One of the best things to do during summer—when the temperature is high, and the sun is always out—is to dip into a pool and let the body cool down. It has been a tradition where kids and adults alike gather on the beach to enjoy the sun, the view, and the cool water.  Too much fun though under the sun could also pose a great risk on the skin, commonly a sunburn, and even conditions that might be more harmful in the long run. So, it is important to have a plan for prevention and protection before going out of the shade. And if the situation comes to worst, the aftercare needed—using which sunburn moisturizer is most effective and just what the skin needs.

What is a sunburn

Sunburn is a radiation burn on the skin that occurs after prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun. The area affected will appear red and feel sore due to the inflammation that the ultraviolet radiation from the sun has caused. Signs of sunburn can start within a couple of minutes after prolonged       exposure and will continue to develop for the next 24 to 72 hours. The severity of a sunburn will be worse depending on how long the skin was exposed to UV rays and depends on how long it will heal. Mild to moderate cases of sunburn can be treated at home; however, in cases where the skin develops blisters and swelling on the affected area, it is best to see a doctor for treatment.

It is important to note that exposure to UV rays is harmful to the skin and can cause irreparable damage to the cells. Skin tanning can also cause premature skin aging and, in worse cases, skin cancer. Exposing the skin to UV rays from the sun for a prolonged period can increase the risk of developing skin cancer, so it is suggested to protect the skin from this using protective clothing and products with a specific formulation for sun protection, such as sunscreen and sunblock. If sunburn is already present, it is essential to also have a post-exposure treatment routine, such as using sunburn moisturizers and anti-inflammatory ointments.

Long-term complications

Prolonged, intense, and repeated exposure to harmful UV rays increases the risk of skin damage and long-term complications. Some of the known complications are:

Actinic Keratosis: Actinic Keratosis (AK) sometimes called solar keratosis, is an effect of sun-damaged skin that appears as scaly patches. These patches are usually regarded as non-serious conditions; however, they pose a small chance of developing into skin cancer. Treatments for AK range from prescription creams to surgery, cryotherapy, and photodynamic therapy. People with AK are discouraged from further sun exposure to lower the chance of acquiring more complications.

Premature skin aging: Also known as photoaging, premature aging of the skin is an occurrence where the UV rays of the sun (and tanning beds) have damaged the skin’s structure beyond repair. Unlike the natural aging cycle, premature skin aging happens in the earliest years due to prolonged exposure to UV rays, causing photodamage to the deepest layers of the skin. Signs of photoaging include wrinkles on the affected area of the skin, age spots, liver spots, uneven skin texture, decreased elasticity, loss of skin tone, and even spider veins.

Skin cancer: Too much exposure to the sun, and even tanning beds can increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Even on cloudy days, the UV rays from the sun can still reach the skin; thus, protection from it is still important. Skin cancer from prolonged exposure to UV rays can include:

Melanoma is a serious type of cancer that causes changes to the existing moles on the skin, making them larger and darker. Melanoma may also develop new abnormal pigmentation on the skin especially on the areas that are mostly exposed to UV rays such as the face, arms, legs, and back. Treatment for melanoma includes surgical treatment and chemotherapy to reduce the spread of cancer cells.

Non-melanoma is a group of cancer cells that destroy nearby tissue. It is a more common and less serious skin cancer compared to melanoma. This type of skin cancer develops on the outermost layer of the skin and is treatable by surgery, cryotherapy, radiotherapy, and photodynamic therapy (PDT). The success rate for treating non-melanoma skin cancer is excellent.

Risk factors

There is always a reason for every individual to walk under the sun and in cases where this is unavoidable, protection is a must. Exposure to UV light is far more serious than just getting a suntan or a sunburn, and everyone should still be extra cautious particularly if:

• Your line of work requires you to stay in an open field.

• You have pale or light brown skin.

• You have extra pigmentation on the skin; moles or freckles.

• You are staying and/or living in a place where the sun is intense.

• You have a family history of skin cancer.

Taking extra steps

Prevention is the main step in protecting the skin from sun damage; however, for some, this is not entirely plausible since other factors urge them to possibly be under the sun for a minimal to ample amount of time. To better protect the skin from sun damage, it is also essential to take extra steps.

• Protective clothing: Consider wearing an extra layer of clothing, as the sun may still go through thin layers of clothing. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat ensures that the face and neck is under shade.

• Sunscreen: Sunscreen and sunblock are the best at protecting the skin from sun damage, so it should be essential for everyone who is planning to spend their time under the sun. The recommended application of sunscreen and sunblock is 30 minutes before sun exposure and needs to be generously applied on all exposed skin. Wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 or more provides the best protection.

• Exposure on particular hours: During noon, or from 10 AM to 4 PM, the sun’s rays are at their peak, so UV rays are more intense. If there is a need to be outside, schedule it on the hours where the UV rays are at its lowest. Checking on the UV index of the day can also be a great help to know when it is safest to go outside.

Sunburn aftercare

Getting that sunburn after going out for a swim or hiking a thrilling trail might be a trophy for adventurous individuals, but it is undeniable that this can present discomfort and irritation to those who are currently experiencing it. And the use of special formulations targeting the effects of sunburn is the most reliable course of action.

• Frequent baths help cool the affected area. Be sure to bathe with cool water to relieve the pain. After bathing, leave the skin damp and seal in the water using moisturizers.

• Sunburn moisturizer helps with relieving dryness of the skin. Products that help retain moisture on the skin such as Humeda cream, which is a safe bet for individuals who have sensitive skin. It is a featherlight moisturizer that extensively hydrates the skin. Consider also using NNO Nourishing Night Oil before going to bed to provide additional vitamins on the skin to help with soothing dryness and nourishing the skin for a brighter appearance. Just make sure that your skin doesn’t have any blisters or open wounds caused by sunburn prior to using any topical moisturizers or oils.

• Aloe vera gels are known for their cooling, soothing, and moisturizing properties. Consider looking for products that are specifically formulated with aloe vera if the exposed area feels uncomfortable.

• Drink plenty of fluids to restore the body’s hydration levels which is a good way to hydrate the skin from the inside out.

• Cover up the skin while it is recovering from sunburn. If there is a need to go outdoors, wear protective clothing while it is healing to prevent further damage and burns.

In cases where the sunburn is more severe, seek medical help to plan out the best treatments.

Sunburn may look like an ordinary skin condition, something that can be shrugged off. However, the lasting effect of prolonged sun exposure should not be taken lightly. Remember to protect the skin at all cost, as it is an indicator that we are taking care of our general health.