By Schuyler Corrigan

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July 26, 2023

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Summer months can bring an abundance of outdoor time with longer days and sunny weather. Time on the beach, in boats, on backpacking trips, and pool parties brings endless fun summer memories, and if you’re like most people, you’ve probably experienced at least one afternoon in your life with a little too much sun time leading to parched, sunburnt skin. Although sunburns may seem like a casual and harmless skin irritation, repeated sunburns throughout your life can lead to skin cancers (1), premature skin aging, and permanent skin damage. Taking steps every single day to prevent sunburns is critical to long-term skin health, and a good habit to start at any age. 

 

When your skin is exposed to too much ultraviolet light, the outlet layer of skin (the epidermis) becomes damaged, causing visibly red, burnt, dry, and inflamed skin. The skin will feel warm to the touch, and if the burn is a bad one, the skin will eventually peel in an effort to heal and repair. Sunburns can be uncomfortable for several days after the skin injury, and other symptoms like fatigue, headache, and nausea may accompany the healing process. 

 

Remember, any amount of sun-skin damage is not good for you long term. Getting a burn or “base tan” at the start of summer may damage your skin long-term, and thus applying sunscreen regularly is highly recommended. Our go-to summer skin health tips are below: 

 

Read More: Mineral Sunscreen Recommendations

Tips for Sunburn Healing & Prevention

• Wear sunscreen or SPF clothing. This is your first line of defense against long exposure to UV rays. Wearing a hat while outdoors is extremely helpful, or a thin, SPF shirt while driving can reduce sun exposure significantly. Always opt for a mineral-based sunscreen. Keep in mind that sunscreens are used in large quantities, all over the body, and reapplied regularly. Thus, the (often chemical) ingredients in sunscreens are absorbed into the skin and can be measured in the blood. When using a mineral sunscreen such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, these particles are larger and do not absorb into the skin (hence the white coating on the skin look). This ensures that mineral-based sunscreens are acting as a literal barrier between your skin and the sun, and are not directly absorbed into your skin, or your blood. Here are some of the best sunscreens available recommended by the Environmental Working Group, and you can check your sunscreen ingredients within their database for safety.
• Apply skin-soothing herbs to sunburnt skin. Pure aloe vera gel or aloe leaf, and chamomile or calendula compresses are great options to calm inflamed skin. Even some individuals respond favorably to the topical essential oil of lavender. You can always do a test spot as each person is different.
• Avoid intense sun exposure during peak hours. Depending on where you’re located, this is usually between 11 am-4 pm. If you plan to be out in the sun, do so earlier in the morning, or in the later afternoon.
• Always opt for lounging in a shady spot, or bring shade with you! Umbrellas, canopies, and finding shade trees are always the best option when spending time outdoors during the sunniest parts of the day. 

All of our doctors at Richmond Natural Medicine focus on individualized and reparative medicine. If you are suffering from chronic or acute skin health concerns including ailments from the elements of the summer, give our office a call at 804-977-2634 to schedule an appointment. 

 

References: 

1. Patterns of Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure and Skin Cancer Risk