Are The Elements Irritating Your Skin?

As much as some individuals want to enjoy the outdoors, the elements can cause severe skin irritation or exacerbate skin conditions. For instance, sunburn and windburn can lead to red, itchy, and irritated skin. In severe cases, skin can become damaged. Knowing the different characteristics of sunburn and windburn can help with treatment and preventative measures. Medical professionals like pharmacists can also recommend solutions for much-needed relief.

All about sunburn

The sun beams ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can damage the skin in the form of sunburn. Skin has some built-in protection in the form of melanin, which can reflect some of the radiation. Overexposure to the sun’s harmful rays, however, will lead to sunburn. Common symptoms include redness, pain, itching, peeling, and even swelling and blistering. Some persons are more prone to sunburn than others, but everyone can experience sunburn with long enough exposure. Sunburn can occur at varying degrees, with more severe burns taking longer to heal. Furthermore, skin cancer is a potential danger and a risk of long-term sun exposure.

Have you heard about windburn?

While the sun can cause significant skin damage, strong winds should not be overlooked. Windburn occurs when prolonged exposure to strong winds causes skin irritation or damage. Cold or dry conditions coupled with strong winds create the environment for windburn. These strong winds strip the natural protective barrier of the skin, increasing the risk of dehydration, irritation, and damage. The symptoms manifest similarly to sunburn, with dryness, redness, irritation, tightening, and peeling common.

Soothing sunburn and windburn

Anyone with sunburn or windburn should take action to relieve symptoms and prevent long-term skin damage. The irritation can be unpleasant but treatable. For sunburn, get to a shaded area out of the sun and apply a cold compress to the damaged areas. Take over-the-counter pain medication, drink lots of water, and use moisturizers to restore hydration. Avoid further sun exposure until healed. Immediate treatment for windburn involves applying thick layers of moisturizer to prevent further damage. Look for those that lock in moisture and have ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter. Take a warm bath, avoiding harsh soaps and other irritants.

Pharmacist-recommended options

A quick stop to the pharmacist can be a lifesaver for sunburn or windburn damage. The pharmacist can recommend topical solutions to provide relief and begin healing. Sunburn damage can benefit from an over-the-counter aloe vera gel. The pharmacist can also provide topical creams to heal irritated or damaged skin. Studies suggest vitamin D supplements can reduce redness and help with healing. Other useful options include vitamin C, E, and apple cider vinegar. Severe windburn can also benefit from these solutions, but a pharmacist may recommend colloidal oatmeal to soothe skin irritation. An oatmeal bath or topical cream with oatmeal are equally effective.

Relieve your irritated skin quickly

While there are times when sunburn and windburn damage is unavoidable, taking precautions can help. Before venturing outside, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun-protecting factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. This sunscreen protects from UVA and UVB rays. For times of the year when windburn is highest, apply sunscreen and a heavier moisturizer for extra protection. When possible, avoid peak times of sun and wind. Wear protective clothing when this is not possible. Use a scarf, hat, or face mask during the winter months when windburn can happen. If the skin still feels irritated, take action and use the pharmacist-recommended solutions. The creams and supplements can provide relief, potentially improving quality of life.