How to (not) get burned on holiday: The summer mistake we all make

Summer, sun, relaxation, the sea. It all sounds like the perfect holiday scenario. Except for one detail – sunburn, which can turn your dream holiday into a painful experience. Burnt skin - burning, redness, stinging... and then peeling, itching or even long-term pigment spots. How to avoid it? And what helps with sunburn when it does happen? This article is a practical guide for everyone who wants to experience summer in comfort, without pain and with beautiful skin. Plus, we'll also give you tips on the best sunscreens suitable for children.

Why does skin get burnt in the sun?

Sunburn is caused by excessive exposure of the skin to ultraviolet UV radiation, especially UVA and UVB rays. These penetrate the skin, damage cells and cause an inflammatory reaction – resulting in reddened and painful sunburnt skin.

The most common causes of sunburn:

• Insufficient or no use of sunscreens,

• Applying too low an SPF factor,

• Forgetting to reapply sunscreen during the day,

• Ignoring UV radiation on cloudy days,

• Using ineffective or chemical sunscreens that irritate the skin.

How to avoid sunburn: Prevention is key

1. Choose the right sunscreen

The key is a sunscreen with a high SPF (ideally SPF 30 to 50) and broad-spectrum protection. If you prefer a gentle formula, natural sunscreens or chemical-free sunscreens are ideal.

For children, we exclusively recommend mineral sunscreens – these contain physical filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) that reflect sunlight and are gentle on very sensitive children's skin.

2. Apply sunscreen sufficiently and often

It's not enough to apply cream once a day. It is recommended to:

• apply cream at least 20 minutes before sun exposure,

• reapply every 2 hours,

• reapply after swimming, sweating, or drying with a towel.

3. Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day - UV radiation is most intense between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. This is the perfect time for a siesta in the shade, some light summer reading, or lunch. Your skin will thank you.

What if you get burned? What helps with sunburn?

If you do get burned, the most important thing is to cool and soothe the skin immediately.

Here's how to relieve sunburn:

• Cool down - a shower with lukewarm (not ice-cold!) water will help reduce inflammation. Cold compresses made from chamomile, green tea, or milk are a great home remedy.
• Use a suitable after-sun cream - forget greasy, perfumed body lotions. An ideal choice is an after-sun gel or cream containing - aloe vera (hydrates and heals), panthenol (regenerates), lavender oil (has an anti-inflammatory effect).
• Hydrate from within - water is key. Sunburnt skin loses fluids, so it's important to drink plenty of water and eat fruits with a high water content – melon, cucumber, citrus fruits.

Special care for children

Sunburn in children is even more dangerous than in adults. Children's skin is thinner and more sensitive, and sunburn can lead to long-term consequences. Therefore:

• use exclusively sunscreens for children with mineral filters,

• give children hats, UV clothing and let them play in the shade,

• apply cream more often than in adults, especially after bathing.

How to survive the summer without sunburnt skin?

• Prevention: quality SPF cream, correct application, avoiding the sun during critical hours.

• First aid for sunburn: cooling, soothing creams, hydration.

Remember: skin remembers every sunburn – the fewer you experience, the better for your health and beauty.