SUNBURN ON THE FACE: WHAT TO DO?

 THE FIRST GESTURES IN CASE OF SUNBURN ON THE FACE

Of course, prevention is the best gesture against sunburn. But what should you do if you get a sunburn and the skin burns or reddens?

WHAT HELPS IN CASE OF SUNBURN ON THE FACE

Cool: Put a cold, wet flannel on the affected areas. Cool packs (cold compresses to be left in a cool place) are very practical. But be careful: to avoid frostbite, always wrap the compresses in a thin towel so that they are not in direct contact with the skin.

Drink: Above all, make sure you drink enough (at least 1.5 litres a day) to support the body's natural regeneration process.

Apply cream: After-sun products are perfectly suited to the needs of sun-stressed skin, as they soothe and care for it. 

Don't: If the face is sunburned, cucumber slices or homemade masks with dairy products such as yoghurt or cottage cheese can have a cooling effect. However, the bacteria they contain can sometimes cause infections. It is better to opt for a real after-sun product.

Caution: In case of severe burns, swelling of the face, or even blisters, you should always consult a doctor.

WITH A SUNBURN: DON'T STAY IN THE SUN

If your skin tingles or pulls, quickly put yourself in the shade and avoid direct sunlight for the next few days. Because after a sunburn, the skin is very sensitive and needs above all rest. Also, be measured in your skincare routine.

CLEANING AND CARE: WHAT IS ALLOWED

If you notice redness on your face after sunbathing and feel a burning and tight feeling, start by gently removing dirt, sweat, and sunscreen residue from your skin, preferably with cool water.    

If possible, use a gentle washing lotion or a cleansing foam.    

After cleansing your face, apply a suitable treatment: after-sun care as a first gesture and in the following days, a cream that intensely moisturizes the skin.

WHAT TO DO WHEN THE SKIN PEELS?

As soon as the redness of the sunburn fades, the next healing stage often appears: the skin begins to peel.    

Avoid making scrubs or using face brushes to remove flaky skin. This would further attack the already damaged skin.    

It is gentler to use warm water and gently rub the skin with your fingertips. Proceed delicately on the parts of the skin that come off.    

Then apply a moisturizer.

COVER A SUNBURN ON THE FACE?

Camouflage cheeks reddened by the sun with makeup? This is not a good idea. Irritated skin can also be attacked by perfumes and preservatives. Compromise: mix a little liquid concealer with after-sun care and apply gently.

PROTECT RATHER THAN RISK A SUNBURN ON THE FACE

Even if the pain of a sunburn is quickly forgotten, if the sun continues to shine and hits the unprotected areas of the skin again, it can not only become very painful but can have unpleasant consequences in the long term.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF TOO MUCH UV RADIATION?

The sun is the main cause of premature skin ageing. About 80% of wrinkles are caused by UV light.     

This is due to the proportion of UVA rays. They can penetrate the deep tissue layers in the dermis and promote the development of free radicals.

If the number of these molecules increases, cell and tissue damage can occur that the body cannot heal on its own. The result is early wrinkles and reduced elasticity.

Pigment spots are also often caused by excessive UV exposure.

The health effects of sunburn should not be forgotten: UVB rays only reach the epidermis (first layer of skin), but can damage genetic material and cause skin cancer. The fact is that the more the skin is exposed to the sun without protection, the higher the risk of skin cancer.

DAY CREAM WITH FPS OR SUN CREAM?

In everyday life, too, you can quickly get sunburned. On holiday, at the seaside or in the mountains, we usually remember to take our sun cream with us. However, we often forget to protect our skin against UV rays when we go for a walk in the countryside or in the city or when we have lunch on the terrace or in the garden.

When is a day cream with SPF enough? 

Day cream or make-up with SPF is ideal for daily use. For short stays outdoors, especially in autumn and winter, this type of product is usually sufficient.

When should I apply sunscreen? 

If the sun is very intense and you are going to be outdoors for a longer period of time, choose a facial sunscreen with a suitable high level of protection (depending on your skin type SPF 30-50+).

PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN WHEN YOU GO FOR A WALK TOO

You don't want to get a red nose? Then always apply sun cream to your face and exposed areas, even for a short walk. Even on cloudy days, about 90% of the UV light can still penetrate the clouds.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HEAD AND FACE FROM THE SUN

• Apply for UV protection all over your face, but don't forget that your ears also need sun protection.
• What sun protection factor do you need? This depends on your skin type: if you have fair skin, freckles and blond hair, for example, you should choose the highest possible SPF (30-50+).
• To protect the lips from sunburn, it is best to use a care stick with UV protection.
• If possible, protect the thin skin around the eyes with large sunglasses with UV protection.
• Apply the cream every 2 hours, as sweat, water and sand gradually remove the protection. Reapplying the cream will maintain it, but will not prolong its protective effect.
• Important: It is essential to protect baldness from UV rays with sun protection products. For example, apply a sun lotion that is easy to spread. 
• A sun spray is particularly suitable for protecting the scalp in the case of a pronounced parting and fine or thinning hair. A hat, cap or scarf can also protect the sensitive scalp from UV rays.

HOW MUCH SUN CREAM DOES THE FACE NEED?

Apply a strip of cream from the wrist to the tip of the middle finger. Then spread the product as evenly as possible. Sunscreens with Mattifying properties are convenient for the face, as they do not leave a greasy film on the skin.

SUNBURN ON THE FACE: PARTICULARLY EXPOSED AREAS

Forehead and scalp: The sun shines directly on the unprotected forehead and bald spot. There is also a risk of sunburn on the scalp if the hair is thin or has a pronounced parting.

Nose and cheeks: Sunburn is common here in everyday life, not least because the danger is often underestimated.

Ears: They stick out and are often not protected by the hair, so they are particularly exposed to UV rays.

Lips: Sunburn on the lips is very painful because the skin is thinner there than on any other part of the body.

WHY ARE CERTAIN AREAS MORE EXPOSED TO THE SUN?

Certain areas of the body are particularly exposed. This means that UV light hits them at the right angle more often than elsewhere and the risk of sunburn is higher. These areas are often less covered by clothing or have thin skin, which makes them more vulnerable.

AREAS OF THE BODY MOST AT RISK

Shoulders: In summer, shoulders are often exposed, for example, with sleeveless tops and bikinis. The sun hits the exposed shoulders without protection and can quickly cause sunburn.

Upper back: Like the shoulders, the upper back is much more exposed than other parts of the body and is not always covered by clothing in summer.

Chest and décolletage: In summer, with the lighter, more low-cut clothes, the décolletage is particularly vulnerable. We don't always think about applying for UV protection in everyday life, but it would be a good habit to get into.

FEET: DON'T FORGET TO PROTECT THEM FROM THE SUN

Most of the year, our feet are not exposed to the sun, hidden in socks and shoes. So remember to protect your feet from sunburn in spring and summer with a high sun protection factor.