Skin Authority user @jessicataylorstevenson
What exactly IS a sunburn? Is it really possible to make the pain, redness and embarrassment go away? Yes, it most certainly is…
It’s all fun in the sun until someone gets burnt- sun-burnt that is. With summer solstice in full swing, we’re all heading to the beach to soak up the rays and the long summer days. But there’s no enjoyment when you forget to reapply and you’re paying the price of hot, irritated, painfully red skin. And hopefully, the discomfort you’re dealing with will serve as a nice reminder for next time to never forget your Daily Defense Moisturizer. But, in the meantime, there’s no reason to drive yourself crazy waiting for the sting to subside and your skin to inevitably start peeling. Read on for our tips to keep redness at bay!
What is a sunburn anyway?
Simply put, it’s the skin’s response to UV exposure, an alarm bell that indicates damage. When your skin turns red, that’s the body’s inflammatory response; your skin cells are in trouble and need repairing and protecting, so your blood vessels dilate, your skin starts to lose its moisture (hence that tight feeling), skin cells thicken and melanin is produced in order to stop UV rays from getting any deeper or damaging your cells’ DNA.
What are the steps to treating a sunburn?
GET OUT OF THE SUN! Seriously. Once you’re safely out of UV reach, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! When your body is overheated and your skin cells respond to UV exposure, you lose a lot of fluid so it’s important to rehydrate early and often. Speaking of water, you’ll also want to hop in the shower (at least lukewarm water — never hot!) to cool off and lower your body temperature. When you’re done, gently blot your skin dry, then apply Redness Relief to burn. Our all-natural cream formula is infused with aloe, shea-butter, mango, grape seed, cranberry, and safflower, that moisturizes and soothes chapped skin.
Now that your skin is clean, add a topical treatment to the mix.
Unlike with standard dry skin, you want to steer clear of thick, oil-based products like butters and balms as they can lock heat into your skin, preventing it from properly cooling down. Your burn will be much better served by lightweight products specifically designed for after-sun care. The Super-C Serum is a serum with a vitamin C concentration of 20% to help fade discoloration and fine lines. Other products, like the Vita-D Fortified Topical Elixir that include vitamins D, E, A, and K will reduce pain and redness, repair damage and rehydrate skin.
Then, keep applying. And applying. And applying. And whatever you do, DO NOT PICK AT PEELING SKIN. As annoying as peeling skin can be, it’s part of the natural healing process after a sunburn. If you pick at it, you risk causing scars and further irritation. So hands off!
And finally, be more careful next time.
Whether it’s a stroll around the block or a day at the beach, a healthy application of sunscreen is always welcome.The Hydrating Sunscreen is both a moisturizer and sunscreen combined in one product, offering SPF 30 broad band protection. The added benefit of Skin Authority’s exclusive, AOX Technology ™ combines vitamins and antioxidants necessary for protecting skin from environmental aggressors.