Sunburn of your face and skin & how to prevent them

Being an Indian with high skin melanin (the pigment that adds color to your skin), there are low chances of you suffering from sunburns. However, risking sunburns even once or twice can be more serious than what you make of it. To ensure year-round protection and understand the causes and cures of sunburn, read on.

Keynotes:

• Sunburn is caused by excessive UV, especially UVB, exposure and can lead to long-term skin damage, including increased cancer risk.
• Mild sunburns can heal in 3-5 days, while severe sunburns may take weeks and need medical care.
• Sunburn treatments include cold compresses, aloe vera, hydration, and avoiding further sun exposure or harsh products.
• Use a SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen to keep your skin safe from the long-term damage of sunburns.

If your skin has ever felt red, inflamed, or irritated after being in the sun for too long, you’ve probably suffered a sunburn. Sunburns are a serious skin condition caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, both UVA and UVB rays. While being painful and uncomfortable, sunburns can also do long-term skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.

UVA rays (between 320-400 nm) and UVB rays (between 295-320 nm) both contribute to sunburn and skin damage. UVA rays cause oxidative stress, which damages skin cells over time. UVB rays, on the other hand, are more reactive and get directly absorbed by the DNA in your skin cells. When your body detects this DNA damage, it responds by trying to repair it and triggers inflammation, redness, swelling, and pain in the process. These are your typical signs of sunburn that make the skin sensitive. The peeling that you observe may be your body trying to discard dead, damaged skin cells.

Remember, the UVB rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and vary by altitude, season, and location. Understanding your skin type and surroundings is important for sunburn treatment and prevention.

The severity of your sunburn usually decides how long it will last. Consult your dermatologist promptly and look for these common signs to understand how severe your sunburn is:

• Mild/First-Degree Sunburn:

  This type of sunburn only damages the outermost layer of your skin and causes redness and discomfort. It typically heals within 3 to 5 days.

• Moderate/Second-Degree Sunburn:

  This sunburn affects the dermis or inner layers of your skin, causing redness, swelling, blistering, and peeling. It may take over a week to heal and may require medical treatment. You may also notice white discoloration and shiny-looking skin that’s very sensitive.

Lighter skin tones are more prone to sunburns. It may be tougher to notice signs of sunburn on darker skin tones, which is why it's best to consult a dermatologist for help.

• Cooling and Soothing Remedies

  Taking frequent cool baths or showers can help alleviate pain and irritation caused by sunburns. After bathing, gently pat your skin dry and don’t use harsh or rough cleansers or towels.

• Cold Compresses

  Applying a clean, damp, cool cloth to the affected areas can reduce inflammation and irritation caused by a sunburn.

• Aloe Vera

  Aloe is one of the most common cures for sunburn. You can use aloe gels or lotions containing aloe vera to soothe dry skin and provide relief from discomfort.

• Hydration and Anti-Inflammatory Products

  Sunburn draws fluid to the skin's surface and away from the rest of the body. Drinking extra water helps prevent dehydration in the skin.

• Medical treatments

  If your sunburn is blistering or requires first aid, go to your dermatologist. Medical experts may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers, hydrocortisone creams, or other anti-inflammatory treatments.

While you’re looking up sunburn treatments, it’s best to note down the few factors that may worsen your pain. Make sure you follow these precautions while treating sunburns on the face and body:

• Prevent further UV exposure and stay indoors until the sunburn heals to prevent further intensified damage.
• Avoid harsh soaps, cleansers, and detergents that can irritate your skin and opt for gentle, dermatologically tested cleansers.
• Wear loose, soft, airy clothes that don’t rub against your sunburn and don’t cause further irritation to sunburned skin.
• Don't apply heavy, oily products like petroleum jelly. These can trap heat, clog pores, and even cause infection, worsening the burn.
• Don’t indulge in very hot showers and stick to cool or lukewarm temperatures.

The thing about sunburns is that they may be a sign of DNA damage. While the surface-level symptoms like redness and irritation may subside with treatment, the underlying skin damage can be permanent, increasing the risk of long-term concerns. This is why it’s best to prevent sunburns in the first place. Here are a few tips you can follow on how to prevent sunburns:

• Invest in proper sun protection. Effective SPF-powered and broad-spectrum sunscreens help you prevent sunburns. Learn how much sunscreen to apply every day and use your trusted products regularly. You must also reapply the sunscreen every few hours if you’re outdoors or near windows.
• Stay out of high UV hours if possible. Limit your sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are at their strongest.
• Hats, scarves, long-sleeved clothes, sunglasses, and sun jackets can give you protection against sunburns. Carry these especially when you go travelling to high UV places.
• Some medications can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Speak to your dermatologist for a proper line of treatment.
• Follow precautionary measures all year long. The UV rays find a way to reach you in all terrains and through all seasons. It’s better to dodge the damage than to practise cures for sunburns on the face and body.

Sunburns aren’t your regular skin care issues that come and go. They can leave you with persistent damage, which is why preventing them is the best line of action. Incorporate sun-safe practices into your daily skincare routine and use dermatologically backed skincare with Eucerin. Looking to achieve clear, healthy skin? Read more sun protection tips by Eucerin.

1. How long does sunburn typically last?

   The intensity of the sunburn typically determines how long it will last. A mild sunburn may last a week, but a severe one may take longer to heal.

2. What should I put on my sunburned face?

   Aloe vera gels, moisturisers, and dermatologist-recommended creams help you treat sunburns on the face.

3. Are there any fast cures for sunburn?

   A sunburn requires a few days to heal. Talk to your dermatologist for medication and anti-inflammatory creams to reduce its appearance.

4. When should I see a doctor for sunburn?

   When your sunburn begins to blister or does not heal within a few days, it’s time to consult your dermatologist.

• American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) – How to treat sunburn
• NCBI / StatPearls (National Library of Medicine) – Sunburn
• Mayo Clinic – Skin cancer – Symptoms and causes
• Cleveland Clinic – Sunburn
• Mayo Clinic – First aid: Sunburn