What to do when you’ve been hit by a case of sunburn

Sunburn. It happens. It even happens to those amongst us who are rather religious about using sun protection. Even a few minutes of exposure to the right intensity of UV rays can cause the skin to become inflamed, red and sensitive. And when it peels, it’s just not a vibe. When it happens, what do you do? We spoke to Gingerlily Spa beauty therapist, Jo Snyckers for her take on what to do when you’ve had one sun ray too many. 

Cool it

As Jo explains: “It’s important to rehydrate and soothe the burnt skin as soon as possible. Try a cool compress to draw heat from the skin and apply a skin treatment product that is rich in antioxidants. If the skin blisters badly or if you feel unwell, I would recommend visiting a doctor to rule out sunstroke.”

Sun-soothing ingredients 

There are a number of sunburn treatment products on the market. Some come in cream form and some in gel form. “I would definitely recommend a gel initially,” Jo says. “Gels are easily absorbed and deliver hydration and healing to the skin. A gel will also cool and soothe the injured skin.”

When shopping for a product to treat your sunburn, Jo suggests checking the labels for these healing ingredients:

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a succulent plant that thrives in hot climates. The gel that is found inside the plant is a very popular herbal remedy, known for its soothing properties which are effective at treating everything from sunburn to digestive conditions. 

Colloidal silver

Colloidal silver is a term that is used to describe minuscule particles of silver suspended in liquid. It is used to treat a range of conditions including sunburn and fungal infections. Its antibacterial and antibiotic properties make it an effective remedy for burns. Colloidal silver works by stopping the growth of bacteria and any further infection that may occur when the skin is left vulnerable. 

Calendula

Calendula is a natural oil that is extracted from marigold flowers. It has been used since ancient times as a herbal treatment due to its antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. 

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are the skin’s little helpers that fight the free radicals found in air pollution, certain medication and certain foods. Powerful antioxidants that are used in the treatment of skin conditions include vitamins C and E. Grapeseed oil and green tea are two natural sources of antioxidants. 
 

IMAGE CREDIT: shutterstock.com