As much as we love the warmer weather and a good dose of sunshine to boost our mood and heighten our Vitamin D levels, too much sunshine can create really upset our skin.
Sun exposure can bring on a host of skin conditions and while they may be reasonably common, we tend not to consider them until we’re feeling the effects. Let’s take a look at what they are and what you can do about them.
Photosensitivity: also known as a sun allergy, photosensitivity symptoms appear as a red skin rash that is often itchy and hot. It can also cause blisters or scaly areas on your skin.  Factors that can increase your photosensitivity include medicines such as sulfonamides, tetracyclines, amiodarones and thiazides, and can also be a problem for people that suffer from conditions such as lupus, rosacea and psoriasis. Photosensitivity is best treated with a chemical free, natural skin lotion with elements to calm the redness, soothe itchiness and that will allow the skin to breathe and maintain its moisture balance. If you are unsure of the cause of your photosensitivity a visit to the doctor may also be in order to help understand how to manage the condition in the future. People with photosensitivity can also burn more easily so take care in the sun and always remember to wear adequate sun protection.
Wrinkles: also known as solar elastosis when the skin’s elasticity breaks down as a result of sun exposure. Skin becomes saggy and loose as the tissue and collagen deteriorate, creating wrinkles and deep lines that are a key sign of ageing. It’s important to drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and always stay protected in the sun. Also look out for facial creams packed with omega-3 fatty acids to replenish the skin, anti-oxidants to fight free radicals and prevent further skin damage, and a natural barrier such as beeswax to protect skin and help it to maintain its own moisture balance.
Sunburn: this is an obvious effect of too much exposure to the sun. Sunburn is caused by overexposure to UV-A and UV-B radiation. UV-A is known to penetrate to the middle layer of the skin (the dermis) while UV-B is absorbed almost completely on the surface of the skin (epidermis) and responsible for causing the red, swollen and sometimes blistering skin associated with sunburn. Both UV-A and UV-B cause injury to the skin and result in premature ageing. Prevention is better than cure and it’s important to protect yourself from the sun’s UV rays with a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves and a 50+ sunscreen. However if you do suffer the effects of sunburn, a natural skin care lotion designed to calm, soothe and rehydrate your skin will work wonders. Bee Loved’s body lotion is ideal for after sun treatment and is rich in aloe butter to soothe parched skin and in anti-oxidants that fight the free radical impacts of ageing while stimulating the skin’s circulation to preserve its natural moisture. It also contains chamomile which is proven to soothe angry, red skin.
Contact allergic dermatitis: while not caused by sun exposure it can be caused by a reaction to the chemical ingredients in the sunscreen you apply to your skin. Sunscreen allergies are common in people with skin sensitive to chemical absorbers, fragrances and preservatives and can cause rash, itching and redness, usually in those areas where sunscreen has been applied and the skin when exposed to the sun. If you experience a reaction try a sunscreen without chemical components, fragrances and preservatives that are known to irritate skin. Apply a natural emollient to affected skin just as you would treat any other type of dermatitis or eczema, particularly one free of petrochemicals and parabens, to give your skin a chance to heal and breathe freely.
It’s important to treat your skin with a gentle skin care lotion after sun exposure to reduce redness and irritation, restore hydration and limit the damage to your skin cells. Be sure to choose a product free from chemicals and fragrances that are known to irritate your skin; Bee Loved’s Body Lotion is an ideal after-sun treatment. With a soothing blend of aloe butter, lavender oil, chamomile, shea butter, cocoa seed butter and rosemary extract, Bee Loved Body Lotion nourishes dry skin while forming a protective, breathable barrier to maintain hydration and optimal skin health. Shop Bee Loved here.
This post appeared first in the Bee Loved Skincare blog.