So, you got a bit too much sun, huh? Dealing with sunburns is all about soothing that fiery skin and helping it heal. But what to do when you have an important meeting after a beach day and can't afford a sunburn? Whether you're sporting a lobster-red glow or just worried, we've got your back. From finding the best sunscreen in India to cooling remedies, let's dive into some simple ways to prevent sunburns and ease the discomfort if you do end up getting the short end of the sun.
01What is Sunburn?
Ever feel like your skin is on fire while you are out in the sun? That is the dreaded sunburn. Sunburn happens when your skin gets a bit too much UV radiation from the sun. It can leave you red, tender and not feeling too fabulous. It is not too dangerous as you may most likely experience a first-degree burn which is redness or a second-degree burn which is blisters. These can be treated at home. But it can cause premature ageing and even at times be a catalyst for skin cancer.
02How to Prevent Sunburn
Preventing sunburns is like giving your skin a VIP pass to the UV party, the sunny one. It's all about being proactive and showing your skin some love before it turns into a crispy critter. From getting your hands on the best sunscreen in India to savvy scheduling, there are plenty of tricks to keep those UV rays at bay.
- Slather on your sunscreen like it's your job every time you step out into the sun. Reapply every two to four hours if you are sweating.
- Say no to tanning beds; our melanin is already doing its job.
- Check with your doctor about any meds that might make your skin extra sensitive to UV rays.
- Steer clear of peak sun hours as that's when the UV radiation is the strongest. This is usually between 12 to 4 pm, depending on where you are.
- Rock some stylish cover-ups to shield your skin when you're out and about. Scarves, full-length pants, sleeves, hats, sunglasses all do the trick.
03How to Pick the Right Sunscreen
Choosing the right sunscreen is like finding the perfect summer companion for your skin. With so many options out there, it's essential to pick one that suits your skin type, lifestyle and protection needs.
If you need to constantly reapply, the Lakmē Sun Expert Invisible Sunstick offers convenient on-the-go protection as it comes in a stick form. This is the best sunscreen in India as it has SPF 50 and PA+++ for both UVA and UVB rays and doesn't leave a white cast.
If you have oily skin and/or love your makeup, we now have a two-in-one deal for you with the best sunscreen for face in India. Lakmē Sun Expert Primer + Sunscreen is a mattifying sunscreen with SPF 50 PA++ that doubles as a makeup primer. This means it acts as a base for your makeup to last all day long while protecting you from the sun.
Lakmē Sun Expert 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen is what you need if you are looking for the best sunscreen in India for dry skin. It is loaded with hyaluronic acid which helps keep your skin hydrated while the SPF 50 PA++ in it has you covered.
Lakmē Sun Expert Tinted Sunscreen 50SPF is the best sunscreen for oily skin in India. It provides SPF 50 protection with a matte formula so your skin doesn't feel greasy. It has lightweight coverage and is great for those who prefer a natural, tinted finish.
04How to Treat Sunburn
Treating sunburns is all about giving your skin extra attention to bounce back from its fiery ordeal. Whether it is a soothing gel or just simply hydrating, there's a whole arsenal of remedies at your disposal to calm that sizzled skin and kickstart the healing process.
- Give your sunburn some TLC by covering it up with loose, breathable clothing. In fact, avoid going out in the sun till it's healed.
- Soothe the burn with cooling gels, ointments or the natural magic of aloe vera gel.
- Moisturise with some trusty Vaseline or your favourite moisturiser to help your skin heal.
- Hydrate from the inside out by guzzling down plenty of water.
- Take a chill pill (figuratively!) with a cool bath to ease the heat. But don't rub the sunburnt skin.
- If the pain is too much to handle, a painkiller can give you some temporary relief.
- Resist the urge to play Dr. Pimple Popper and leave those blisters and flaky skin alone. Only touch the area when you are applying any ointment or gel.
05FAQs on Sunburn Prevention
1. Can I get a sunburn over clothes?
While clothing provides some protection, thin fabrics like cotton may not block all UV rays, so it's still possible to get sunburned through clothes, especially if they're wet or light-coloured.
2. How long does a sunburn last?
It can vary depending on its severity, typically lasting anywhere from a few days to a week. However, more severe sunburns can take longer to heal. If you get a third-degree sunburn, you may have to go to the doctor or get a skin graft.
3. Does sunburn cause cell damage?
Yes, sunburn does cause cell damage, primarily due to the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. This penetrates the skin and harms the DNA in skin cells, leading to the inflammation and skin damage that we see.
