Ahhh, sunburn. Not only is it uncomfortable, but getting tormented by your mates for looking “very Brits abroad” is painful in a different sense of the word. In an ideal world, we’d all avoid getting sunburnt completely but – let’s be realistic – it happens to the best of us. We spoke to skin expert, Hannah Barnes from Dermalogica, about how to treat sunburn – the quicker, the better.
By Beth Ludolf
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1 What should I do if I get sunburnt?
“Whenever the skin is inflamed, we suggest following ‘the less rule’ – so, less time, less heat, less friction and less product”, Hannah explains. This means sticking to the shade, covering up the skin and opting for cool, breathable clothing (think linen or cotton). “Try applying a cool compress to reduce heat and avoid any active serums or exfoliation until the skin is healed”.
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2 Which ingredients soothe sunburn?
While the skin is still inflamed, Hannah recommends natural ingredients like oats and aloe vera, which calm the skin. “Once the sunburn has begun to subside, look for products rich in hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and aid healing”. If you’re in pain, an anti-inflammatory pain killer (like ibuprofen) can help too.
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3 Does sunburn cause ageing?
Brace yourself – yes, Hannah warns. “UV exposure causes inflammation within the skin and damages dermal proteins, like collagen and elastin which can lead to signs of photo-ageing including lines, wrinkles and pigmentation,” she explains. In fact, it can add up to 6.5 years onto your perceived age *shudders*.
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4 Which ingredients treat the long-term damage caused by sun exposure?
This depends on the damage you’re wanting to treat. “If you’re concerned with pigmentation caused by long-term sun exposure, look for ingredients like Oligopeptide and Vitamin C,” Hannah suggests. “If you’re looking to target more structural concerns, like lines and wrinkles, look for Vitamin A and peptides specific to ageing”.
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5 Remember, protection is key
Avoiding sun damage is your best option. Make sure you’re using the right amount of product to get effective coverage, “around a teaspoon amount for your face, neck and chest” Hannah explains. “Try to stay out of the sun when it’s at its highest point (between 10 am and 3 pm), seek shade or invest in a wide-brimmed hat”. Your skin will thank you.
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