Solutions:

Denise Dubois, owner of Complexions Spa 

“A sunburn is your body’s response to overexposure to ultraviolet rays. It appears as redden skin due to inflammation and dilated capillaries. The skin also becomes very dehydrated, which can feel tight and hot. Explain to your clients that the first thing to do when you feel the heat of a sunburn is to get out of the sun immediately. It is then very important to pull the heat out of the skin and start to decrease the inflammation. Do this by taking a cool shower or bath. In some cases, cool compresses can also be used. When you get out, gently pat dry the skin and apply a soothing serum that has calming properties and contains powerful antioxidants. Products that contain pomegranate seed oil are packed with Omega 5, which neutralize and damaging free radical effects from UV rays and reduces inflammation. It also rehydrates the skin, relieving the tight feeling due to moisture loss. Using a broad spectrum sunscreen should be used daily to avoid sunburn and reapplied often.”

Alice Pichery, National Trainer for Sothys USA

“Lower the skin’s temperature and decrease heat sensations. Apply cold compresses or a body wrap on the skin containing refreshing and cooling ingredients such as menthol and camphor. Soothe the inflamed skin with aloe vera, well known for its multiple properties on the skin. This will stimulate the healing process and decrease the reactions of inflammation. Other soothing ingredients include chamomile, bisabolol and allantoine.Use a specific after-sun moisturizer at least twice a day until the skin regains its comfort – with hyaluronic acid or glycerin to improve hydration levels; and nourishing oils (jojoba oil, shea butter) to relieve the skin from dryness, restore the hydro-lipidic film, and so the barrier’s function of the skin. This will prevent the skin from peeling. Finally, prevent premature ageing due to the production of free radicals after sun exposure and recommend products containing antioxidants (vitamin E, flavonoids, polyphenols, etcetera).”

Christine Heathman, President and Founder of GlyMed Plus Skin Care

“In this case study, comprehensive understanding of sunburn damage provides insight to treatment approach. Because this case study does not identify the SPT (skin photo type), I will assess the skin as I would a SPT 2 (white, European, easily burns). Acute sun exposure provokes short- and long-term effects on skin. Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) suppresses skin immunity and induces formation of ROS in the cells with UVB peaking at six to 24 hours with 70 percent absorbed by the stratum corneum, 10 percent in the viable epidermis, and 10 percent in the upper dermis where delayed response is common. UVA peaks from two to 24 hours with up to 30 percent reaching the dermis. The acute erythema inflammatory reaction is typical and is caused by the sunburn that also initiates DNA damage, phototoxicity, and depletes the skin of its vital antioxidant defense. This client is experiencing immediate radiation burn and possible delayed UVB damage reaction. Treatment should immediately begin with a combination of a water-based serum and semi-occlusive topical antioxidant formulations applied several times daily to reduce inflammation and prevent further lipid peroxidation and skin injury. The following are three primary antioxidants for sunburn treatment: Vitamin E to reduce erythema, edema and sunburn cell formation; Aloe vera, aptly named the burn remedy, contains 18 of 20 necessary amino acids for cell proliferation, reduces heat in skin, increases hydration, decreases inflammation, and helps heal with it natural vitamins and minerals; Vitamin C will diminish PUVA-induced erythema and sunburn cell formation. As UVA- and UVB-induced skin damage is not solely dependent on ROS formation and further reaction with numerous skin biomolecules, topical professional DNA creams to prevent telomere damage are also recommended as a continuing prevention to photoaging. Sunscreen is mandatory to prevent further UVR.”

Ben Johnson, MD. Founder of Osmosis Skincare

“Sunburns result once DNA damage has reached critical mass. The body increases circulation to handle the damage of cells and DNA. Treating a sunburn should involve supporting the immune repair activities. Ingredients like human-derived growth factors, 1,3-beta-glucan, willow herb extract, aloe or aloe extract all support the skin in its effort to heal. Sunburns occur much earlier for those with compromised immune systems. Most medication, including birth control pills, will weaken the skin’s natural ability to heal sun damage by reducing repair at the skin level. Everyone should review what medication they are on (supplements can even be immunosuppressing) and try to find alternatives that do not weaken their skin’s reparability. The best defense for a sunburn is to get healthy. The next defense is to avoid daily exfoliation as that dramatically increases free radical damage. Antioxidants help but not nearly to the level most people expect. Topical zinc or titanium or the new scalar wave internal sun protection are the best options.”

Harry Fallick, CEO of Fallene, Ltd.

“The best thing is to avoid getting a sunburn in the first place. Accidental burns do happen though and should be taken seriously. Sunburn, caused by UVB rays, is the skin’s way of alerting us that we are incurring damage and to get out of the sun. This case study should treat the sunburn with simple ingredients and cooling of the skin by gently applying a soft cloth soaked in pure aloe, zinc oxide and cool water (avoid hot water) to the skin. Super hydrate inside and out. Avoid heat and further sun exposure at all costs by applying a physical sunscreen containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide daily, even under clothing (UV travels through clothes too).”