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How Do Black People in the Jungle Not Get Sunburned

Sunburn can seriously ruin your tanning plans when the Great British summer finally appears for all of two days. For those of us with a more wan complexion, it's tempting to bare all and let the sun work its magic on our English rose (ok, ridiculously pale) skin.

But when skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, it seems kind of crazy to take the risk (seriously, get your hands on a decent sun cream ASAP).

'SPF protection is important wherever you are,' says Boots Soltan Scientific Advisor, Clare O'Connor. 'There is a common belief that the sun isn't as strong in the UK but research shows that over 60% of sunburn happens whilst people are at home rather than abroad.'

While, obviously, the end goal is to avoid getting burnt completely, sometimes, even when we're totally on it with the SPF50 situation, sunburn still seems to find us.

We caught up with consultant dermatologist at Sloane Street's Cadogan Clinic, Dr Anjali Mahto to get her advice on how to treat sunburn and lose that lobster look for good...

how to treat sunburn

Matteo Scarpellini

How To Treat Sunburn Quickly

1. Cover Up

'If you've accidentally burned your skin in the sun, cover up the affected areas and stay in the shade until your sunburn has healed,' advises Dr Mahto.

2. Let Skin Breathe

'Wear loose cotton clothing that allows your skin to "breathe" over the sunburnt areas.'

3. Pain Relief

'If you're in pain, analgesia or painkillers can help relieve this and reduce inflammation caused by sunburn,' explains Dr Mahto. 'Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen are ideal and should be continued for a period of at least 48 hours if there are no contraindications. Paracetamol will help with pain but has little effect on inflammation.'

4. See A Dermatologist


'If you're at all concerned about the possible damage the sun has done to your skin, make an appointment to see your dermatologist who can assess and advise you appropriately.'

27 Face Moisturisers With SPF You Should Be Wearing Every Day

Soleil Superiéur SPF 50

Best SPF Moisturiser For... Anti Aging

Soleil Superiéur SPF 50

While wearing SPF in the first place is the best first line of defence against signs of ageing, RéVive went one step further to incorporate additional anti-aging ingredients into their SPF formula. Completely non-tacky and non-greasy, this SPF puts the work in without leaving a trace.

Queen Screen Lightweight Skinscreen

Best SPF Moisturiser For... Serum

Queen Screen Lightweight Skinscreen

Ultra Violette Space NK

£36.00

Let's be honest, in the heat of the sun the last thing you want to do is add an extra thick layer of sunscreen on an already sweaty face. That's where this lightweight SPF serum from UltraViolette takes the crown; Possessing the high protection of SPF50 with a barely-there feeling and no white residue.

Natural Hydrating Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Best SPF Moisturiser For... Vegans

Natural Hydrating Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

For those that want their SPF to protect their skin from the sun, environmental aggressors and have a vegan formula, this nifty tube does the trick. It also contains hyaluronic acid for a hydration hit and is 100% reef safe. Small but mighty.

Hyalu B5 Aquagel SPF30

Best SPF Moisturiser For... Serious Hydration

Hyalu B5 Aquagel SPF30

For those that typically avoid sunscreen for fear of its comedogenic properties, you've no longer got an excuse. This lightweight-gel SPF is a stand-out option for those who dislike the feel of typical sunscreens and want their sun protection to feel, well, like it's not there.

Revitalift Filler Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Ageing SPF50 Day Cream

Best SPF Moisturiser For... Plumping

Revitalift Filler Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Ageing SPF50 Day Cream

Make your daily SPF work harder with L'Oréal's Revitalift moisturiser that mimics the effect of injectable fillers minus the needles. With three weights of hyaluronic acid, this fluffy whipped cream plumps and smooths fine lines and wrinkles whilst effectively protecting from UVB and UVA rays as wel.

Invisible Shield SPF 30

Best SPF Moisturiser For... All Skin Tones

Invisible Shield SPF 30

The opposite of old school thick white formulas, this clear gel is completely transparent. Which means zero white cast so it suits all skin tones,and it sits perfectly under your make-up.

