With the highest temperatures recorded around the UK and parts of Scotland, including Edinburgh, many might be feeling the burn.
Edinburgh was issued an 'amber warning' for extreme heat for Monday and Tuesday. Although temperatures are set to drop down to around 20C for the remainder of the week, the sun's UV rays will still be strong enough to burn.
This doesn't bode well for Scots who often aren't used to such extreme heat and sunshine on their skin.
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With sunburn comes an increased risk of skin cancer. And in a bid to keep as many people safe as possible, the Met Office issued warnings to take care, stay out of the sun during the hottest hours and wear sun cream.
Scots who do fall victim to turning a little pink often fancy jumping in the shower or running a bath to soothe any paid and redness.
With this in mind, John Lawless, content marketing manager at luxury bathroom specialists Big Bathroom Shop, teamed up with Abbas Kanani, pharmacist at Chemist Click, to provide some guidance on what to consider when taking a shower or bath after sun exposure and how to repair the skin.
From cold compresses to water pressure, here are the four most crucial points to remember when it comes to soothing sun-damaged skin;
Wait for the right temperature
It’s a good idea to take a cold shower or bath after sun exposure to start cooling down the skin - never take a hot one as this could irritate the epidermis.
There is not a hard and fast rule on the amount of time you should wait to shower.
Abbas said: “What’s more important, is you should always wait to make sure the water temperature is right before getting in a shower or bath to ensure the skin has no further irritation. Try to avoid temperature extremes as this could further aggravate the skin.
"Hot water will add to the burning sensation and could interfere with the skin’s healing process.”
John added: “If you have a thermostatic shower, it is easy to change the temperature of the water, and you can adjust as required depending on the weather, skin type and level of discomfort from any sunburn. You could also add a cold compress to the area using a flannel or cloth if you have limited access to a bath or shower which should offer instant relief from the itchy, burning sensation.”
Use the lowest pressure possible
If you have particularly sore skin, only take a shower if you can control the pressure – taking a bath may be a little gentler.
Abbas said: “High water pressure should be avoided as it can further aggravate the affected area and potentially burst skin blisters and inflame heat rash which can be painful.”
Submerge in water with added ingredients
Don’t have a shower or prefer a soak? Run a cool bath to submerge the burn as much as you can and think about adding some extra ingredients that can help expedite the healing process.
John said: “Run the tap until the tub is around three quarters full to be able to fully submerge your body comfortably. If legs are the affected area, you can sit in a shallow depth to save water and use compresses on less affected areas such as shoulders”.
Abbas added: “I would recommend adding a few drops of lavender or chamomile oil to your bath to help relieve the stinging sensation.”
Getting out and drying off
Once you’re out, John recommends using a specific towel.
He said: “Try not to spend too long bathing as this could dry out your skin further. Use a clean, soft towel to gently pat your skin dry and finish with a repairing cream like aftersun or E45.
"Always protect your skin from the sun first as opposed to treating any damage that is incurred afterwards. Remember to apply sun cream regularly, keep hydrated and spend time in the shade where possible.”
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