The summer 2025 season in Spain is in full swing, bringing not only the chance to enjoy the sun on beaches and terraces, but also the risk of sunburn. Redness, tightness, and burning sensations are clear signs that the skin has received too much ultraviolet exposure. Spanish dermocosmetic expert Ana Santamarina shared her recommendations for minimizing damage and speeding up skin recovery.
The first step when sunburn symptoms appear should be to reduce inflammation. Experts recommend immediately applying a cold compress to the affected area. Right after this, use a restorative balm that contains zinc oxide. This ingredient forms a protective barrier on the irritated skin, soothes it, aids healing, and has a mild antiseptic effect. The results are even better if the product also contains 5% panthenol or Centella asiatica extract.
After a day in the sun, skin needs intensive hydration, but regular body cream may not be effective enough. According to experts, after-sun products differ from standard moisturizers. They have a light, refreshing texture and contain active ingredients aimed at recovery. Key components include panthenol (5%), known for its powerful regenerating and moisturizing properties, centella asiatica, which soothes and reduces inflammation, and beta-glucan—a polysaccharide that reduces redness and stimulates cell renewal. For the face, it is also recommended to use a soothing mask, preferably with beta-glucan, for an instant feeling of freshness.
One of the most common and dangerous mistakes is trying to remove peeling skin yourself. Experts strongly advise against this. Attempting to pull off dead flakes of the epidermis can damage the new, very thin and sensitive layer of skin underneath. Such actions significantly increase the risk of infection, micro-injuries, and the appearance of dark spots in the future. The regeneration process should take place naturally, without outside interference.
When the skin is already damaged by the sun, protection becomes an absolute priority. Any further sun exposure must be completely avoided. At the same time, using regular sunscreens with chemical filters can cause additional irritation. Therefore, during recovery, experts advise favoring clothing with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) and avoiding direct sunlight for several days until the skin is fully healed.
During the skin recovery period, you should also refrain from using scrubs, peels, and any exfoliating products. In addition, it is advisable to avoid products containing potentially irritating ingredients such as essential oils, menthol, or camphor, as they can worsen the condition of damaged skin.
