Sunburn: symptoms, duration and the best creams to prevent it

Sunburn is uncomfortable, but its consequences can be even more serious. That is why we need to be careful, especially in spring and summer. We explain this and more about sunburn in the following post. Keep reading!

What is sunburn?

Sunburn is a reaction that causes skin ageing and depigmentation. Likewise, in the most serious cases it can lead to skin cancer. This type of burn occurs when there is overexposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Devices such as tanning lamps and booths can also cause these injuries.

Risk factors

There are several risk factors that may make us more prone to these sunburns, such as:

• Fair skin, blue eyes and red or blond hair.
• Working in the countryside or outdoors.
• Having wet skin. In summer, take precautions when visiting beaches, lakes or swimming pools.
• Not using sun protection.
• Taking medicines that may make you more vulnerable to this type of burn.

How long does sunburn last?

Common burns caused by the sun usually heal on their own within 2 weeks. However, in more serious cases, recovery time may increase, as a specific medical treatment may be needed.

Symptoms of sunburn

• Pain, swelling, redness and tenderness.
• Skin that feels hot to the touch.
• Appearance of small fluid-filled blisters.
• Headache and eye pain.
• Fever, fatigue and nausea in the most serious cases.

When does sunburn become serious?

Sunburn can be considered serious when it becomes lesions that make the person feel ill. In the case of a serious burn, we will start to feel strong discomfort, and that is when we should contact our doctor.

How to care for your skin in the sun to prevent sunburn

Protecting the skin from solar radiation should be practised all year round, but even more regularly in summer, as looking after our skin properly reduces the risk of skin cancer, wrinkles, marks and burns that may appear later. For all these reasons, we should include sunscreen in our care routine 365 days a year. Simply going outside or having sunlight come through the window exposes us to UVA rays. Also remember that face and body sunscreen should be different. Another product in our routine is aloe vera, to use after showering. As mentioned above, it offers extra hydration to the skin and repairs cellular tissue. Remember to always have a good sunburn cream to hand for complete skin care and in case you need it. In addition, from Farmaciasdirect we remind you to use parasols, caps or hats when going to the beach. These protect us from sun exposure and can always be a good complement to prevent sunburn and sun spots. From Farmaciasdirect, we summarise these tips to prevent burns caused by sun exposure:

• Use sunscreens that suit your skin type and apply them in the correct amounts.

• Do not overexpose yourself to the sun. Also, avoid sun exposure between 10:00 and 16:00, as these are the hours of greatest solar exposure.
• Wear hats and other clothing that protects you from ultraviolet rays.
• Wear sunglasses. We recommend using designer lenses adapted to your vision and made by an optician.
• Check the expiry dates of photoprotective products you have at home and do not use them once they have expired.

How to treat sunburn

• Drink plenty of water.
• Take cool baths to soothe the skin.
• Take an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen or paracetamol if you have pain caused by the burn.
• Avoid sun exposure until you have recovered.
• Do not burst blisters; it is better to cover them with a dressing and let them burst by themselves at the right time.
• Use special products and treatments for sunburn.

What is better for sunburn, after sun or cream?

Choosing between moisturising sunburn cream or aftersun depends on the severity or damage your skin has suffered after sun exposure. Although both are great sources of water that hydrate the skin, relieve discomfort and prevent skin ageing, during periods when we sunbathe, after sun should become our ally. Do you know why? Because after sun contains specific ingredients to reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by skin burns. And now you may wonder: what are its ingredients? Mint, which helps the skin recover and relieves irritation; aloe vera, which hydrates and repairs cellular tissue; alpha-bisabolol, which comes from chamomile and has anti-inflammatory properties; D-panthenol, a derivative of vitamin B5 that works as a skin regenerator; and calendula extract, which acts as a soothing and healing ingredient. Meanwhile, moisturising cream can have a very varied composition. On the Farmaciasdirect website, you can find a variety of creams for sunburn. Remember that your online pharmacy has a completely free pharmaceutical advice service so you can follow the most suitable treatment to get rid of that sunburn on your skin.

The best treatments for sunburn

In the Farmaciasdirect catalogue, you will find several products to treat burns caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun.

Avene Aftersun Repair Emulsion

This Avene range product is an aftersun that hydrates and soothes, with calming and refreshing effects, after sun exposure. As for use, we recommend applying the aftersun gently to the face and body.

La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water

This La Roche-Posay spray contains several soothing and hydrating properties to achieve soft skin. Regarding application, the spray should be left to penetrate the skin for around 3 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the remaining spray.

Pranarom Armaself Aloe Vera+ Gel

This Pranarom gel, with a fluid, fast-absorbing texture, penetrates instantly, providing freshness and combating symptoms of irritation and itching. Thanks to its formula with essential oils and aloe vera, it deeply hydrates the skin, providing elasticity and softness.

A-Derma Cutalgan Spray

A-Derma Cutalgan Spray, with its ultra-soothing formula and cold effect, calms the skin and relieves itching and stinging sensations in wounds, bites, sunburn and even skin with psoriasis, in children and adults. It can also be applied to the scalp or delicate areas such as the face. Want to know more about sunburn and its treatments? At Farmaciasdirect we are ready to answer any queries or questions. Likewise, in our catalogue you will find a wide variety of products to protect yourself this summer. Also take a look at the article on creams for sunburn that will help treat it if you have not been able to prevent it.