Glow Stick SPF 50

Best SPF Moisturiser For... Easy Application

Glow Stick SPF 50

Call us picky, but the leftover residue of SPF on your hands post-application isn't great. Making our greasy phone screens a thing of the past, Supergoop have created a functional, on-the-go dry oil SPF stick to allow us the glowy sun-protected skin of our dreams, without the mess.

FeatherLight UVA/UVB SPF 50 Sunscreen + Primer

Best SPF Moisturiser For... Saving Time

FeatherLight UVA/UVB SPF 50 Sunscreen + Primer

Who's got time for a separate primer and SPF? Make your morning skincare routine work harder with this techy 2-in-1 SPF moisturiser that simultaneously protects from sun damage and preps your skin for make-up.

Hydrance Rich-UV Hydrating Cream SPF30 Moisturiser for Dehydrated Skin

Best SPF Moisturiser For... Sensitive Skin

Hydrance Rich-UV Hydrating Cream SPF30 Moisturiser for Dehydrated Skin

This cream works like a flood of moisture to the skin, providing up to 24 hours hydration thanks to Avène's patented Cohederm™ technology, an active ingredient that restores hydration in the skin over time. As well as protecting from UVA and UVB rays, this nifty little tube also helps protect the skin from environmental aggressors that could further irritate dry and sensitive skin.

City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Best SPF Moisturiser For... City Dwellers

City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50

When it comes to living in a city it's not just UV rays that can damage your skin, but pollution and environmental aggressors as well. Keep the bad guys at bay with Murad's mineral sunscreen that tackles everything from infrared radiation to the blue light emitted by your phone.

UncompliKated SPF 50

Best SPF Moisturiser For... On The Go

UncompliKated SPF 50

The ideal way to top up your skin's sun protection whilst on the go, Kate Somerville's genius SPF face spray helps to mattify and blur imperfections whilst fighting off harmful UV rays.

Regenerist Whip Face Light as Air Moisturiser Cream with Niacinamide and Peptides

Best SPF Moisturiser For... Lightweight Application

Regenerist Whip Face Light as Air Moisturiser Cream with Niacinamide and Peptides

Any SPF moisturiser that describes itself as a 'whip' is immediately going into our good books. Olay's super light formula transforms from cream to liquid on your skin to hydrate and protect against harmful UV rays without feeling heavy or greasy. In short, it's your favourite lightweight day cream with an added bonus of sun protection. Win, win.

Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Spf 30

Best SPF Moisturiser For... Refillable Packaging

Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Spf 30

Not only is Fenty Skin's face SPF totally clear making it perfect for all skin tones, it also comes in refillable packaging meaning you can pat yourself on the back for protecting your skin and the planet.

Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30

Best SPF Moisturiser For... Invisiblity

Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30

Universally flattering thanks to a genius invisible formula that makes chalky white residue a thing of the past, Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen does what it says on the tin.

Professional Sheer Refining Fluid SPF40

Best SPF Moisturiser For... Dermatologist Approval

Professional Sheer Refining Fluid SPF40

It might not look too glamorous but trust us when we say Exuviance is the skincare brand you didn't know you needed. Recommended by facialist to the stars and skincare genius Pam Marshall, this SPF moisturiser does what it says on the tin: protects your skin from sun and UV damage without leaving even a trace of white after applying.

Hydraluminous Day Cream SPF 15 Drier Skin

Best SPF Moisturiser For... Hydration

Hydraluminous Day Cream SPF 15 Drier Skin

Does anyone not want to look hydraluminous? We thought so. Get your glow on and protect your skin from sun damage with No7's SPF moisturiser formulated with a HydraDrench complex that's a cool glass of water for your face.

Anthelios Ultra Hydrating Cream SPF 50+

Best SPF Moisturiser For... Dry Skin

Anthelios Ultra Hydrating Cream SPF 50+

The ultimate facial SPF for those who suffer from dry skin, La Roche Posay's broad spectrum formula protects against UVA, UVB and infrared radiation whilst also soothing irritation and hydrating with their legendary thermal spring water.

