Sunburn: understand, prevent, and naturally repair

Every summer, the skin is put to the test.

Sunburn, far from being a simple temporary redness, is a true skin burn that alters the skin's structure, promotes premature aging, and can leave lasting marks. However, simple actions, targeted prevention, and an intelligent nutricosmetic routine help preserve the skin's radiance and health against UV damage.

At D-LAB NUTRICOSMETICS, the approach is holistic: ultra-dosed, clean, and 100% made in France solar dietary supplements to strengthen the skin's natural resistance, promote its regeneration, and enhance the complexion from within ✨

What is a sunburn?

A sunburn is a burn caused by excessive exposure to UVB rays, which penetrate the superficial layers of the skin. This inflammation manifests as:

• A painful redness

• A sensation of heat

• Sometimes blisters (in case of second-degree burns)

• Swelling, itching, or chills in more severe cases

No skin tone is immune: black or dark skin can also burn, even if the signs are sometimes more subtle.

Effects on skin and beauty

A sunburn significantly weakens the skin:

• Damage to collagen and elastin fibers → loss of firmness

• Cellular oxidation → pigmentation spots, dull complexion

• Persistent inflammation → reactive skin, chronic discomfort

A study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science shows that repeated sunburns double premature skin aging.

UV exposure: the main trigger

UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn. The intensity of exposure, lack of sun protection, reflection (water, sand, snow), and altitude increase the risk. Unprepared, dehydrated, or weakened skin is more vulnerable.

UVB rays cause burns, while UVA rays penetrate deeper and contribute to oxidative stress and aging. Several factors increase the risk:

• Reflection (sand, snow, water)

• Altitude (UV increases by 10% every 1000 meters)

• Unprepared or sensitized skin

Topical sun protection remains essential, but an internal routine, through diet and supplements, optimizes skin resistance.

Symptoms according to their severity

Sunburns manifest with varying intensity depending on the degree of burn. Here's how to recognize them:

First-degree burn (mild)

• Diffuse redness of the skin
• Sensation of heat and tightness
• Possible itching
• Sensitivity to touch

Superficial second-degree burn (moderate to severe)

• More pronounced redness, skin painful to the slightest touch
• Appearance of blisters (vesicles filled with clear fluid)
• Risk of significant peeling after a few days

Severe reactions (possible emergency)

• Swelling of the face or exposed limbs
• Chills, fever, nausea, general fatigue
• Signs of heat stroke or systemic inflammation
• Medical consultation recommended, especially for children, pregnant women, or elderly people

Whatever the degree, it is essential to cool the skin, soothe it quickly, and support regeneration with a targeted treatment to limit cellular damage and restore skin integrity 🌿💧

What is its duration according to its severity?

The duration depends on the severity of the burn:

• Mild sunburn (1st degree): redness, warmth → resolves in 3 to 5 days

• Moderate to severe sunburn (superficial 2nd degree): blisters, swelling, pain → up to 10 to 14 days

• Deep sunburn with swelling or fever: consult a healthcare professional

Good internal + external hydration and a post-exposure treatment like the Pro-Collagène Solaire can significantly accelerate tissue regeneration.

The essential gestures

Prevention is based on simple actions:

• Limit exposure during the hottest hours (12pm-4pm)
• Apply SPF 30+ or SPF 50 sunscreen every 2 hours
• Wear a hat, sunglasses, protective clothing
• Never expose an infant or child without maximum protection
• Prepare the skin in advance with a care routine and targeted supplementation

Prepare the skin internally: solar nutricosmetics

Well-prepared skin is more resistant to UV. D-LAB offers expert formulas:

Active Sun Complex

A synergy of lycopene, astaxanthin, vitamin E, and borage oil to prepare the skin for the sun and reduce sensitivity to UV.

• Ideal to start 15 days before exposure
• Enhanced antioxidant action
• Progressive and even pigmentation

How to quickly relieve a bad sunburn?

First soothing steps

• Give the skin rest: stop exposure immediately
• Cool down with non-iced water to avoid thermal shock
• Apply a repairing cream based on aloe vera, calendula, chamomile, spike lavender essential oil
• Drink plenty of water to rehydrate the body

How to relieve a sunburn that itches or feels hot?

Itching is a sign of active repair or persistent irritation.

Recommendations:

• Apply after-sun care containing aloe vera, chamomile, calendula

• Do not scratch: it delays healing

• Favor a Soothing Skin Complex treatment to reduce internal inflammation

The  Soothing Skin Complex is formulated with turmeric standardized in curcumin, wild pansy, and zinc, to soothe the skin from within.

