I was recently on vacation and did not use enough sunscreen. This is why I got a pretty bad sunburn.
What could have been an alright vacation turned into being in pain for the rest of it. From this experience, I learned that you should always use enough sunscreen from the start.
So read on to find out 6 tips how to prevent a sunburn (and how to deal if you didn’t):
Sunburns—no one likes them. They’re painful, unsightly, and can even cause serious health problems if you get a bad one. Luckily for all of us, there are ways to prevent sunburns that are pretty easy to follow. Unfortunately, some people still tend to forget their sunscreen and don’t realize they have a sunburn until it’s too late.
If you’ve ever had a sunburn before (and I’m sure you have), then you know how painful it is to have your skin start peeling off days later. Not only is it painful, but the peeling often leaves behind unsightly marks that will stay with you for weeks.
Thankfully, there are many things you can do if you already have a sunburn or if you want to prevent one in the future. Here are 6 tips on how to prevent and deal with a sunburn!
Sunburns are never fun. That’s why it’s better to prevent them. Here are some tips to help you out.
1. Wear sunscreen and reapply often
2. Stay in the shade or wear a hat
3. Drink plenty of water
4. Avoid the sun during peak hours (10am-4pm)
5. Soak in a cool bath or cold shower
6. Apply aloe vera gel (from a plant or store bought) or coconut oil
What if you didn’t follow these tips and got sunburn? There are still things you can do to make yourself feel better:
1. Drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in vitamins A and C, like cantaloupe, carrots, tomatoes, strawberries, blueberries, spinach, kale and broccoli
2. Apply cool compresses on your skin for 10 minutes at a time every hour
3. Take ibuprofen or another anti-inflammatory medication as directed on the bottle for pain relief
4. Ask your doctor about prescription medications that may help relieve severe pain and swelling
Sunburns are not too uncommon, but they are definitely an inconvenience. Most people would agree that sunburns are uncomfortable and annoying, especially when you can’t do anything about them. If you don’t want to be stuck in a situation where you have to deal with the pain of a sunburn for the next few days, it is best to prevent it from happening in the first place.
To prevent a sunburn, here are some tips:
1.Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30
2.Try to stay in the shade between 10 AM and 4 PM because this is when the sun is most intense
3.Reapply sunscreen every two hours
4.Wear protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses
5.Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water
6.Take a cool shower or bath if you feel like your skin is burning
1. Preventing Sunburn
1.1. Wear a Hat
It is always important to wear a hat when you’re spending time outside because it helps protect your face and eyes from the sun’s rays. Wide-brim hats are best because they also protect your ears and neck from getting sunburned. If you have long hair, don’t forget to apply sunscreen on your part as well!
1.2. Apply Sunscreen
Probably the most obvious way to prevent sunburn is by applying sunscreen before you go outside. When you’re shopping for sunscreen, make sure that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays as well as having an SPF of at least 30 or higher. It may be tempting to skip this step if you don’t plan to stay out in the sun too long, but even short periods of exposure can lead to painful burns! Although sunscreen helps protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, it will not prevent your skin from tanning. To help avoid this, opt for a sunscreen with self-tanner added or a self-tanning spray/lotion that does not contain any SPF.
2. Dealing With A Sunburn
2
Sunburn is not just uncomfortable, it can also cause long-term skin damage. Here are six tips on how to prevent sunburn and protect your skin.
Use sunscreen. The best way to prevent sunburn is to use sunscreen. Look for a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. This means it will protect against both UVA and UVB rays. It should also be water resistant. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside, even on cloudy or overcast days, and remember to reapply every 2 hours. Don’t forget your face, lips, ears, neck and the tops of your feet – these areas can get burned too!
Wear protective clothing. A wide-brimmed hat will help protect your face and head from the sun, as well as sunglasses that wrap around your head to block out UV rays. If you’re going to be in direct sunlight for an extended period of time, cover up by wearing long sleeves and pants that are loose fitting and light colored (dark colors absorb heat).
Seek shade when possible. Try to stay in the shade as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which is when the sun’s rays are most
1. Stay out of the sun.
Wear a hat and stay in the shade as much as possible if you know you’ll be outdoors.
2. Wear sunscreen.
Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher sunscreen to all exposed areas, and reapply every two hours when you’re outdoors, even if it says “waterproof” or “sweat-proof.”
3. Cover up.
Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, pants, and sunglasses to shield your skin from the sun whenever possible. Lightweight fabrics that cover your skin are best when it’s hot outside.
4. Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps.
They can also cause cancer, premature aging, and other skin damage.
5. Check the UV Index daily when planning outdoor activities.
The National Weather Service offers an online UV Index forecast for several cities across the country at https://www.weather.gov/jetstream/uv_index_forecast .