Sunburn: the dark side of the sun
If the “moon tan” inspires romantic melodies and thoughts, daytime tanning requires rational and adequate protection. Neglecting the application of creams with protective factors suitable for your complexion can in fact cause the skin redness, itching, burning and flaking: the classic symptoms of sunburn, which is nothing more than a first degree burn caused by electromagnetic rays. UV. Loss of elasticity, wrinkles and premature skin aging are other side effects of an incorrect sun tan.
Learn how to prevent sunburnand therefore the first step to take when preparing to experience a “full sun” holiday. And, in the unfortunate hypothesis that you have already suffered the damage of tanning, you can turn to an ancient and wise pharmacist to find out how to alleviate the most annoying symptoms and accelerate the healing of sunburn: nature!
Conscious tanning: how to prevent sunburn
Exposure to the sun itself does not hurt, on the contrary, it is even indicated for people deficient in vitamin D or for those suffering from osteoporosis. It is also confirmed that natural light improves mood, alleviating the disorders of seasonal depression and regulating the circadian biological clock. Finally, seeing oneself with amber skin notoriously satisfies the aesthetic sense (even if it has not always been so throughout history).
But on the other side of the scale of exposure to the sun we find the possibility of getting burned and, with it, considerable risks for our health. And then, let’s face it: when we get too colored on the beach… we become more like a lobster ready to end up on a plate than a graceful mermaid! This is why it is important to know the “mechanism” of tanning and to find out how to prevent sunburn in order to obtain a golden skin at the right point and – above all – healthy.
Why don’t we all tans (and burns) the same way
Let’s do some clarity
The times and the quality of the tan vary according to the individual phototype, but it is necessary to correct an idea that is still too deep-rooted and widespread. The belief that only milky complexions risk sunburn. In reality, if it is true that people with fair skin are more prone to sunburn , that is, nevertheless even those who have olive or dark complexions, with brown hair (skin types 4-5-6), they need creams or lotions solar.
To understand how to prevent sunburn, let’s ask ourselves what happens to our skin when the appropriate precautions are not taken. The combination of UV-A rays (99% of radiation) and UV-B dehydrates the skin and causes a greater flow of blood to the surface, damaging the elastin and collagen fibers, and thus generating the feared free radicals. In particular, UVA act deeper, to the point of damaging the DNA of epithelial cells. The B radiations, on the other hand, which affect the catalysis of vitamin D, are primarily responsible for solar erythema.
Other enemies that you have to deal with when you are exposed are infrared rays which perform a thermal action on the skin, causing dilation of the superficial capillaries and accelerating skin aging. Unfortunately, the sunscreen contained in creams, oils and lotions cannot block them and you have to remember to refresh your skin frequently. Returning instead to ultraviolet rays, nature has endowed us with the precious melanin to defend ourselves. The pigment that “colors” our skin, in fact, is also able to counteract and neutralize ultraviolet rays. However, it is not an impenetrable shield. We too must do our part, applying sunscreen and avoiding staying in the sun for too long and especially during the hours between one and sixteen.
Taking supplements that boost melanin production is also one of the possible answers to the question of how to prevent sunburn . Another important thing to remember is the fact that spending a long time in the sun and in the heat also causes dehydration and loss of mineral salts and, consequently, lowering of blood pressure, headache and extreme fatigue. Also for this reason, therefore, it should be avoided!
Finally, don’t forget that rashes and sunburnthey are not only lurking when we are on vacation, but they can also hit us in the city. The UV and infrared radiation “citizens” are in fact the same ones that besiege us at the sea or in the mountains. Indeed, pollution and fine dust amplify their effects, favoring the onset of redness or painful burns in the worst cases. Sunbathing on the terrace of the house or taking long walks in the park in the hottest hours of the day without protection is equally harmful. Especially for those with fair skin and / or with freckles and for children, who have thin skin and tend to dehydrate more quickly than adults.
Natural remedies for sunburn
Test these fantastic 5 (plus 1)!
Having established, therefore, that you should try in every way to avoid getting burned and dehydrated in the sun, if the damage has already been done, you can get relief from some natural remedies against sunburn that are easy to prepare.
- Packs of water and oatmeal, iced tea or chamomile tea.
- Pack of warm water and essential oils of eucalyptus or lavender.
- White yogurt compresses (on inflamed areas only).
- Baths in lukewarm water in which to dip a bag of oat bran.
- Baths in lukewarm water in which dissolve 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda or 100 g of rice starch.
Finally, the most immediate natural remedies for sunburn are washing with cold (not freezing) water, to quickly refresh the reddened area. A simple and inexpensive expedient, but capable of giving immediate relief.
The prodigious effects of aloe vera gel
The aloe vera gel, contained in the characteristic fleshy leaves of the plant, and finally one of the oldest natural remedies in the world: it moisturizes the skin reddened by the sun, calms the burning and, thanks to the contribution of polysaccharides, stimulates the synthesis of collagen and the regeneration of damaged tissues . Applied to rashes and inflamed areas after a shower or bath, the aloe vera gel cools and soothes. It is quickly absorbed with a light massage, but its emollient and healing action continues for hours. In addition, it is also suitable for children.
On the other hand, when the burn appears very extensive and deep, and the skin is very sore, we recommend that you contact your doctor or pharmacist.