Which natural ingredients are most effective to soothe the skin?

Here are the plants most recognized for their soothing and regenerating power:

• Aloe vera: moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, healing

• Chamomile: calming, anti-redness

• Calendula oil: restorative, ideal after a burn

• Turmeric: powerful natural anti-inflammatory (internal)

Spike lavender essential oil: the essential after-sun

Botanical name : Lavandula latifolia
Distilled part: flowering tops
Key active molecules: linalool, camphor, 1,8-cineole

Why is it so effective against sunburn?

• Powerful pain reliever: thanks to its linalool content, it quickly soothes burn pain

• Healing: promotes skin regeneration and limits the risk of blisters

• Antibacterial: prevents secondary infections in case of damaged skin

• Anti-inflammatory: reduces redness, swelling, and heat

How to use it safely?

• For local application (2 to 3 drops pure or diluted in a vegetable oil like calendula or borage) directly on the burned area
• To avoid in children under 6 years, pregnant or breastfeeding women (or use under medical advice)

You can buy your HE of spike lavender on Aroma-Zone.

Solar preparation and antioxidant defense

Because the skin is not protected only with sunscreen, D-LAB NUTRICOSMETICS has developed an expert range to support every step of sun exposure: prepare, defend, repair, and correct. All supplements are formulated and made in France, with highly bioavailable natural active ingredients, without compromising on effectiveness or purity 🌿

Why choose D-LAB NUTRICOSMETICS? 🌿

• Clinically proven actives, ultra-dosed and bioavailable

• Made in France, in a green factory with exemplary traceability

• No GMOs, no preservatives, no unnecessary additives

• Compatible with all skin types, even the most sensitive

Certain areas or situations make the skin particularly vulnerable to the sun. Here are the cases to know to adapt your protection and care, with concrete solutions to limit risks and promote repair.

Why is this problematic?
The back is often exposed when lying down, especially at the beach or on a deck chair, and is difficult to monitor or protect properly.

Consequences:

• Extensive and painful burns

• Frequent blisters

• Risk of local dehydration and significant peeling

Solutions:

• Apply SPF 50 sunscreen generously, with the help of someone close
• Wear a light top during strong sunlight periods
• After exposure, promote regeneration with  Pro-Collagène Solaire  to deeply repair the skin structure.

Why is it common?
The scalp is often forgotten, especially in people with fine, thinning, or shaved hair.

Typical signs:

• Pain when touched

• Peeling (post-exposure dandruff)

• Risk of heat stroke

Prevention and care:

• Wear a hat or cap at all times
• Use a hair sunscreen spray if exposed for a long time
• In case of discomfort, a course of Soothing Skin Complex  helps calm irritations and strengthen the scalp's barrier function.

Possible causes:

• Second-degree sunburn

• Edema or allergic-type reaction

• Increased sensitivity due to heat and UV

To do immediately:

• Cool the face with lukewarm water and a compress
• Apply a non-occlusive soothing cream
• Supplement with a course of Soothing Skin Complex  to limit inflammation and calm hypersensitivity.

To be absolutely avoided:

• Repeated exposure
• Makeup or skincare products that are too rich on heated skin

What are the risks of sun exposure during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, under the effect of hormones (estrogens, progesterone), the skin becomes thinner, photosensitive, and prone to hyperpigmentation (melasma or pregnancy mask). Even the slightest sunburn can cause:

• Persistent pigmentation spots

• Increased sensitivity

• Faster dehydration

Essential precautions:

• Avoid exposure completely during critical hours
• Apply a very high protection SPF 50, suitable for pregnant women
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and protective clothing

A sunburn is never trivial. To keep skin radiant, supple, and healthy, the best strategy is preventive and comprehensive: external photoprotection, nutricosmetic routine, and continuous hydration. 

Thanks to the sun and repair supplements from D-LAB NUTRICOSMETICS, it is possible to strengthen skin defenses, limit cellular damage, and accelerate regeneration, for a worry-free summer ✨

• Jean, F., & Martin, L. (2021). "Skin photoprotection: impacts and prevention". French Journal of Dermatology.
• Lefèvre, S., & Dupont, E. (2022). "Antioxidants and nutrition for sun-exposed skin". Journal of Nutricosmetics.
• Smith, A. B., & Jones, C. D. (2020). "Skin Health and Nutrition: The Role of Carotenoids and Antioxidants". Journal of Dermatological Science.