Prevage Anti-aging Moisture Cream SPF30

Best SPF Moisturiser For... Bigger Budgets

Prevage Anti-aging Moisture Cream SPF30

Formulated with Elizabeth Arden's swanky Idebenone technology, this genius moisturiser protects skin from environmental pollution and UVA/UVB damage.

Clear Moisturiser SPF30

Best SPF Moisturiser For... Dark Skin Tones

Clear Moisturiser SPF30

There's nothing worse than using a facial SPF and being left with a white, chalky face. This genius clear moisturiser delivers all the protection of an SPF30 whilst remaining totally invisible. The best bit? The green tea-infused formula is non-greasy which makes it ideal for acne-prone skin.

Simple Protect 'N' Glow Triple Protect SPF30 Moisturiser

Best SPF Moisturiser For... On A Budget

Simple Protect 'N' Glow Triple Protect SPF30 Moisturiser

Protecting against UVA and UVB rays, pollution and blue light, this SPF30 moisturiser works as a shield for your skin.

Multi Skin Protector SPF50

Best SPF Moisturiser For... A Sheer Finish

Multi Skin Protector SPF50

This super sheer formula provides skin with the protection of an SPF50 without the claggy, chalky finish.

Primer Plus Protection SPF 50

Best SPF Moisturiser For... Applying Before Make-Up

Primer Plus Protection SPF 50

Add extra skin protection to your make-up routine with Bobbi Brown's lightweight primer with SPF50.

Skin Defence Multi-Protection Lotion SPF 50+ PA++++

Best SPF Moisturiser For... Brightening

Skin Defence Multi-Protection Lotion SPF 50+ PA++++

With red algae extract and vitamin C, this milky formula SPF brightens skin whilst also protecting from UVA and UVB rays. So you can look luminous, not sweaty.

Advanced Day Total Protect SPF 30

Best SPF Moisturiser For... Screen Addicts

Advanced Day Total Protect SPF 30

Medik8's genius invisible vegan-friendly, paraben and fragrance free SPF30 formula is not only perfect for sensitive skin and darker skin tones, but it also protects from the evil blue light emitted by the various phone/laptop/tablet screens in our life. Which yes, are super ageing on your skin. All without being heavy or paint-like.

Atmosphériques Exhale Daily Hydrating Nectar SPF30

Best SPF Moisturiser For... Uneven Skin Tone

Atmosphériques Exhale Daily Hydrating Nectar SPF30

Tackling everyday skin aggressors like sun, smog and electromagnetic radiation, this SPF moisturiser also has a sheer tint to help even out skin tone.

Daily Protection SPF50

Best SPF Moisturiser For... All Skin Types

Daily Protection SPF50

Any good dermatologist will tell you that wearing SPF50 everyday is the key to ageless skin. Eve Lom's lightweight cream protects against UVA and UVB and absorbs super quickly - no tell tale white marks in sight.

Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel by Kiehl's

Best SPF Moisturiser For...Oily Skin

Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel by Kiehl's

With the same high levels of Mexory SX and Mexoryl XI sun filters as its original counterpart, this new water-light gel provides serious hydration whilst also protecting skin from UVA and UBV damage. Ideal for oily skin types.

How To Get Rid Of Pain And Redness From Sunburn

1. Apply A Cool Compress

'...e.g. a towel dampened with cool water for 15 minutes, or take a cool bath or shower. Aim to keep the temperature just below luke-warm and make sure the shower has a gentle flow of water rather than being on full power. If blisters are starting to develop, then a bath is preferable.'

2. Shower After-Care

'Do not rub your skin with a towel, but gently pat it dry when you get out. After a bath or shower, use an un-perfumed cream or lotion to soothe the skin. Applications of this are necessary to reduce the appearance of peeling and this may need to be continued for several weeks.

Laser Hair Removal

Getty Images

'Aloe vera or soy containing gels or lotions can be beneficial in soothing the skin. Aloe vera not only has a cooling effect on the skin but also acts as an anti-inflammatory. Be wary of using creams or lotions that contain petroleum, benzocaine, or lidocaine, as these can trap heat in the skin or cause local skin irritation.'

