Melanin is the most important pigment in the skin. Besides determining the color of hair, eyes, and skin, melanin also helps fight bacteria and regulate body temperature. It protects the skin from sun damage and reduces the risk of radiation harm. This pigment also helps regulate the aging process and reduce skin abrasion.
Melanin works by darkening skin that is exposed to sunlight when unprotected. For people with less melanin pigment, prolonged sun exposure without protection can cause skin cells to become red, swollen, and painful, resulting in sunburn.
Within a few days, the body can begin to heal itself by shedding, peeling off the top layer of damaged skin to remove damaged cells. A severe sunburn can take several days to heal.
Sunburn accelerates skin aging and is the leading cause of most cases of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
When skin is sunburned, several self-care measures can be applied.
Cool down, lower the temperature.
Minimize sun exposure until sunburn symptoms have completely subsided. Apply cool compresses or cold compresses to the affected area.
Moisturize the skin
While the skin is still damp after cooling, apply a gentle moisturizer to the burned area. Aloe vera gel can also soothe minor burns and is considered safe for sunburned skin.
Reduce inflammation
A doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) if there are signs of inflammation and heat to reduce discomfort and infection. Continue applying cold compresses to reduce discomfort, and wear loose, soft, breathable clothing to avoid further skin irritation. Avoid direct sunlight completely until the sunburn has healed.
Replenish fluids and electrolytes.
When you get sunburned, your skin becomes dehydrated. It's important to rehydrate orally, including with mineral water, fruit juices, and sports drinks that replenish electrolytes, both when your skin is damaged and even after it starts to heal.
To prevent sunburn, doctors recommend that people avoid sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. UV rays are strongest during these hours, so try to schedule outdoor activities at other times. If that's not possible, limit your time in the sun and seek shade whenever you can.
Additionally, you should use sunscreen and waterproof lip balm with an SPF of at least 30 and broad spectrum protection, even on cloudy days. Broad-spectrum products help protect against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
About 30 minutes before going outside, apply sunscreen evenly to clean, dry skin. Use sunscreen to cover all areas of skin exposed to sunlight, except for the eyelids. If you are using a spray sunscreen, spray it into your hand and then apply it to your skin. This helps avoid inhaling the product.
When going outside, other items like umbrellas or wide-brimmed hats can protect you in addition to sunscreen. Darker clothing provides better protection. Wear sunglasses when outdoors, preferably those that fit snugly to your face.
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