Summer is here. Everybody is thinking about the summer vacations

All of us are impatient to go to the beach, sunbathe and get that perfect tan.

We all know the benefits of the SUN. It is true that sunlight provides us with vitamin D, a very important vitamin for many functions of the body (supports immune system, strengthen the bones ecc). It also helps to decrease depression and increase our mood, because it increases the levels of serotonin.

But, it also can be dangerous for the skin. We should be very careful because radiation can be very dangerous for every skin type, but especially for the white ones.

Going to the beach unexpectedly, does not mean to avoid the use of some essential products:

• a cream with SPF50 for the face;
• a body cream with SPF30 or SPF20;
• sunglasses;
• a hat.

Sunscreens are products that help to protect the skin from the UV radiation, but at the same time they block the production of vitamin D. For this reason many people are confused if they should or should not use them.

What is a sunburn?

A sunburn is the skin response to extreme UV exposure an indicates a damage in the skin. The first indication of damage is redness. You may even feel like you have the flu – feverish, chills, nausea, headache and weakness.

In extreme cases of sunburn, you may experience:

• low blood pressure;
• fainting;
• extreme weakness;
• confusion;
• signs of infection;
• no urine output.

Sunburns depend based on the amount of exposure to the sun and the type of the skin. Sometimes sunburns can be life threatening and lead to skin cancers.

The symptoms of a sunburn are temporary, but the damage to our skin and DNA is permanent.

Long term effects include:

• premature aging;
• wrinkles;
• sun spots;
• skin cancers.

What is the most important thing to do?

It is better to prevent than to treat. Here are some tips for you to prevent getting a sunburn:

1. Sit in locations with shade;
2. Wear a wide brimmed hat;

1. Protect your eyes with sunglasses;
2. Avoid going out in the hottest part of the day;
3. Wear sunblock and reapply it regularly.

How to treat a sunburn?

Sunburn treatment aim to relieve redness and inflamed skin and to ease the pain. When you are in the middle of an island, in an isolated beach or if there is not any pharmacy near you and you get a sunburn do not worry.

At first apply some cold compresses to your skin or take a cool bath.

Try to stay hydrated – drink plenty of water or other fluids.

Avoid going out in the sun.

If you have an Aloe Vera gel or cream apply it several times. Before applying it to the affected area of the skin put it in the refrigerator and then apply it on the skin. This will make you feel better.

If this is not enough and you feel pain, you may take a pain relief medication. OTC medicines such as ibuprofen are useful.

You may also apply a topical cream cortisone based. It is helpful because reduces itching and decreases redness and inflammation.

If blisters are created do not break them. Allow them to run their course. If one breaks, clean it with a mild soap and water.

Apply a moisturizer if it is needed (phenomenon of peeled skin).

Take a look of some products that can be useful in cases of sunburn.

Category 1: Topical creams

Category 2: Compresses (PIC Thermogel)

Category 3: NSAID (Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs)