How to Turn Your Sunburn into a Tan
When Dorothea Mackellar said ‘I love this sunburnt country’ I don’t think she was talking about Aussies’ penchant for rosy cheeks and sun cancer. Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world with 2 in 3 Aussies getting diagnosed before the age of 70. And out of Australia’s eight states and territories, Queensland has the highest percentage.
As someone who was born and raised in the Sunshine State, I’ve had my fair share of battles with the Australian sun, so I know my way around a sunburn. And let me tell you, turning a sunburn into a glowing tan sans peeling is a complex art.
Can I get sunburnt through clothing?
As a surprise to many, you can get sunburnt through your clothes. In fact, most clothing leaves your skin susceptible to 20 per cent of UV rays.
A good rule of thumb for picking an outfit for a day under the sun is the hand test. If you place a T-shirt over your hand and can see your skin colour through the shirt, you gotta pick something else. Dark and brightly-hued colours absorb UV rays better than lighter colours, offering more protection for your skin. In terms of fabrics, you’ll want something tightly woven. Corduroy, denim, wool, synthetics and semi-synthetics like polyester and rayon are all safe choices but aren’t necessarily appropriate for the Whitsundays’ warmer weather. Tightly woven and lightweight cotton, hemp and linen in dark hues are your best mate to got to battle with the UV rays.
How to prevent peeling after sunburn
To combat the onset of a bad burn and subsequent peeling drink a lot of water, take cool to just less than lukewarm baths or showers, and regularly apply an aloe lotion.
Should I moisturise sunburn?
As most moisturisers contain petroleum and/or oils it’s best to avoid moisturising your burns. The petroleum and oils trap the heat in your skin, essentially marinating the sunburn internally. Always check the ingredients before applying. It’s best to stick to petroleum and oil-free aloe vera gels and cortisol lotions
How to sleep with sunburn
Sleeping with sunburn is the worst, and unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to reduce the discomfort. If your burns are still causing you grief after hydrating and marinating in aloe, try popping a couple of anti-inflammatories, ibuprofen or paracetamol to soothe the pain and reduce swelling. Obviously, use any medications you choose to take in accordance with the instructions on the back of the package. Additionally, try icing your skin by taking a cool, wet compression pack to bed. And, of course, keep a massive jug of cool water by the bed.
Slip, slop, slap
The best combat for sunburn is preventative. Wear UV-protective clothes, hats and sunnies. And don’t forget to slip, slop, slap every hour or two and reapply after swimming.
