Even though we all know just how important it is to use adequate sunscreen when we are out during the summer months or away on holiday, it is surprising how many of us still manage to get burnt. Sunburn is actually a radiation burn to your skin, so it really shouldn’t be taken as lightly as many people do. Using a good sun cream is the best way to prevent sunburn, but if you have managed to get burnt, then finding the right skin care cream to soothe your sunburn is important.
Your skin is going to be very red, hot and sore, so is going to need cooling, soothing and moisturising, preferably all in one go. Because your skin is incredibly sensitive when it is burnt, you will need to use a very gentle cream that is not going to aggravate your skin more or even worse cause an allergic reaction as your skin is so sensitive. Look for unperfumed creams or even better gels, as gel will be much more soothing on your skin and will soak in faster. One key ingredient to look for is Aloe Vera, as it is renowned for it’s soothing and healing properties, a tube of Aloe Vera gel kept in the fridge is the perfect thing for sunburn as it will be lovely and cool on your skin helping to take some of the heat out of your burn while it soothes and nourishes your skin.
If you have a large area of sunburn, then taking a very cool bath will help to take some of the heat out of your skin, and this can provide immense relief, just remember not to put any bubble bath in as this may irritate your skin making the situation worse. Once you have got over the initial heat and pain of your sunburn, which should generally be within 24-48 hours, then you will be able to apply a thicker, richer moisturiser to your skin to try and minimise any peeling. Unfortunately peeling is inevitable with most sunburns as the skin has been badly damaged so will dry and flake as part of the healing and regenerating process. However if you keep your skin well moisturised then the peeling won’t be so bad, and also won’t be so noticeable, nothing worse than realising you have large flakes of skin starting to peel off while you are out and about and not able to do anything about it.
Of course the best thing for your skin is to not over expose it to the sun so you can avoid sunburn altogether, but if you do find yourself suffering from sunburn, the best thing to do is to use a good skin care cream to give your skin the care it needs.
This is an incredibly popular aftersun, and comes in a gel form which is immediately cooling to the skin and is absorbed quickly and easily without any greasy feel. While the bright green colour of the gel may be slightly off putting, the smell is pleasant and fades after an hour or two so is not overpowering at all. One great thing about this aftersun is that it can be used for other purposes to such as minor cuts, bruises, rough or dry skin and minor skin irritations. COmbine this with the fact that even the small bottle lasts a very long time, Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel is the perfect one-stop bottle to take on holiday with you.
Hawaiian Tropic comes in a range of “flavours” so you can choose from Body Butter, Lime Coolada or Mango in creams or Aloe Vera in a gel which is the latest addition to their range. All of these use a luxurious combination of Cocoa, Shea and Mango butters, making them rich, creamy and very moisturising. They all go on smoothly and smell divine, making them a pleasure to use, and with the added bonus of helping to extend the life of your tan, these creams are pefect to use not only while you are on holiday, but also when you get back and are clinging on to your tan for as long as possible. Hawaiian Tropic Aftersun Gel is developed with sunburn in mind and contains Lidocaine, which helps to ease the sting and heat of sunburn on application. This is combined with Vitamins and Aloe Vera to help soothe burnt skin and prevent peeling, while moisturising. Great for those that have a habit of spending just a little too long in the sun.
Nivea have long been a well respected name in skin care, and their sun cream and after sun ranges are extensive. Nivea’s Moisturising Aftersun Lotion is superb, offering intensive 24 hour moisturisation, with enriching advocado oil and Vitamin E. Using this aftersun regularly after exposure to the sun helps to keep your skin nourished and soft. Even when you return from holiday, using this as your daily moisturiser will ensure your skin stays in tip top condition, making your tan last longer and keeping your skin healthy.