We’ve all been there: you’ve spent the day in the sun, feeling sun-kissed, only to wake up the next morning looking like a lobster. Oops.
Let’s be honest, sunburns hurt and they are not cute. But the good news is you can avoid them! It’s all about knowing how to properly protect your skin before you step out into the sun and how to care for it if you do still get burned. So, let’s dive into the dos and don’ts of sunburn prevention and aftercare.
Protect Your Skin From Sunburn
You might be thinking, “I’ll just put on some sunscreen and call it a day,” but there’s a little more to it than that. If you’re really serious about avoiding sunburn, it’s time to level up that SPF routine of yours by doing the following:
1. Make Sure You Apply Enough Sunscreen
We all think applying sunscreen isn’t hard, right? And while it isn’t rocket science, there’s more to applying sunscreen than just slapping it on.
Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is your best bet. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays. It’s also important to look for a ‘broad spectrum’ SPF that protects you from both UVA & UVB rays. Sun protection always starts with a good-quality sunscreen.
The key here is to also make sure you’re using enough sunscreen. For the face, you want to use about a teaspoon worth. For the body, you’ll generally need one ounce (roughly the size of a shot glass). It may seem like a lot of sunscreen, but it’s the only way to ensure you’re fully protected against skin damage caused by too much sun exposure.
Even though we tend to focus on the face; your neck, ears, chest, and even your feet need sunscreen too. Make sure you’re covering all the exposed skin. And don’t forget your scalp if your hair is parted.
2. When Should I Apply Sunscreen?
The best way to ensure that you are protected is by applying sunscreen before you hit the sun. Ideally, you want to give it 15-30 minutes to settle into your skin. That way, it has time to fully absorb and provide a protective layer on top of the skin.
Unfortunately, a one-time application for the whole day isn’t enough. Reapply your sunscreen every two hours, or more often after every swim session or sweating (no one likes a sweaty, sunburned face).
Read the label on your sunscreen and make sure it provides some level of water resistance. Otherwise, once your body hits the water, you’ll be at a higher risk of burning. We recommend choosing a sunscreen such as PoolBar that benefits from up to 80 minutes of water resistance; you can enjoy the sun without worrying about reapplying too often, whatever the environment.
3. Keep Your Skin Cool
Sun protection isn’t just about sunscreen, it’s also about keeping your skin from getting overheated in the first place. When your skin is too hot, it’s more vulnerable to sunburn. So, take breaks in the shade, find some breeze or jump into the pool if possible to mitigate against this heightened risk.
Your skin will thank you for keeping it cool, and trust us, staying hydrated with plenty of water will also help your body handle the sun. Hydrated skin is more likely to bounce back, so don’t skip those refreshing sips throughout the day.
4. Take Breaks in the Shade & Use Accessories
As tempting as it is, you don’t have to be out there soaking up the rays all day. The best way to prevent sunburn is to limit your direct exposure, especially during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm).
If you need to be outside all day, use a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a good old beach umbrella to keep your skin cool and protected.
What to Do If You Get Sunburned
Okay, so maybe you got it a bit wrong, fell asleep and got a bit (or very) sunburned (we’ve all been there). Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered (no pun intended). Here’s what you need to do if you find yourself looking a little more red than planned:
1. Time to Get Back Inside
This one’s obvious, but it’s worth repeating. Get out of the sun as soon as you can. Since your skin is already burned, you don’t want to add more damage.
2. Cool Down
While you may be tempted to slather on a thick layer of cream, it’s best to cool your skin down first. Try a cool shower (but avoid super cold water, as it can shock your body) or place a cool compress on the affected areas.
3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Sunburns take your skin’s moisture, so it’s important to rehydrate from the inside out. Drinking plenty of water will help flush out toxins and keep your skin feeling refreshed.
But hydration shouldn’t stop there, and after a day in the sun, it’s all about replenishing your skin. Look for after-sun products that include soothing ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter, which can help calm and moisturize the skin.
These ingredients are known for their cooling and hydrating properties, helping to bring your skin back to balance after exposure to UV rays. If you’ve got something like PoolBar London’s Sundowner After Sun Lotion (which is packed with these nourishing ingredients), now’s the perfect time to slather it on and let it soothe your skin. Trust us, your skin will feel relieved and your glow will return in no time.
4. Avoid Tight Clothing & Scratching
We get it, it itches. But scratching your sunburn will only make it worse. Stick to loose, breathable fabrics and avoid anything that might rub against your skin, like tight collars or waistbands.
5. Give Your Skin Time to Heal
Sunburns are no joke, and your skin needs time to recover. Don’t make the mistake of peeling off dead skin, just let your skin heal naturally. And if you need a little extra TLC, continue to apply a hydrating, soothing after-sun to ease discomfort and help your skin recover faster.
Keep Your Skin Safe Every Day
It feels difficult to avoid sunburns, but don’t stress, it’s totally preventable with the right protection. Stick to your sunscreen routine and you’ll be golden. If you overdo it a little in the sun just follow the steps we’ve shared and your skin will bounce back in no time.
Ready to keep your skin safe and glowing all season long? PoolBar London has you covered with a full range of mineral sun care products designed to protect against UVA and UVB rays.
From I Scream for Sunscreen SPF 30 and SPF 50 for your body, to Not Just a Pretty Face SPF 50 for the face, our cruelty-free formulas are safe for all skin types — offering protection that’s effective, kind to the planet, and leaves you glowing (not burning) after every beach day or getaway..
Whether you’re hitting the beach or enjoying a sunny day out, our products are created with your skin’s best interest in mind, ensuring effective sunburn prevention. Shop our sun care range here and enjoy the sun without the burn.
