Debunking Sunburn Myths: What Really Works for Healing?
You had a wonderful day at the beach, but now you’re paying for it. That sunburn needs tender care, but what’s the best way to treat the skin and reduce the pain? We uncover several myths about avoiding and treating sunburns, why these myths are harmful, and what preventive and healing methods truly work.
“Put Butter on That Burn”
This may have been advice from a parent or grandparent, but this one time, you shouldn’t listen to them. Butter adds unclean proteins that don’t belong on your skin or body.
“You Won’t Burn on a Cloudy Day”
Sunburns have nothing to do with outdoor temperatures. It’s about exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Therefore, you can still get a sunburn even with complete cloud cover. The UV radiation from clouds can be more intense because the rays reflect off them.
“Cosmetics Provide Enough Coverage”
Foundation and other types of makeup that provide coverage are never substitutes for real sunscreen. Even if a cosmetic product has an SPF of 50 or more, you still need extra sunscreen under your makeup to adequately protect you. Be warned that most cosmetics and skincare products with “SPF” on the label have much lower protection than experts recommend.
“You’re Safe Once You Have a Tan”
Darkened pigment is not a layer of protection. Being “lucky” enough to tan easily doesn’t mean you’re not susceptible to sunburn or skin cancer. Tanning is a sign of damage to your skin cells, even if you manage to avoid redness or peeling. It’s also wise to dismiss the notion that fake tanning products or beds will provide UV protection.
“Darker Skin Tones Don’t Burn”
Skin type or tone makes no difference in the UV damage that can occur. You may not burn as easily if you have darker skin, but you still run the risk of skin cancer with enough exposure to UV rays.
Some Good Advice for Sunburn Care
Having identified the fiction regarding sunburn, let’s now highlight the facts. If you develop a first-degree burn (red but without pain) after sun exposure, you can treat it at home.
cool the area by running cold water over the burn for 10 minutes or using a bag of frozen peas, wrapped in a towel, as a compress. Never apply ice directly to a sunburn. To prevent infection, follow up with an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment.
If your burn is at the second- or third-degree level, you’ll see blistering or white color. You might not even have any feeling in the affected area. In either case, it’s best to consult a doctor for treatment.
Of course, the best remedy for sunburn is prevention. Make it a habit to apply sunscreen before you go outside, whether sunny or cloudy. Don’t forget to reapply after an hour or two! Everglow Medical Spa offers various Circadia sunscreen products that meet your needs.
You can also check your favorite weather app on your mobile device for the local UV index, which forecasts the strength of the day’s UV rays. Any number at three or above indicates an unhealthy amount of UV exposure.
Customized Care for Sunburns at a Medical Spa
Caring for your skin soon after excessive amounts of sun can minimize the negative impacts of a burn. Your Everglow skincare specialist can suggest a Circadia product for post-burn care.
Once your skin has fully healed and no longer has any redness or pain, you may still notice some damage left behind. Your Everglow Medical Spa skincare professional in West Chester can recommend advanced treatments to reduce damage and eliminate signs of premature aging. These options include
- Fotona4D® laser therapy for the face erases lines, evens skin tone, and promotes increased collagen production for younger-looking skin.
- Fotona TightSculpting® for the whole body tightens skin and smooths out wrinkles.
- Microdermabrasion removes dead skin cells and leaves you with smoother skin.
- Dermaplaning also removes dead skin cells, removes vellus facial hair, smooths the skin’s surface, and removes some signs of aging.
- Microneedling treats uneven skin tone and stimulates collagen production.
If you are unsure whether a post-sunburn treatment is right for you or is unsafe, you can always contact us at Everglow Medical Spa. We can discuss your concerns and recommend a comprehensive skin rejuvenation and sunburn prevention plan. You can also schedule a local deep-cleansing facial treatment for relaxation and skincare maintenance.