Responsible Tourism [#02] - what to do in case of sunburn?

What to do in case of sunburn?

Summer means beaches, lakes, bike trips, kayaking, and mountain hikes. What connects all these activities? The sun. It's very easy to get a sunburn in the summer. How to deal with it?

Dairy as relief for red skin

A favourite remedy of mothers that surely brought relief to many of us in childhood. Yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, and sour milk are the best home remedies for sunburn. It's best to apply it to a cloth and place it on the burned area of skin. Then, you need to wait until the dairy sets. This compress will bring immediate relief and can be repeated until effective.

Over-the-counter preparations

For burns, all kinds of foams work better than greasy creams. Overly oily skin will stop dissipating heat, which will only intensify our suffering. It's worth looking for products containing pro-vitamin B5, which will soothe our irritated skin and help regenerate the epidermis. Other helpful ingredients in this case include allantoin and hyaluronic acid.

A cool compress and a cold shower can also help with burns. For the latter, it's best to start with lukewarm water and then gently cool it down to avoid thermal shock. It's also advisable to wash off any creams and emulsions to allow the skin to breathe. Burned skin should not be exposed to the sun for several days, and we should remember to stay hydrated.

Of course, the best way to deal with burns is to... avoid them. UV filters, avoiding sunbathing between 10 am and 2 pm, and wearing clothing that covers the body are the best protection against the sun.

Author of the text - Joanna Choma