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Published on July 22, 2019 at 12:30 / Updated on June 3, 2024 at 13:34

The sun's UV rays can be harmful for your skin. If you are not careful enough, these rays can cause a burn, which is commonly known as a sunburn.

What is a sunburn?

To understand what a sunburn is, it's important to know that there are three types of UV rays: 

  • UVA: These penetrate the dermis and are responsible for immediate tanning and premature aging of the skin. UVA rays may play a role in the development of certain skin cancers. UVA rays are not easily absorbed by the ozone layer. 
  • UVB: These only penetrate the protective layer of the epidermis. They are responsible for long-term tanning, sunburns, and most skin cancers. A large proportion of UVB is absorbed by the ozone layer.
  • UVC: These are very dangerous; however, they rarely penetrate the ozone layer.

The sun's UVB rays cause the skin to burn, which the body defends itself against. In fact, tanning is a defensive reaction. However, if UVB rays are too strong, epidermal cells are burned and destroyed, resulting in the notorious sunburn.

How to prevent sunburn?

The best way to prevent sunburn is to avoid exposure to the sun’s UV rays. But when the weather is good, you want to enjoy it. Learn how to have fun outside safely:

  • Reduce exposure during the hours when the sun’s rays are strongest, from (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
  • Gradually expose your skin
  • Look for shaded areas
  • Wear tissues to cover your skin
  • Wear a hat and sunglasses
  • Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen (UVA and UVB) with an SPF of at least 30, in sufficient quantity, and reapply at least every 2 hours.
  • For days you plan on swimming, use a waterproof sunscreen.

Things to do in case of sunburn

As with burns, there are different degrees of sunburn. Mild sunburns can easily be treated at home. Here are some tips to help relieve a mild sunburn:

  • Take a lukewarm bath or apply cool compresses
  • Soothe the skin with a cooling spray 
  • Leave the skin in the open air, away from direct sunlight, and remove irritating clothing
  • Avoid exposing the affected area to UV radiation
  • Drink a lot of water to hydrate your skin
  • Avoid removing peeling skin
  • Moisturize your skin regularly with an unscented moisturizing cream (the cream should not be applied immediately after the burn to avoid retaining heat in your skin)
  • Avoid creams containing local anesthetics
  • If necessary, it is possible to take painkillers. Your pharmacist can help you choose the right product for you. 

The purpose is to relieve pain and allow the skin to repair itself.

And what about aloe vera?

It's not uncommon to turn to aloe vera gel for sunburn. Is it a good idea? Aloe gel comes from a plant and contains over a hundred active substances and other components. It has moisturizing and soothing properties. Applying it after a sunburn is a great choice. Its cooling relieves pain, and its moisturizing action helps your skin heal.

Summer is many people’s favorite time of year. If you want to enjoy it without any sunburns, remember that prevention is the key!

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