July 12, 2021
What helps with sunburn? 5 tips for sun-damaged skin
by Lena Severin
Mid-July, the sun is shining, we may even be on holiday in Europe, wherever we can, or on our balcony. No matter where we spend this summer, it's not just the southern summer sun that is shining down on us with its UV rays. At the lake, beach or outdoor pool, I'm increasingly seeing almost wildfires on people's skin. Here you can find out why sunburn can be quite dangerous for our skin and what we can do to support its recovery or to avoid the bright red discolouration in the first place:
1. Sun-damaged skin – risk factor
2. Too late for sunscreen – 5 tips for sunburn
3. Well protected throughout the solar year
1. Sun-damaged skin – risk factor
We usually learn very early on that too much sun is not healthy for our skin. We also learn that too much UV radiation can cause skin cancer. But what exactly happens when the skin is damaged by the sun and why does it turn red?
When our skin absorbs UV radiation, energy is released. First, the pigment cells in the epidermis react by producing more pigment, which is passed on to the skin cells to protect their cell nucleus. This is how the skin's own protection works. If UV exposure lasts too long, the burned skin cells die, the skin becomes thinner and inflamed - hence the red color. As the cells die, the skin's protective barrier also becomes thinner and moisture is lost.
Sunlight exposure not only causes inflammation, but can also cause DNA damage, which increases the risk of skin cancer. The connective tissue also suffers because the collagen fibers lose their functionality and die. Summary: Sunburn should be avoided at all costs - but sometimes things turn out differently than you think.
2. Too late for sunscreen – 5 tips for sunburn
Aloe Vera Spray
As the picture above already reveals, aloe vera is your helper in times of need! And the spray is perfect for in-between times! For an extra kick of freshness, you can also put the spray in the fridge and simply spray it on your skin and hair every now and then throughout the day, as they also lose valuable moisture in the hot summer sun. It is also a nice way to cool down, whether you are sunbathing, strolling or working. The moisture supplied by the aloe vera invigorates the skin and helps it to maintain its own moisture balance.
Don’t forget to drink
Especially in warm temperatures, the water bottle should be your best friend and constant companion. 3-4 liters a day is recommended. Sufficient fluid in our body ensures that the organs can work better, bodily processes run more smoothly and the skin is better moisturized and can thus protect itself against viruses, bacteria and UV radiation. But not so well that you can go out without sunscreen. The regeneration of the skin after sunburn can also be easier if the skin is sufficiently moisturized.
If you're like me and forget to drink or just don't feel thirsty, you might find it helpful to pour water into carafes or bottles and add natural flavors like organic oranges and lemons, lavender sprigs and mint. If it tastes good, it will be gone faster than you think!
Aloe Vera Gel
Rule #1 for sunburn care: cool and moisturize. Aloe vera gel is the perfect companion and a true fountain of moisture. In summer, you can keep it in the fridge, just like the spray, to increase the cooling effect. By supplying moisture from the outside, the skin barrier can regain balance and stabilize the moisture balance on its own. Ideally, you should apply the gel generously to your sunburned skin and let it work. If you like and feel that your skin needs a little more, you can apply it several times with a little time in between.
Rosehip seed oil
An absolute hero when it comes to supporting skin regeneration. And it is essential for sun-damaged skin that this regeneration process is supported as well as possible. Thanks to the vitamin A it contains, rosehip seed oil stimulates regeneration and protects the skin from DNA damage when exposed to the sun. Vitamin E and carotenoids fight off the free radicals that can lead to cell damage and have an antioxidant effect. The oil therefore helps to relieve sunburn, protect the cells and supplies the skin with important nutrients and moisture. You can read more details about this in this article .
Top tip: prevention!
Of course, it is important to prevent any sunburn. Healthy and well-moisturized skin is the first step. A good sunscreen with high UVA and UVB protection is the second. Our tip: Apply the aloe vera gel to your skin in the morning before sunscreen to give it a good dose of moisture. This strengthens the skin's natural protective function and also makes it easier to spread the sunscreen on the still slightly damp skin.
Cream, cream, cream! The motto of summer is: Better too much than too little. After applying, wait about 30 minutes before going into the water so that the cream can absorb and reapply cream every now and then.
Keep skin that is already red out of the sun. It's better to wear a shirt or pants, or just go into the shade. It's much easier to take a nap there anyway.
4. Well protected throughout the solar year
Despite all the preventive measures, sometimes help comes too late. In these cases, moisture and cooling are the order of the day. With these tips, you can prepare well for your sunbathing time - and not just in summer! If you've been with us for a while, you know how much we like to point out the importance of incorporating sunscreen into your morning routine all year round. UV radiation also reaches us through the winter cloud cover. Sunscreen and moisturizer not only get us through the summer months, but all year round!
Happy creaming!
