Find out how to heal your skin from sun damage

Protecting your skin from the sun should be a rule at any time of year. However, if the damage has already been done, it’s always good to know how to restore the skin or minimize the damage. After excessive periods of sun exposure, the skin tends to become reddish and with a burning sensation. These are the main symptoms of sunburn. According to dermatologist Juliana Garavello, erythema, which is redness, already indicates inflammation of the skin.

“As long as no blisters or blisters form, the burn is considered first-degree, whether it’s a sunburn or not,” she explains. According to the professional, when the blisters form, the burn is already considered second degree.

home solutions against burns

The dermatologist cautions that resorting to homemade recipes, such as using cooking oil or toothpaste on injured skin, can further damage the skin. «Obviously the ideal is to avoid burns, but if it has already occurred it is important to refresh it and hydrate it well», advises Juliana Garavello.

What to do in case of burn?

As the dermatologist explains, depending on the intensity of the burn, it is advisable to consult a doctor to find out what treatment is appropriate for the situation. “Without the possibility of consulting a specialized professional, one should only moisturize the skin and avoid pejorative factors, such as more sun, hot baths and the abuse of loofah and soaps,” he advises.

Beware of peeling skin

After some time of sunburn, it is normal for the skin to start peeling. This period also requires some care for the skin to recover as well as possible. Juliana Garavello points out that, first of all, you shouldn’t pull the skins that are flaking, no matter how irresistible it may seem.

The reason is that if the skin hasn’t sloughed off naturally yet, it means the under layer hasn’t fully healed yet and is ready to be exposed. The advice is to use a moisturizer and let the process happen naturally.

Be careful with the sun

Sunbathing with chapped skin is also dangerous, as chapped skin continues to be attacked by the sun’s rays, which can intensify the problem and increase the risk of sunstroke, skin cancer and more serious sunburn. Therefore, it is also indicated to avoid the sun for a few days, so that the skin recovers.

Use the correct moisturizer

When choosing the ideal moisturizer to aid recovery, you need to take into account the characteristics of your skin. «Those with oilier skin should use lighter and more fluid lotions, while those with dry skin can use thicker and more oily creams or lotions», explains Juliana Garavello.