Sunburn

Nobody wants a sun burn !

You're on holiday... you dream of coming back with a great tan that will be the envy of every one in the office or at school , but if you don't take some precautions, you could come back with a nasty sunburn that could ruin your holiday instead and make you end up looking like a lobster with peeling skin instead of giving you that healthy glow you want!

How should I avoid getting a sunburn?

Here are some tips to avoid getting a sunburn:

Avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Stay in the shade as much as possible.

Use a waterproof sunscreen or sunblock with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 on all exposed parts of the body.

Don't sunbathe during the hottest part of the day from late morning to early afternoon.

Use a moisturiser and lip balm as often as necessary , especially in a dry climate

Use large floppy hats to protect your face and neck when spending extended hours in the sun.

Wear a good pair of shades or sunglasses to protect your eyes , make sure that the lenses are 100% UV protected (check with your optician )

Remember that even if it is a cloudy or overcast day , you can still sun burn because the ultraviolet rays of the sun can still penetrate the cloud cover . Also , in cloudy or overcast skies, you don't feel the heat of the sun, so you may be tempted to stay out in the open longer.

What do I do if I get a sunburn?

Take a cool bath , NOT ice cold, but cool. Do not use any oil, bubble bath or bath salts.

Do not scrub or shave your skin. Dry your skin after your bath by patting dry with a soft towel , do not rub down.

Use a mild moistuiser such as aloe vera get and dust lightly with talcum powder to reduce chafing.

Stay out of the sun. See a doctor as soon as you can if your sunburnt skin is painful or blistering , or if you feel faint or nauseaus.