How To Treat Sunburn

As careful as we are, it's something most of us have experienced post holiday at some point in our lives. Something I like to call the lobster peel That's right today we are talking sunburn. It's like a swear word in the aesthetician world and I wince every time I hear it, let alone see it. However, I recently fell victim to this nasty side effect of a week away.

It's my job to teach people about sun safety and the first thing in my suitcase is always a bucket load of the white stuff. Unfortunately, we aren't always as careful as we think. After my recent visit to the beautiful but very hot island of Cyprus, my skin returned home with this nasty souvenir. My application of SPF 50+ sunblock every 2 hours had failed me, not because of the product, but because of my poorly failed application technique. It turns out applying sun cream after several sangrias isn't as fail safe as you might think!Luckily for me, gone are the days of the blue lagoon after sun that my mother used to cover me in after a long day at the beach (I still have the photographs of me looking like a Smurf on Brighton seafront). It seems times have moved on and we now have much improved emergency rescue remedies for if you get caught out red faced.

Think fast

As soon as you realise you've had too many rays, the first thing to do is cool down the skin. You can apply an ice pack to the area or a cold compress. You also must ensure you drink plenty of water to avoid sunstroke. Sunburn often indicates that your level of exposure was too much and therefore you may be dehydrated. It's important to get your hydration levels back up to avoid feeling dizzy.If you have developed blisters you should avoid bursting the skin as this will increase the risk of infection and can lead to scarring.Once you have cooled the skin down you can then apply your choice of after sun product. If the sunburn is red and hot, then Aloe Vera based products are most suitable for an instant cooling effect. If the skin presents with blisters or sores, you should opt for something with anti bacterial properties and make sure the area is clean.

Best for: Immediately after

My personal favourite for some instant relief is the DMK Solar Damage Gel. This gel formulation from DMK instantly cools the skin down helping to protect and prevent any further heat damage from occurring.

Best for: Face

Mesoestetic Hydra Vital Factor K uses a combination of bio mineral salts and vitamin E to condition the skin and provide extra antioxidant protection. It also aids with preventing free radical damage and plumps hydration lines. Continued use of this product is recommended post holiday.

Best for: Body

Medik8 Hydr8 Body is a hydrating body lotion that helps to relieve irritation and flakiness caused in the aftermath of sunburn. Helping to hydrate the skin back to its normal moisture levels to prevent peeling.

Best for: Children and sensitive skins

This one comes courtesy of a brand new range: Eriis After Sun. This cream is specifically designed as an after sun protector. Its multi-functioning formulation soothes and cools the skin, whilst helping to rehydrate and repair damage caused. It's oil free, paraben free and allergen free making it suitable for all skin types.

Emily's insider tips:

You can use a barrier cream like Dermaviduals Oleogel to seal and protect the damaged area of skin. This will help to avoid clothes rubbing and causing further irritation.If you need a quick emergency skin aid and don't have access to any of the above, try layering on some yogurt. The probiotics have an instant healing and cooling effect on the skin! As recommended by my Cypriot friend Marios himself! (I hear natural or Greek is best).Severe sunburn can result in 3rd degree burns, leaving behind pigmentation, scarring and long term damage to the skin. Always seek medical advice if you develop blisters or are left feeling unwell after sun exposure.

Written for you by: Emily, Face the Future