Follow our advice to prevent sunburn

The holidays have begun, it's time to enjoy the beautiful weather and the warmth of the sun. But with the sun comes exposure, and sunburn is guaranteed if you don't protect your skin. Discover our tips for preventing sunburn and how to treat them.

What is a sunburn?

A sunburn is a burn of the skin caused by ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB) emitted by the sun. Depending on the duration of exposure, it can be more or less severe. Also known as sun erythema, it manifests as reddened skin, pain, or itching, and can even lead to the formation of blisters.

Sunburn usually occurs when the exposure is too long, meaning the person stayed in the sun for too long without protection. The skin can also redden if the sun care product's protection factor is too low compared to the skin's complexion.

It's important to note that not everyone has the same skin color. Some people have more sensitive and/or lighter skin, making them more prone to developing redness quickly.

Sunburns can cause varying degrees of burns:

• First-degree burns: this is the mildest form of sunburn. After a few hours of exposure, redness appears, and some itching is felt. Everything disappears within a week.
• Superficial second-degree burns: blisters appear after a few hours or even immediately after exposure. After two weeks, the redness and blisters disappear, leaving behind dark spots that fade over time.
• Deep second-degree burns: in this case, the burns are the most intense and therefore the most serious. Blisters take more than a month to heal, and some scars remain.

So, to avoid sunburn, what are the actions to take and the tips to follow?

Our tips for preventing sunburn

Having hot and reddened skin due to the sun, itching, and scratching – it's not pleasant! To prevent sunburn, it is essential to follow a few tips.

Apply sunscreen

Protecting your skin is essential in any situation, but especially if you are exposed to the sun for a prolonged period. Choose a sunscreen suitable for your skin complexion; the lighter your skin, the higher the protection factor should be. Children must protect their skin with a high SPF 50 factor. And above all, it is important to reapply the sunscreen every two hours at most.

Expose yourself in the morning before 12 pm or after 4 pm

During this time of year, the sun's UV rays are most harmful to the skin. It is recommended to expose yourself in the morning before 12 pm and in the afternoon after 4 pm.

If you can avoid sunburn, heatstroke, or sunstroke, it's best not to be in the sun during these hours!

Remember to stay hydrated as much as possible and apply sunscreen regularly.

Protect your body with clothing

Using sunscreen is mandatory during sun exposure. To add an extra layer of protection, you can wear clothing: loose-fitting t-shirts, wide shorts, and, of course, a cap or hat. One doesn't exclude the other!

Sometimes, despite all these precautions, the skin reddens, and sunburn appears. How can you calm them down?

How to soothe sunburn?

Your skin feels hot, and it itches – you have a sunburn. Don't panic; here are some tips:

• Do not wear clothing: the contact of clothes on burned skin can be uncomfortable and painful. Let the affected areas breathe and air out. 
• Apply a soothing balm on the body: Algologie's "Baume du Jardin Marin - Baume corps Nourrissant & Revitalisant" is ideal for comforting the skin and helping it regenerate. Let the skin absorb the balm naturally without massaging too much.
• Use a hydrating mask on the face: Before going to sleep, you can apply "Nuit des Vagues - Masque de Nuit Hydratant" by Algologie, which is a must for moisturizing and replenishing the skin overnight. Composed of aloe vera extracts, known for its soothing qualities, this mask provides immediate hydration, bringing suppleness and comfort to the skin.
• Drink plenty of water regularly, especially during a sunburn. Hydration is essential every day and even more so during sunburn. Drink regularly for several days.

Note: Do not return to the sun until the sunburn has disappeared!

It is important to remind you to consult a doctor if sunburns have caused severe burns: persistent headaches, skin infections, large blisters, etc.

Our tips for preventing sunburn

Itching, first-degree burns, blisters... a sunburn can be serious if you don't protect your skin effectively.

A quick reminder to prevent sunburn:

• Protect your skin with sunscreen suitable for your skin complexion.
• Avoid sun exposure between 12 pm and 4 pm when UV rays are most aggressive.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes for protection.

And if, unfortunately, the sun still damaged your skin, remember to:

• Drink plenty of water regularly.
• Apply a soothing cream.
• Let the skin breathe freely.
• Consult a doctor in case of severe burns.

With all these tips, you are ready to face the sun this summer!