If you've ended up with a sunburn, it's bloody painful! Here are the steps you should follow for relief

Sunburn is an acute reaction to overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, causing direct damage to skin DNA, as explained by Dr Anjali Mahto. To help manage sunburn and aid in recovery, we've gathered expert advice and product recommendations.

Dr Maryam Zamani advises maintaining a basic skincare routine for sunburnt skin, consisting of gentle cleansers and barrier-building moisturizers. Stick with barrier-repair moisturizers and hydrating mists to ease any flakiness during sunburn recovery. Avoid picking or exfoliating sunburnt skin, as it can slow down the healing process and cause further damage.

Hydration is key in managing sunburn. Drink lots of water and consider hydration powders if exposed to the sun all day. Reapplying SPF every two hours or more, especially in direct sunlight, is also crucial. Depending on circumstances, reapplying SPF more frequently may be necessary, such as when sweating profusely or constantly in and out of water.

Aloe vera gels or lotions can be beneficial in calming sunburned skin and providing an anti-inflammatory effect. For soothing and hydrating sunburnt skin, Pai Century Flower Lotus & Hyaluronic Acid Barrier Defence Mist is a recommended product.

In severe cases, a weak steroid cream containing 0.5-1% hydrocortisone can decrease pain and swelling caused by sunburn and speed up the healing process. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation caused by sunburn.

One study suggests that a higher vitamin D level may help reduce inflammation, skin redness, and promote skin barrier repair after sunburn. Ora Sol Food Plant-Based Vitamin D3 is a product that may help the immune system and aid in skin recovery from sunburn.

Rosalique 3 in 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula SPF50 is a product that can conceal redness and prevent further sunburn with an SPF 50 while containing anti-inflammatory ingredients. An anti-inflammatory face mist can provide regular hydration, cooling, and soothing during sunburn recovery.

Avoid using drying products like foaming cleansers or actives until the skin is completely healed after sunburn. Products with fragrances, essential oils, petrolatum, or mineral oil post-sunburn should also be avoided, as they can trap heat in the skin or be irritating.

Temporarily switching to sensitive skin products during recovery from sunburn may be beneficial. Not reapplying SPF often enough is the main cause of unexpected sunburn. When skin turns red, immediate measures can improve dermatological prospects post-sunburn.

Sunburn in childhood or adolescence can double the risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, in later life. Sun damage is a major cause of premature ageing, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, freckles, and other discolorations. Severe sunburns can also lead to systemic symptoms such as fever and circulatory problems requiring medical treatment.

In conclusion, maintaining a gentle skincare routine, staying hydrated, and reapplying SPF regularly can help manage sunburn and aid in recovery. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or become severe.

If you've ended up with a sunburn, it's bloody painful! Here are the steps you should follow for relief