Summer sunburn: how to heal your skin after unwelcome exposure
Ah, summer in South Africa — a time for poolside braais, beach days that stretch into sunset strolls and endless outdoor adventures.
But while soaking up the sun feels glorious, it’s not all fun and games when your skin pays the price. Yes, we’re talking about the dreaded sunburn.
It’s that fiery reminder that you might’ve skipped the sunscreen or underestimated the African sun. And let’s be honest — whether you’re lounging on Clifton Beach, hiking in the Drakensberg or simply running errands under the blazing sun in Jozi, sunburn can strike when you least expect it.
So, what do you do when you’ve turned red like a ripe tomato? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some at-home remedies and local products to soothe your scorched skin.
Why does sunburn happen?
Let’s quickly break it down. According to Lamelle Researchers Sunburn occurs when your skin is exposed to too much ultraviolet (UV) light. The sun has two types of UV rays to blame:
UVA rays: These penetrate deep into your skin, causing premature ageing and DNA damage. Hello, wrinkles and dark spots!
UVB rays: These are the culprits behind that painful, red burn. They hit the surface of your skin and cause inflammation.
South Africa’s sunny climate means we’re exposed to more UV rays than most, so sunburn isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s a serious warning sign.
Repeated burns can increase your risk of skin cancer, no matter your skin tone. Yes, melanin-rich or darker skin tones can also burn, even if the redness isn’t as obvious!
How do you know you’re sunburnt?
If your skin feels hot, tender to the touch and looks like it’s been slow-roasted, you’ve got sunburn. Other symptoms can include:
- Redness (or darkening for deeper skin tones).
- Itchiness or peeling after a few days.
- Pain or sensitivity to touch.
- Blisters (in more severe cases).
If you’re experiencing fever, chills, nausea or dizziness, it’s time to visit a doctor —these are signs of serious sunburn.
Quick home remedies for healing sunburn
If your sunburn isn’t severe, you can treat it at home with some simple steps. Here’s your sunburn SOS guide:
Avoid peak sun hours: This might sound obvious, but staying in the sun after you’ve burned will only make things worse.
The sun is harshest between 10am and 3pm. Plan your outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Cool it down: Take a cool shower or bath to soothe your skin, but avoid ice — it can worsen the damage. After bathing, gently pat your skin dry (don’t rub!). For an extra soothing effect, try applying a cold, damp cloth to your skin for a few minutes.
Hydrate, hydrate and hydrate: Sunburn draws fluids to the skin’s surface, leaving you dehydrated. Drink plenty of water to help your skin heal from the inside out.
Moisturise like a pro: Your skin needs extra love right now, so apply a fragrance-free, soothing moisturiser. Wear Sunscreen Every Day: Choose an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.
Take painkillers if needed: If your sunburn feels particularly painful, over-the-counter options like ibuprofen or aspirin can reduce pain and swelling.
Wear loose clothing: Avoid tight-fitting clothes that can rub against your skin and cause further irritation. Light, breathable fabrics like cotton are your best bet.
Products to save your skin
If you’re looking to stock up on sunburn-friendly products, here are some local options that work wonders:
Helase Rescue Repair Gel: Helase Rescue Repair Gel is intended to nourish, repair, and soothe sun-exposed skin. The product's potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cooling agents work rapidly to reduce the extent of the injury.
Oh-Lief Natural Aloe Vera Gel: Proudly South African and packed with organic aloe vera, this gel soothes and rehydrates sunburnt skin without any harsh chemicals.
Clicks After sun gel: Affordable and effective, this gel contains aloe vera and menthol to cool and calm your skin after a long day in the sun.
Epi-Max oatmeal cream: Available at most pharmacies, this gentle cream helps lock in moisture and soothe irritation, making it perfect for sensitive, sunburnt skin.
Pure Beginnings soothing baby bum cream: Don’t knock it just because it’s for babies! This product contains zinc oxide and calendula to protect and heal damaged skin.