Spending time in the sun can offer several health benefits, but excessive exposure can negatively impact the skin. Dermatologists emphasize the importance of proper care following sun exposure to mitigate potential damage.
Dr. Dendy Engelman and Dr. Hadley King, both board-certified dermatologists, highlight that minimizing sunlight exposure is crucial for maintaining skin health. “Sunlight can damage the DNA of skin cells and affect proteins like collagen and elastin,” explains Dr. King, noting that this damage can lead to wrinkles and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Additionally, Dr. Engelman points out that UV rays and heat can dehydrate the skin. The longer one is exposed to the sun, the more dehydrated the body becomes, both internally and externally. Given that complete avoidance of sunlight, particularly during summer months, is impractical, taking steps to restore and repair the skin is essential.
Incorporating antioxidants such as vitamin C into daily skincare routines can help protect against UVA radiation. Moreover, using sunscreen and ensuring adequate hydration through water intake and moisturizers is vital. Dr. King emphasizes the need for hydration, stating, “You must be hydrated enough, so drinking plenty of water is important.”
For optimal skin recovery, Dr. King recommends using a moisturizer that contains a combination of humectants, emollients, or occlusives to support the skin barrier. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, ceramides, and oils are particularly beneficial for sunburned skin. Even those who spend limited time outdoors should prioritize these products after sun exposure.
Signs of sunburn include red, swollen, and hot skin, often accompanied by pain and peeling. “Typically, you’ll notice significant redness, which can lead to discomfort,” says Dr. King. To alleviate the effects of sunburn, several steps can be taken:
Take Anti-Inflammatory Medication: If needed, start with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation.
Cool Bath: Opt for a cool bath using gentle soaps formulated with glycerin to keep the skin soft and moist. After bathing, pat the skin dry gently to avoid further irritation.
Apply Moisturizers: Use moisturizers enriched with aloe vera to soothe burns, and consider applying a 1% hydrocortisone cream to alleviate discomfort.
If the sunburn leads to inflammation or excessive dryness, natural treatments or over-the-counter remedies can be beneficial. Dr. King suggests using a washcloth soaked in low-fat milk for 15 minutes to relieve discomfort. The fat content in milk has cleaning and moisturizing properties, which can be particularly effective during the drying and peeling phase of sunburn.
It’s crucial to resist the urge to touch or pick at peeling skin, as this can lead to irritation and infection. Dr. King advises that while skin peeling is a natural part of the healing process, it is important to treat it with a non-oily moisturizer. If sunburn symptoms worsen or do not improve, seeking advice from a board-certified dermatologist is essential for further evaluation and care.
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