July 16, 2021

I have been sunburned, what should I do?

The best tips for treating erythema or sunburns

Abusing sun exposure entails serious damage that will depend on the duration of exposure, Rocío Franco, our pharmacist specialized in dermo-cosmetics tells us about the dangers of sun exposure and gives us the best tips to treat erythema or sunburn.

TYPES OF SOLAR RADIATION:

Abusing exposure to the sun entails serious damage that will depend on the duration of exposure. There are four types of solar radiation that reach the earth's surface:

1. UV-A radiation: 30% to 50% of UV-A rays reach deep into the dermis, and are responsible for skin aging and melanoma.

2. UV-B radiation: These are very energetic and are responsible for skin erythema. They penetrate at the epidermal level and cause skin tanning. It is responsible for about 75% of the carcinogenic effects caused by solar radiation.

3. Visible radiation (luminous effect): has the ability to produce spots (hyperpigmentation) on our skin and worsen existing ones. We absorb it in the epidermis and dermis.

4. Infrared radiation (heating effect): penetrates into the hypodermis and causes skin photoaging. It promotes the harmful effects of UV-A and UV-B and increases the probability of cancer due to its ability to cause changes in cellular DNA.

wHAT IS AN ERYTHEMA OR SUNBURN?

The term erythema is used professionally to designate the reddening of the skin that is generally caused by the accumulation of cells of the immune system. This redness can manifest itself topically, when it affects a limited portion of the body, but it can also be generalized.

When talking about solar erythema, the redness is related to excessive exposure to heat and the sun's rays. This is one of the most common types of erythema in the population, often resulting in burns.

EFFECTS OF SUN EXPOSURE

After sunbathing we must take care of our skin, since the effects of its radiation are harmful both in the short and long term. Erythema or sunburn is the most immediate consequence of sun exposure without adequate protection, but it is not the only one.

The effects of facial skin photoaging are of rapid onset as a consequence of sun exposure. Wrinkles, facial sagging, blotchiness and dullness appear.

The effects of sun exposure on the body are reflected in skin dryness and redness in the short term and skin flaccidity in the medium term. It is therefore important to treat the skin after sun exposure with products that have high moisturizing and repairing properties, especially if we have been sunburned.

TIPS FOR TREATING THE SKIN AFTER SUNBURN OR OTHER HARMFUL EFFECTS OF THE SUN:

- A body milk is not the same as an after sun. It is recommended to use specific after-sun products that are specially formulated to repair the skin after sun exposure.

- Use soothing products. An after-sun product should be required to have a soothing effect that reduces skin irritation (redness and pain).

- Look for formulas with a cooling effect. Using such formulas will lower the temperature and the level of inflammation of the skin.

- Prioritize anti-inflammatory actives, such as phytosterols, which will help soothe the discomfort of erythema.

- Cell regeneration is key: This minimizes the damage that the sun has done to the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin synthesis and recovering skin firmness.

- Antioxidants, essential: The sun produces a significant amount of free radicals causing photoaging. Antioxidants neutralize the damage caused by free radicals.

- Avoid waxing: At least for a few days, as the skin will be very sensitive and the use of razors and/or wax can worsen the irritation.

- Avoid exfoliation, at least until the redness and pain have disappeared. When dead skin cells begin to be removed, gentle exfoliation can be performed.

- Hair also suffers: After sun exposure, the hair also needs extra nourishment to restore the hair fiber and seal the cuticle.

- Do not continue sun exposure: Wear clothing with UV protection, stay in the shade and moisturize. Never forget to continue using sunscreen according to the skin phototype.