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The Dr. VazquezVS dermatologist confirms that sunbathing is necessary for vitamin D synthesis, but in moderation. In fact, as the doctor explains, 15 minutes a day three times a week is enough. With or without protection? As the dermatologist says, “although in theory sunscreens could decrease the production of vitamin D in our skin, in practice it has been seen that this does not happen, probably partly because almost no one applies them in the right amounts and at the right intervals”. So there is no need to avoid them or increase sun exposure if you use them.

Since prevention is better than cure, the ideal is never to get burned. Dr. Vázquez tells us that “Failing to gradually expose ourselves to the sun, starting with a few minutes a day, is a common mistake that can lead to inadvertent sunburn,” he says. Other mistakes we often make, according to this expert, are “applying an insufficient amount of sunscreen, forgetting to reapply it every 2 or 3 hours or when getting out of the water, or underestimating sun exposure and the risk of sunburn on cloudy days or while bathing”.

“The main sign of a burn is reddening of the skin, which generally peaks between 6 and 24h after exposure, and is usually accompanied by discomfort or pain.” “Burns of greater intensity may present with blistering and, in more severe cases, general symptoms such as fever, weakness or shock,” he adds .

What to do if you have any of the latter symptoms? As the dermatologist emphasizes, “we should see a doctor if we have extensive burns with blisters, if we feel chills or a headache, or if we have a fever”.

As Dr. Vazquez, “if we have been burned, we can apply compresses with cold running water on the affected area for 10-15 minutes, several times a day“. “Baths or showers with cool water can also help relieve discomfort.”he adds.

“For a mild burn, we can apply fluid moisturizers or use aftersun lotions, which usually have light formulas and include components that help soothe the associated discomfort”.

As for aloe vera, the expert states that “it is one of the components that, due to its properties, is usually included in many aftersun lotions and moisturizers, and can help us to soothe the discomfort associated with sunburn. but, as the dermatologist stresses, “the ideal is not to apply the juice of the plant itself but to use lotions that include aloe vera in their formulation”.

Getting a sunburn, even a mild sunburn, or even excessive sunbathing, leaves its mark on your skin. Take care of your skin health and protect yourself from the sun.