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 it and ease the pain? We debunk several myths about preventing and treating sunburns. We also discuss which 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. They’re caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Therefore, you can still get a sunburn even under complete cloud cover. UV radiation can be more intense because the rays reflect off them.

“Cosmetics Provide Enough Coverage”

Foundation and other makeup that provide coverage are not substitutes for sunscreen. Even if a cosmetic product has an SPF of 50 or higher, you still need additional sunscreen under your makeup to adequately protect you. Be warned that most cosmetics and skincare products labeled “SPF” offer much less protection than experts recommend.

“You’re Safe Once You Have a Tan”

Darkened pigment isn’t a protective layer. 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 don’t develop redness or peeling. It’s also wise to dismiss the notion that fake-tanning products or beds provide UV protection.

“Darker Skin Tones Don’t Burn”

Skin type or tone does not affect 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 sufficient exposure to UV rays.

Some Good Advice for Sunburn Care

Having identified the myths about sunburn, we now highlight proper treatment and prevention. First, if you develop a first-degree burn (redness 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 by using a bag of frozen peas, wrapped in a towel, as a compress. Never apply ice directly to a sunburn. To prevent infection, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment.

If your burn is second- or third-degree, you’ll see blistering or whitening. You might not feel anything 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 going outside, whether it’s sunny or cloudy. Don’t forget to reapply every hour or two! Everglow Medical Spa offers a range of Circadia sunscreen products to 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 radiation. A reading of 3 or higher indicates an unhealthy level of UV exposure.

Customized Care for Sunburns at a Medical Spa

Caring for your skin soon after excessive sun exposure can help minimize the effects of a burn. Your Everglow skincare specialist can recommend a Circadia product for post-burn care.

Once your skin has fully healed and shows no redness or pain, you may still notice some residual damage. 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 collagen production for younger-looking skin.
• Fotona TightSculpting^® for the whole body tightens skin and smooths wrinkles.
• Microdermabrasion removes dead skin cells, leaving your skin smoother.
• Dermaplaning also removes dead skin cells and vellus facial hair, smooths the skin’s surface, and reduces some signs of aging.
• Microneedling treats uneven skin tone and stimulates collagen synthesis.

If you are unsure whether a post-sunburn treatment is right for you or safe, 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 for relaxation and skincare maintenance.