Sun damage: How to prevent, soothe and repair skin

Who doesn’t love a sunny day? Being out and about when it’s bright and warm lifts the spirits, providing you don’t get too relaxed soaking up the rays. After all that fun in the sun, sun damage is the last thing you’ll want to deal with.

Why is sun protection important?

We all know too much time in the sun damages your skin and can lead to sunburn. Sunburn occurs when the skin’s outermost layers are damaged by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This results in an inflammatory reaction where skin cells become red, swollen and sore. As well as being unsightly, sun damage also causes skin ageing. Once the pain, redness and discomfort fades, the long-term skin damage remains.

How to soothe sunburn

Although sunburn can be very painful, there are simple, practical ways to gain some level of protection for sensitive skin once you’ve been burnt. First, stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible to limit UV exposure. Take it a step further with a cool shower and drinking lots of cold water to rehydrate.

We also recommend Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum. Ideal for layering serums, our formula is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid and helps to strengthen the skin barrier function to protect it from daily stressors and early signs of ageing. Looking for a moisturiser for sensitive skin, try Centella Sensitive Cica-Cream. Our formula soothes and protects skin’s barrier function while intensively moisturising skin to reveal a healthy-looking appearance.

For all-over-body relief, Crème de Corps body lotion nourishes skin to leave it feeling softer, smoother and more hydrated. Also, wear protective clothing to provide a greater level of protection and avoid direct sunlight until you're feeling better.

How to soothe sunburned lips

Sunburned lips are especially sensitive to UV exposure, and unless you're into wearing a face masks protective clothing isn't going to help here. It’s worth using calming lip balms, such as the Butterstick Lip Treatment, which contain coconut oil and lemon butter and work to soothe, and protect your lips. If you find a lip care product with SPF, even better!

Sunscreen to help protect skin and prevent sun damage

We recommend wearing SPF protection every day, all-year round. A quality mineral sunscreen can help defend against both skin-ageing UVA and UVB rays. To protect from UVB and limit skin damage, look for a mineral sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF), of at least 30 SPF.

How to apply sunscreen

Finding the right solution is only half the story, as your good intentions will be compromised unless you apply sunscreen properly. Here are our top tips to avoid exposure to ultraviolet light and limit the risk of sunburn.

Kiehls Top Tip #1: Apply sunscreen everyday

Skin damage is cumulative, so use sunscreen every day. Apply 30 minutes before going out and don’t forget to top-up your sunscreen every two hours or after swimming. Even if you have water resistant UV protection sunscreen on, risk of exposure to UV light is unforgiving on unprotected skin.

Kiehls Top Tip #2: Applying sunscreen and makeup

Consider applying SPF protection as the first step of your makeup routine. You should aim to apply makeup after your sunscreen’s been on for about five minutes. Stick to liquid or cream foundations as powder could smear and lead to skin irritation. Once you leave the house, you’ll need to reapply your sunscreen and so will need to do that over makeup.

Kiehls Top Tip #3: Applying the right amount of protection

The NHS recommends using two teaspoons of sun lotion on your head, arms and neck, and two tablespoons for all other exposed areas if you want to maintain healthy skin. We know that nobody applies sun lotion with a teaspoon, but it gives you an idea! Don’t forget to cover your forehead and neck up to the hairline, your nose, eyelids, knees and shoulders with an ounce of sunscreen. If possible, use water-resistant sunscreen, as UV rays will seek out any areas of unprotected skin, which will be vulnerable when swimming or sweating and add to your risk of sun damage.

Also, wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head and UV-rated sunglasses with a CE Mark and British Standard Mark 12312-1:2013 E.

Kiehls Top Tip #4: Reapply sunscreen

When reapplying makeup or mineral sunscreen it’s best to wash your face and start again from scratch. Alternatively, use a dry makeup sponge to press on sunscreen or makeup. Try to avoid dragging the sponge when applying either, especially if you have delicate skin.