How to soothe your skin from fatal sunburn? To preserve your skin and its youthful capital, this is the tip that you absolutely must have in your idea box before heading out to enjoy the summer sun...

Let's put things in context, a sunburn is a skin burn caused by excessive exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. When the skin is exposed to the sun without adequate protection and for an extended period of time, UV and UVB rays gradually damage the skin cells, which leads to a painful inflammation of the surface of the epidermis: sunburn. The common symptoms of a sunburn are quite revealing, we first notice red skin and a feeling of more or less heat, itching... Blisters can also occur (then the skin peels), pain and increased sensitivity depending on the degree of intensity of the said sunburn. In more serious cases, symptoms such as nausea, chills, fever and headaches can also occur...

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What precautions should be taken to avoid sunburn?

To avoid the catastrophe of sunburn, it is essential to take measures. How? By limiting direct sun exposure, using adequate sun protection such as sunscreen* with a high SPF (adapt according to your skin type), but also by opting to wear protective clothing and accessories, such as hats, caps, sunglasses ... By avoiding peak hours when UVA rays are most intense (generally between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in summer).

However, it can happen that we enjoy the giant star a little too much without taking the necessary precautions. To err is human, and fortunately there are solutions to soothe sunburn and avoid ruining your summer.

Find outwhich sunscreen to choose * for better effectiveness

Grandma's tips for soothing sunburn

Nothing beats the knowledge of the elders, especially when it comes to taking care of yourself! Grandma's tips are always a success to help make everyday life easier, and they never fail to have an effect when it comes to calming superficial burns due to sunburn.

The magic of yogurt

Apply yogurt! Plain, fresh, unsweetened yogurt can be applied to the skin in a thick layer to relieve sunburn. Its freshness and the soothing properties of its composition can help reduce superficial inflammation and calm the skin.

The effectiveness of cucumber

Use cucumber. It's magic! Fresh cucumber slices can be placed on areas affected by sunburn. Cucumber has cooling and moisturizing properties, which can help relieve burning and discomfort.

Take a bath... of oatmeal

Taking a cool bath infused with oatmeal can go a long way in soothing sunburn. Add colloidal oatmeal (available at drugstores) to a cool bath to soothe skin and reduce the itching associated with sunburn.

The unbeatable Aloe Vera

Apply aloe vera gel as a poultice directly to the skin to soothe sunburn. The best is to extract the gel from the plant, but if you don't have aloe vera shoots available, you can opt for a pure, organic cosmetic gel. The anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties of aloe vera work wonders on the skin and help relieve discomfort when the sunburn is severe and affects the skin to a deep degree.

Apple cider vinegar, a good ally

This may be surprising, or even scary, but using apple cider vinegar could be a good ally to soothe sunburn. Dilute apple cider vinegar in cool water and apply it gently to the skin to help relieve sunburn. Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties and helps balance the skin's pH!

How to manage after sunburn?

To preserve the skin and help it heal from a nasty (or not) sunburn, it is essential to provide it with the necessary care afterwards.

Moisturize the skin

Sunburn automatically leads to dehydration of the skin. It is therefore essential to moisturize it regularly and abundantly to promote healing. Use restorative creams (ultra rich), gentle and unscented moisturizing lotions, unscented vegetable oil or natural butters such as mango butter or shea butter, to soothe the skin. If your sunburn is on the face (which is common) do not neglect lip care. Along with the nose, these are the areas most likely to suffer! Apply lip balm daily to reduce inflammation.

Avoid irritating the skin

Do not scratch or pop the blisters that form after sunburn. Blisters are actually a natural protection for the skin when it is attacked by sunburn. Popping them can increase the risk of infection! Let them heal on their own, that's nature doing its job.

Apply cool compresses

Use cold compresses or wet wipes to relieve the heat and discomfort caused by sunburn. However, avoid ice compresses, as they can worsen skin damage by causing too much heat/cold.

Use soothing products

In addition to moisturizing, apply specific products designed to soothe and repair skin after sunburn. Gels or lotions containing aloe vera, chamomile, or vitamin E, which have soothing properties, can be a great help in calming inflammation and promoting healing.

How to avoid peeling skin after sunburn?

To prevent skin from peeling after being attacked by sunburn, here are some good tips to put into practice:

1 - Avoid scratching or pulling at the skin: Resist the urge to scratch or pull at peeling skin, as this can worsen skin damage and prolong the peeling process. Let the skin come off naturally and, above all, moisturize it intensely (as explained above, this is essential).

2 - Take lukewarm baths or showers: Hot water can make skin flaking worse. Opt for lukewarm baths or showers to keep your skin hydrated and minimize flaking.

3 - Avoid additional sun exposure: Protect peeling skin by avoiding even minimal exposure to sunlight. UV rays can worsen peeling and delay healing. Use protective clothing, a hat, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen if you must go outside.

4 - Hydrate from the inside out : Make sure you drink enough water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Proper hydration promotes healthy and resilient skin. Drink water, fresh herbal teas, tea, and eat plenty of water-rich fruits.

Please note that peeling skin after sunburn is a natural skin renewal process. However, if the peeling is very extensive, painful, or persists after a long period of time, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation...