Shake it Baby

There’s a fine line between tanning and burning, unfortunately far too many people are crossing that line.  You may only intend to achieve a healthy glow, the problem is that everyone has different tolerances to the sun. Two people spending the same amount of time in the sun will come home with vastly different results.  Why is it that one might come home in agony while other comes home looking sleek and glamorous?

There’s many factors involved, the obvious one being skin type.  However prescribed medication and certain skin care products can also have an effect.

When skin is exposed to the sun without adequate sun protection, the exposure causes melanin, the pigment in the body that gives skin its colour, to rise to the surface of the skin.  Malanin helps protect our skin for the sun, however people who have a pale complexion have less melanin. Whilst people with darker skin have more melanin.  Since melanin protects the skin from the sun, it makes sense then that those with less melanin have less protection and vice versa. Darker-skinned individuals tan more often than they burn, but not always.

Many people don’t realize they’re burning until it’s too late because it can take a few hours for burning to become apparent.  Also, you may forget to reapply the sunscreen.

What to do when you get sunburned?

There’s more to being sunburned than just looking like a lobster.  You’ll also probably feel sick, dizzy and dehydrated.  After a few days, sunburned skin will begin to peel, and contrary to what people may tell you, it won’t turn into a tan.

There isn’t much you’ll be able to do to alleviate the above symptoms of sunburn. You’ll definitely want to put on minimal, loose-fitting clothing as any rubbing against the burn will be painful.  Keep your body as cool as possible, take a soak in a bath full of tepid water.  Perhaps next time you’ll remember to use proper sun protection!

DON’T – There’s many “remedies” that people say work but it’s best to stay clear of them.  Don’t soak you body in vinegar or rub with butter.  Avoid using body butter because you don’t know if an ingredient will cause a nasty reaction.

DO – What can work is rubbing you skin with virgin olive oil, covering your skin with natural yoghurt or applying some tea tree oil.

If the sunburn is accompanied by blisters, you may have a severe second-degree burn. Blistering is normal after a few days but right away it’s usually a sign that the sunburn is bad.  It’s a good idea to ask a doctor for advice.

Posted by April / Beauty