Want to add a little color to your pasty skin? Here’s what happens when you go outside unprotected… and what to do if you feel a burning sensation.
You slip into your bikini
Your skin gets its color from melanin, pigment molecules produced by melanocyte cells in the basal layer of the epidermis. Melanin protects the cells in the epidermis by converting UV rays into heat. More melanin = darker skin = more natural sun protection. The problem is that most of us don’t have enough for complete protection. Where melanin is not present, UV rays almost immediately begin to damage the DNA in your epidermis by affecting its chemical structure.
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You blush
One response to the damage is erythema, the expansion of blood and inflammatory cells – your skin becomes red, swollen and sore – as your body increases blood flow to try to nourish the cells and speed healing. Through a process called melanogenesis, your body, now in protective mode, accelerates the production of melanin. It takes about three days for these pigments – your tan – to reach the outer layer of your skin.
You have blisters
When sun damage is really bad and cells in the dermis are affected, blisters form on the skin. Again, this is damage control – the bubble (which contains plasma) protects new layers of skin as they form underneath.
You start peeling
The damaged surface cells die and flake off. Your body is working overtime to replace them — particularly keratinocytes, which make up most of the epidermis — and the cells are pushed up faster than normal. Without the regular maturation and separation processes, they are still bunched up when they reach the surface, causing the skin to peel off. But it’s the deeper cell damage that can be a problem. Enzymes begin repairs almost immediately, but sometimes things go wrong—remember, UV rays have changed the chemistry of cells—and mutations occur. Over time, these mutated cells multiply, which can lead to skin cancer.
Okay, now that you’ve learned the details of your burn, how do you treat it? Relieve the burning sensation with these simple steps:
1. Hydrate well
Sunburns are extremely dehydrating. Heal and hydrate from the inside out by consuming fluids as quickly as possible. Drink water with electrolytes (try an electrolyte pack or a squeeze of fresh lemon). Or try unsweetened iced tea: The antioxidants in green and black tea can help repair free radical damage from the sun. You’ll know you’re fully hydrated when your urine turns pale yellow.
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2. Load up on aloe
Aloe vera is a miracle cure, especially for sun-dried skin. It’s packed with anti-inflammatory compounds to soothe irritated skin, heal burns, and boost the immune system (which is tough in the sun). Look for pure aloe vera (i.e. 98 to 100% aloe vera) to avoid a sticky feeling. And store it in the fridge to keep it cool – sweet relief from sunburn!
3. Bathe with baking soda
Baking soda is great for two reasons: it helps balance your skin’s pH to aid healing, and when dissolved in water, it feels super cool and nourishing for hot and irritated skin. Add a few heaping tablespoons of baking soda to a cool bath and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. If you don’t want to take the plunge, add a heaping tablespoon of baking soda to a bowl of cold water, soak a washcloth in it, wring it out gently, and use it as a compress to treat sensitive areas.
4. Avoid soap and avoid scrubbing
Soap can dry out the skin, and if you have a burn, you don’t need something that will strip the skin of moisture. Keep the use of soap to a minimum (for example, it only lathers your armpits and genitals) and avoid using washcloths or loofahs for now. And avoid shaving (or waxing—ouch!) for a few days to minimize irritation. If you must shave, be sure to thoroughly rub your skin with a rich, moisturizing shaving cream, gel, or lotion.
5. Provide maximum moisture
Reach for the richest moisturizer you can to soothe skin and prevent flaking. Avoid moisturizers with alcohols, retinols, and AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) as these can dry and irritate sensitive skin. For maximum absorption, lather immediately after bathing and place the bottle in the refrigerator for cooling comfort.
6. Dust with powder
Tight-fitting clothing can make a sunburn even more painful. Dust your shoulders, chest, and bikini line with body powder or baby powder to prevent chafing and irritation from elastic in bras and underwear. Look for a powder without artificial fragrances, which can irritate sensitive skin.
