Protecting yourself from the harmful rays of the sun is extremely important to prevent skin damage. And, if you are planning to stay out in the sun for a very long time then, applying sunscreen frequently is a must if you want to avoid those painful, nasty-looking sunburns. You may think you are taking all the necessary precautions to stay safe from the sun, but there are certain things you may do that just pave the way for a pretty foul sunburn, that too when you least expect it. Here are a few things that make your sunburn worse.
1. Wearing Certain Perfumes
It sure does feel nice to smell good but are all types of perfume safe when you are stepping out into the sun? The answer is no. Perfumes and colognes contain certain ingredients that actually make your skin prone to sunburn. One such notorious ingredient is the oil of bergamot. It can cause severe blisters when it is on your skin and gets exposed to sunlight. Many fragrance companies have removed this ingredient from their perfumes, but it does pop up from time to time. So, you need to use not just your nose but also your eyes whenever you buy perfumes. Read the ingredient label of your favorite scent very carefully before purchasing it. You can also play it safe by spraying perfume on your clothes instead of your skin.
2. Taking Certain Medications
If you are sunburned, taking anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, helps soothe your skin. But, taking such medications make you more prone to sunburn in the first place. The reason is that certain medications contain chemicals that act as photosensitizing agents. These chemicals absorb the harmful rays of the sun and then release them into your skin, causing severe skin damage. Even acne medication can have such effects on your skin. Do talk to your doctor about the side effects of certain medications, if you are taking any. Always protect yourself from direct sunlight by wearing hats, full sleeves, and a sunscreen of SPF 30.
3. Getting Citric Acid On Your Skin
When you host parties in your backyard on sunny days, you may end up mixing drinks for you and your friends to enjoy. But a nasty hangover is not the only thing you should worry about. If you are dealing with lemons or any other citrus fruits, you have to be careful not to spill any juice on your skin. Even if you do, make sure to wipe it off as quickly as you can. When you get citric acid on your skin when you are exposed to the sun, it can result in photodermatitis, which causes painful rashes, blister, irritation, and, in worse case scenario, second-degree burns. Citric acid actually exfoliates the outer layer of your skin, making it vulnerable to sunburn.
4. Taking Hot Showers
Your skin contains some amount of essential oils that help retain moisture and help protect your skin from the rays of the sun to a certain extent. By taking hot showers, you strip your skin of these oils, making you vulnerable to sunburn. You should avoid taking hot showers especially after being sunburned because it can aggravate the condition of your already-sensitive skin and may prolong the process of healing.
5. Not Drinking Enough Water
Drinking enough water to keep your skin moisturized is extremely important if you want to protect yourself from sunburn. It is even more important if you are already sunburned because dehydration leads to electrolyte imbalances on your skin, which causes your damaged skin to pain and itch, making your sunburn feel worse. Try sticking to lukewarm showers instead.
