THE FACTS ABOUT A SUNBURN
Sunburn is a condition that produces reddened, painful skin, and in severe cases, swelling and blisters. It results from a brief but acute overexposure to UV (ultraviolet) light, generally from the sun’s rays, but also from UV light-exposure in tanning beds. The amount of exposure required to produce a burn varies with each person’s ability to produce melanin, the protective pigment that is naturally present to varying degrees in the skin, hair, and eyes. Fair-skinned people’s bodies produce very little melanin, which leaves them at much greater risk for sunburn. Sunburn symptoms may not be immediately apparent, but by the time the skin starts to become painful and red, the damage has been done. Several days after sunburn, people with naturally fair skin may have peeling in the burned areas. Some itching may occur, and the peeled areas will be even more sensitive to sunburn for several weeks.

PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN WITH THESE TIPS:

• Avoid exposure to sunlight during peak hours (usually 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

• Dress sensibly; tighter weaves and darker-colored fabrics offer the most sun protection. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses whenever you will be outdoors for extended periods.

• Avoid deliberately sunbathing, including tanning beds.

• Use a sunscreen of at least 15 SPF even on cloudy days. Sunscreens should be applied about 20 minutes before going outdoors, and even water-resistant sunscreens should be reapplied about every two hours, especially after going swimming or engaging in strenuous activity.

IF YOUR SKIN NEEDS HEALING, SKIN RX CLINIC OFFERS THREE PRODUCTS THAT WILL HELP SOOTHE TENDER, SUNBURNED SKIN

• Aloe Soothing Masque is a gentle and calming gel-masque, rich in botanical extracts, which deeply soothes sensitive skin and leaves it velvety-smooth. Azulene and whole-leaf aloe extract provide healing, softening and hydrating benefits. It’s ideal for use after waxing, microdermabrasion, extractions and professional glycolic treatments. For a soothing sunburn treatment, leave the jar in the refrigerator!

• Arnica Facial Wash is a mild, low-foaming cleansing gel formulated for very dry, post-surgery, or highly sensitive complexions. Arnica repairs, calms, and heals bruising to the skin, while aloe-leaf gel is soothing and cooling. Arnica Facial Wash contains no skin-sensitizing oils, perfumes, fragrances, dyes, or alcohols. There is absolutely no irritation or leftover oily residue with this miraculous cleanser, but it easily removes makeup and other residues. Arnica extract and aloe offer anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory benefits for complexions that cannot take normal cleansing.

• Willowherb Soothing Serum is an ultra-cooling gel that contains Canadian willowherb, clinically proven to calm redness and irritation while acting as an anti-bacterial agent. Vitamin K is added for its blood-coagulating properties, aiding in healing and calming enlarged capillaries and minimizing dark shadows under the eyes. Willowherb Serum contains aloe, gingko biloba, and hyaluronic gel, but absolutely no dyes, oils, fragrances, or irritating alcohols.