QNA

Q. I am Ashma Pokharel in my late 20s. I was recently on a seaside vacation and have returned home with massive sunburn. I used sunblock but for some reason it doesn’t seem to have worked. How can I avoid this in the future? And what can I do to heal my skin.
A. The best sun protection comes from a good quality sunscreen. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses with UV protection, and lightweight long-sleeved shirts while outside can help to a large extent. Avoid peak UV hours, usually between 10am and 4pm but while this is not always possible, it is possible to limit the amount of time you spend directly under the sun. Reapplication of sun lotion is a must, more frequently when outside. These days you will also find a lot of skin calming lotions and face and body mists that you must apply after you are done with the beach. After you get home, take a cold shower and pamper your skin. Also stay hydrated through the day.
For already damaged skin, you must be patient with it. Aloe gels and cool ice packs often help. Avoid using cosmetics and perfumed skincare products. Use clinical moisturisers that help restore skin barrier. If it is severely damaged, do visit a dermatologist or a qualified beauty professional to assess and seek remedies.