for 10–15 minutes at a time. This can help reduce heat and pain. However, don’t put ice or ice packs directly on sunburnt skin.
- Stay hydrated:Drink plenty of water to help your body recover. Damaged skin is more permeable to water vapour, which can escape from the body more easily.
- Apply moisturising cream:Once your skin has cooled down after a cool shower or bath, apply a gentle moisturiser or after-sun lotion to keep it hydrated and help prevent peeling. Depending on how severe your sunburn is, it may be advisable to speak to a healthcare professional before applying any products to your skin.
- Consider medical treatment:
if you are in pain, painkillers available from pharmacies may help. In the event of serious symptoms such as large blisters, extreme pain, signs of infection or temperature, you should consult a doctor immediately.
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How to care for sunburn
Causes of sunburn: UV rays from the sun damage skin cells, leading to redness, pain and swelling.
Risk factors: Your risk of sunburn is higher if you’re outdoors without protection, have fair skin, use tanning beds, or are near reflective surfaces like water or snow.
Key symptoms: Watch for redness, pain, swelling, blisters, peeling and flu-like symptoms so you can act quickly.
Treatment tips: Get out of the sun, cool your skin, use after-sun moisturisers and drink enough water to stay hydrated. If blisters appear, avoid piercing them. If they’re extensive, or in any other serious cases, consult a doctor.
How to
avoid sunburn
The UV index measures how strong the sun’s rays are on a given day. Check the UV index before you go outside. A higher number means a greater risk of sunburn, so take extra care on those days.
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Cover all exposed skin, including your ears, neck, and feet. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating. Explore the NIVEA Protect & Moisture Spray which offers immediate UV protection while keeping the skin moisturised for 48 hours*
*Instrumental test, 50 volunteers
Use around 35 ml (or the equivalent of seven teaspoons, one for each area of the body) of sun cream for your whole body. Do not forget to apply it to often-missed spots like the back of your neck, the tops of your ears, and the part in your hair.
Your face is one of the areas most exposed to the sun and can easily get sunburnt. Use a higher SPF on these areas, such as the NIVEA SUN Triple Protect 50+ Sun Care, which is specially developed for delicate facial skin. It protects your skin from the outside against UVA/UVB rays and the effects of high-energy visible light, which are responsible for skin damage and premature ageing.
Applying lip balm is important not only for hydrating your lips, but also for providing a layer of protection against environmental damage such as UV rays. Consider using the NIVEA Sun Protect Lip Balm SPF 50 or NIVEA Hydro Care Lip Balm with SPF 15 to moisturise your lips while providing light UV protection.
- Avoid certain products: Avoid products with petroleum jelly or high-fat content, as they could trap heat and worsen sunburn.
- No tight clothing: Wear loose, soft clothing to avoid irritating sunburnt areas.