3. Steroid Cream

'Using a weak steroid cream such as 0.5-1% hydrocortisone for 48 hours may decrease pain and swelling caused by sunburn and speed up the healing process, however this is best avoided in small children.'

How To Cover Up Sunburn

When you look more like Rudolph than Ratajkowski, here's how to cover up your sunburn courtesy of Acting Beauty Director George Driver...

How to cover up a burnt nose...

The key to covering an awkward red nose is colour correction. Apply a green colour corrector on any redness before applying concealer. It'll neutralise any warm tones and create a better base for your concealer.

Finish with a sweep of bronzer across your nose and cheekbones to make the whole thing look totally intentional.

ELLE Edit: Your Sunburn Cover Up Kit

Photo Finish Colour Correcting Foundation Primer Adjust

Photo Finish Colour Correcting Foundation Primer Adjust

Radiant Creamy Concealer - Truffle

Radiant Creamy Concealer - Truffle

HD Photogenic Concealer Wand

HD Photogenic Concealer Wand

NYX Professional Makeup

£6.00

Airbrush Flawless Bronzer - Medium

Airbrush Flawless Bronzer - Medium

How to cover up sunglasses marks...

  1. The dreaded panda eyes - we've all been there. Add liquid bronzer or tinting drops to your usual foundation to take it a few shades darker.
  2. Blend into the white areas around your eyes and onto your cheeks.
  3. Finish with a bronze eyeshadow to make the faux glow really hit home.
    How to treat sunburn

    Filippo Fortis

    How to cover up strap marks...

    A mesh of mis-matched bikini strap lines doesn't exactly scream chic.

    Apply instant tan to a BeautyBlender or make-up sponge and bounce onto the areas that are looking a little pale to fill in the lines.

    ELLE Edit: 15 Of The Best Sun Creams To Prevent Sunburn

    Intense Protect 50+ Sun Cream for Very Sensitive Skin

    Intense Protect 50+ Sun Cream for Very Sensitive Skin

    A great option for those with super sensitive skin, this fragrance free SPF50+ protects your skin from harmful rays while also protecting the ocean; you won't find any oxybenzone, octinoxate or titanium dioxide in this formula.

    Expert Sun Protector Face & Body Lotion SPF50+

    Expert Sun Protector Face & Body Lotion SPF50+

    Shiseido's satisfyingly ergonomic pod of sun cream defies all sun protection logic with its formula that actually works better the more water, sweat and heat you expose it to. Which gives us a great excuse to spend even more time at the beach.

    Ambre Solaire Sensitive Hydrating Face Sun Cream Mist SPF50

    Ambre Solaire Sensitive Hydrating Face Sun Cream Mist SPF50

    An SPF50 spray you can wear over your make-up? Sign us up. Garnier's genius hyaluronic acid-infused sun cream mist is the ultimate way to top up your sun protection on the go.

    best sun cream

    Eucerin Sun Oil Control Face Protection SPF 50+ - £16

    SHOP NOW

    Leave sticky sun cream smothered skin in the past with Eucerin's genius dry touch gel formula. A sophisticated combination of sebum-regulating Oil Control technology, Licochalcone A that neutralises free radicals caused by UV and HEVIS light and added Glycyrrhetinic Acid that supports the skin's own DNA repair mechanism, this is the face sun cream that really works.

    Best sun cream

    Lancaster Sun Sport Invisible Face Gel SPF30 - £21

    SHOP NOW

    One for all the athletes (pro or otherwise) out there, Lancaster's quick-drying clear gel is both sweat and water resistant - ideal for those more intense workouts. The best bit? Its invisible formula means no white streaks whatever your skin tone.

    Best sun cream

    Sensai Silky Bronze Cellular Protective Cream For Body SPF50 - £76

    SHOP NOW

    The boujiest sun cream to hit our bathroom shelves, Sensai's silky friction-resistant formula is all about making your time in the sun as pleasurable as possible. Consider this your luxe body lotion and sun cream in one.

