With Australia summer experiencing some of the hottest weather on record, here, we discuss the effects of sunburn and how to protect your skin.
Why Does The Sun Burn Our Skin?
Ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB have long electromagnetic wavelengths that can reach earth and penetrate our skin. UVC has shorter wavelengths and don’t reach earth with the earth’s atmosphere absorbing nearly all UVC. Because UVA and UVB rays can reach and penetrate our skin, they can cause irreversible damage depending on the time of the day, your skin and how it is exposed.
What Is Actually Happening To Our Skin When We Burn?
UVB is responsible for the ‘burning’ and affects the surface layers. Over exposure leads to an inflammation response whereby our blood vessels open up in order to bring in ‘helpers’ to deal with this trauma. It’s this response that creates the redness and swelling of sunburn. UVA penetrates deeper, can alter DNA and leads to accelerated ageing.
ANY suntan is a sign that your skin is damaged – like a scar and you increase the real risk of skin cancer.
What To Do If You Do Get Burnt?
- Keep your skin cool with cool compresses
- Avoid alcohol, hot drinks and increase water intake.
- Wear loose cotton clothing.
- Apply a cooling soothing serum like the Bf Restore Face & Body Serum that helps to reduce redness and lock in vital barrier moisture
- Do not exfoliate, even when you are peeling and don’t pick or remove any peeling.
- Avoid using soap or stripping ‘foamy’ products over the sunburn area. Try the Bc Refresh Cleanser, or our Biologi microfibre cloth.
What Is The Importance Of SPF?
All day, every day without fail even on a cloudy day. The old adage of “prevention is better than cure” rings true.
What Are The Different Types Of SPF (Sun Protection Factor)?
- Chemical, physical or a mix of both
- Broad spectrum means the sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB
- We recommend a minimum of 30+ with a maximum of 50+
- SPF means the level of sun protection it offers from sunburn
What Type Of SPF Biologi Recommends / What To Look For On The Label When Choosing SPF
At least a SPF 30 and one that protects from UVA and UVB - broad spectrum. Always check the use by date. Always reapply every 2 hours when outdoors. Remember to wear a hat, cover up and avoid being in the sun on the hottest part of the day and wear sunglasses with wide sides.
