Sun Care Advice

Overview

Summer is not the only time that we may be susceptible to sunburn and sun damage. It is important to remember that some medications may affect our skins ability to tolerate UV light. Of course prevention is better than the cure, but in the event that sunburn does occur we have solutions to speed the healing process.

Prevention

Ensure that the sunscreen you use is ‘broad-spectrum’. This means that the product provides protection from both UVA rays and UVB rays. Also ensure that the sunscreen you use has a sun protection factor of 50+.

A lip balm containing SPF can be used to protect the delicate skin of the lips from the sun and wind.

Further to products containing SPF protection, wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible, wear sunglasses and a broad brimmed hat to further protect your skin from the sun.

If you know you’re going to be in the sun for an extended period of time, make sure you remain hydrated with an electrolyte replacement drink. This will ensure you do not get dehydrated.

Treatment

Skin that has been sunburnt turns red within hours – and the sunburn will continue to develop for the next one to three days.

Initial treatment for sunburn should reflect the treatment of all types of burns. It is essential to remove the heat from the skin. The best way to do this is to have a cool shower or use a cool compress. Do not apply ice directly to sunburn and avoid applying any creams while the area is still hot to touch.

Most people who have been sunburnt also peel – which is the body’s way of shedding dead and damaged skin cells and making way for the new skin underneath.

The most important thing to do when you suffer from sunburn is to give your skin time to heal. Stay out of direct sunlight.

Aloe Vera Gel can be used as a natural remedy to sunburnt skin. The soothing and cooling effect of Aloe Vera aids to remove the heat from sunburn as an intial treatment, and relieve the discomfort associated with the recovery from sunburn.

Burn sprays can also be used to provide a local anaesthetic to ease the pain of sun and windburn.

It is also important to use rehydration solutions as the body often becomes dehydrated after sunburn.

Learn More

Want to know more? Michael’s Chemist is committed to providing you with the best health care experience available.

If you would like to learn more about a product or condition, please don’t hesitate to contact us at either our Claremont, Wembley or North Perth stores.