    Best Sun Cream

    Piz Buin Hydro Infusion Sun Gel Cream SPF30 - £17.99

    SHOP NOW

    Forget pasty, white creams of old, this super hydrating lightweight gel is the future of sun cream. Enriched with Vitamin E, the non-sticky formula protects your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays as well as chlorine and salt water.

    Best Sun Cream

    Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF30 - £58

    SHOP NOW

    Protecting your skin from the sun might be good for you, but it's not always good for the environment. With up to 10% of coral reefs being threatened by sunscreen-induced bleaching, it's time to swap your regular sun cream for an earth-friendly one. Dermalogica's reef-friendly SPF provides broad spectrum protection whilst also boosting your skin's natural luminosity. Win, win.

    Best sun cream

    Vichy Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water SPF50 - £19

    SHOP NOW

    If heavy, paint-like white creams aren't your bag (are they anyone's??) then this super lightweight spray is for you. Formulated with hero ingredient hyaluronic acid, this keeps parched skin hydrated and protected.

    Best Sun Cream

    Avène Spray SPF50+ - £20

    SHOP NOW

    Formulated specially for sensitive skin prone to sunburn, this super high protection spray defends against harmful UVA and UVB rays, whilst the Avène Thermal Spring Water soothes any heat-inflicted irritation.

    Best sun cream 

    Institut Esthederm Adaptasun Body Lotion - £46

    SHOP NOW

    Based around the concept of using melanin to train your skin to protect itself against the sun, this SPF-free lotion lets you tan the safe way.

    Best sun cream

    Soleil Toujours Organic Sheer Sunscreen Mist SPF50 - £32

    SHOP NOW

    One for the organic lovers out there, this sun cream is fortified with green tea leaf extract to prevent burning and stop those wrinkles. Anti-aging sun cream = a yes from us.

    Best sun cream 

    Nivea Sun Caring Roll-On SPF50 - £3.99

    SHOP NOW

    A roll-on sun cream?! Yup, Nivea's game-changing roll-on delivers SPF50 for under a fiver.

    Best sun cream 

    Riemann P20 Sun Filter SPF20 - £25.79

    SHOP NOW

    One application of this genius sun cream is enough for ten hours worth of protection which means no messy lotions while you're trekking through the jungle. Or, you know, sitting by the pool...

    Best sun cream

    Natura Bissé C+C Dry Oil Antioxidant Sun Protection SPF30 - £56

    SHOP NOW

    Enriched with powerful antioxidants to shield against the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, you can use this multi-tasking sun cream on your skin and hair.

    How To Avoid Sunburn In The First Place

    It's never too late to learn best practice when it comes to avoiding sun burn. Just remember your skin's health is more important than looking bronzed, and fake tan is a thing.

    Follow Boots Soltan Scientific Advisor, Clare O'Connor's tips for keep the burn at bay...

    how to treat sunburn

    Luca Cannonieri

    1.Keep It Fresh

    'In the UK it can be tempting to dig out some old sunscreen from previous summer holidays,' says O'Connor. 'I recommend the squeeze test. Squeeze a little out, if it smells good and is shiny and glossy it probably is still good. If it's dull, grainy, separated or smells bad, I would recommend disposing of it. For full protection, never use sun cream that has been opened for over 12 months. Always store unopened bottles in a cool dark place.'

    2. Choose The Right SPF

    'Choose an SPF that is suitable for your skin type. For the UK, if you are very fair skinned use SPF 50+ with 5* UVA protection. More Mediterranean type skins can use SPF 30 and darker skin tones should always use a minimum SPF 15.'

    3. Make It 5*

    'Choose a product that has 5* UVA protection. The star rating system shows how much UVA protection a product has relative to its UVB protection, with 5* being the highest level.'

    5. Apply, Apply, Apply

    'Apply sun cream 15 minutes before heading out into the sun to allow it to sink into the skin. As a guide two tablespoons should provide enough sunscreen to cover your body, and be sure to rub it in properly. Don't forget to reapply every two hours and cover up with clothing, or spend time in the shade to reduce sun exposure.'

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    How Do Black People in the Jungle Not Get Sunburned

    Source: https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/skin/a36411/how-to-treat-sunburn/