Sunburn is a common skin problem in summer. It occurs by exposing the skin to the sun UV rays for longer. Sunburn can create itchiness, red patches, or peeling on the skin. These sunburns can sometimes lead to premature skin aging or cancers. So, it is necessary to learn more about sunburns and how to treat them. It can be treated easily at home. Hyaluronic acid is a good ingredient in treating sunburns. Want to know about benefits of hyaluronic acid for sunburn relief? Then dig in!
Table of Contents
Overview of Sunburn
Sunburn is usually a damaged skin that occurs by being in the sun for a long time. You need not spend a day on the beach to get sunburned. Sunburns can happen in any way. Many people get sunburns if they stand in the sun without applying sunscreen. It is important to pay attention to your skin when spending time in outdoors.
Types of Sunburn:
Usually, human skin will have 3 layers of skin: Epidermis, dermis and Hypodermis. Sunburns are classified into three types based on the depth of damage on skin layers. They are First-degree sunburn, second-degree sunburn and third-degree sunburn.
1. First-degree sunburn
The first-degree sunburn damages upto the first layer, i.e., Epidermis. This is not much to take seriously. It can heal on its own in a week or two.
2. Second-degree sunburn
This sunburn damages upto dermis. This may sometimes create blisters on the skin. This type of sunburn needs more than a week to heal. It needs some medical treatment also.
3. Third-degree sunburn
This is a very rare condition. But needs emergency medical service. It damages all skin layers and also the fat under the skin. It can also damage nerves. These burns occurs from fire accidents or chemicals but not from sun exposure.
The natural healing process of sunburns
The skin has the natural capability to heal itself by inflammation. Inflammation helps the immune system to identify the damage and starts producing more collagen. The collagen helps to repair the damaged tissues. If you see the peeling or flaking of dead skin cells. This means the damage is healing. It is important to take care of the skin in this time.
Role of hydration in the healing process
Hydration is very important in healing process. Staying hydrated helps to produce collagen. If you are dehydrated, the production of collagen level drops and slow down the process of healing. So it is highly recommended to hydrate yourself. Hyaluronic acid is one main substance that can keep the skin hydrated. So, what exactly is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a slippery substance that is produced in the body naturally. It can be found throughout the body specifically more in eyes, skin and joints. It is found highly in younger skins. This substance provides remarkable benefits to our body. Some benefits include skin hydration, wound healing, anti-aging, joint health, eye health, lubrication, gum health and so on.
Properties of Hyaluronic acid:
Hyaluronic acid is a soothing savior because of its remarkable properties. Because of these properties, it is widely used in medical, cosmetic, and skincare products. Some of the properties of hyaluronic acid are:
1. Viscosity – It has thick gel-like consistency. So it provides cushioning to the joints and helps as a lubricant.
2. Elasticity – It has high elastic properties. It can regain its original shape even after being compressed.
3. Anti-inflammatory – It has anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to reduce inflammation and fastens the healing process.
4. Hydrophilic nature – It attracts and binds water molecules from the environment and enhances the moisture content of the skin.
5. High water retention – It has the ability to hold the water up to 1000 times its weight. This makes it a highly moisturizing agent.
6. Bio compatible – It is naturally found in the body. So, it won’t cause any adverse reactions.
Hyaluronic acid for sunburns:
Hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin naturally. This is because, hyaluronic acid attracts water molecules easily and binds them to the skin surface. These molecules forms a barrier on the skin and locks moisture. This makes the skin to stay hydrated.
How to use:
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance. However, they are also available in different forms, such as creams, gels, serums, and face masks. You can add a few drops of serum to your moisturizer and apply it to the skin. Creams or gels can be applied directly, or you can simply follow the instructions on the labels. For more hydration, you can use serum or a face mask. For a gentle feel, you can go for cream or gel.
Benefits of hyaluronic acid for sunburns:
Using hyaluronic acid for sunburns has a lot of benefits. Some major benefits are:
1. Relief from redness – Sunburns can create inflammation on the skin. This makes it appear red on the skin. The anti-inflammation property of hyaluronic acid can decrease inflammation and redness.
2. Reduce pain – Sunburns are painful and itchy. But hyaluronic acid can give instantly reduce pain and keeps skin cool. This can remove discomfort and eases pain.
3. Increases hydration – Sunburns can result in skin dryness. The high water retention and hydrophilic nature of hyaluronic acid help to hydrate the skin and keep moisture.
4. Prevent future damage – Sunburns make the skin dry. This makes it vulnerable. Hyaluronic acid reduces dryness and provides necessary nutrients to the skin. By doing so, there is less chance of future damage.
5. Cell proliferation – Hyaluronic acid can increase cell proliferation. It regenerates tissues and speeds up healing.
Here are the best 5 sunscreens with hyaluronic acid recommended by professionals
Recommendation: Here are the best 5 sunscreens with hyaluronic acid recommended by professionals
1. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
2. Pilgrim 1% Hyaluronic Acid Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 PA+++
3. MCaffeine Sun Fix Ultra Light 1% Hyaluronic Acid Matcha Tea Sunscreen SPF 50+
4.The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Aqua Gel with SPF 50++++ for Broad Spectrum
5. Dr. Sheth’s Haldi & Hyaluronic Acid Sunscreen
Final words
The hyaluronic acid is a very good substance for the skin. But one should keep in mind that it is not an alternative for SPF. Protecting skin from UV rays is very important. With some good care, adding hyaluronic acid to your daily routine keeps the skin healthy. Sunburn is an uncomfortable problem. With the help of hyaluronic acid, sunburns can be easily healed. I hope this article helps you in dealing with sunburns. Have youthful and hydrated skin all around!