dalnet22

This might sound like a silly question, but here goes: Does it help to apply sunscreen after I'm already burnt by the sun?

For example, I go out in the sun for a couple hours without sunscreen. I'm now burnt, so I apply sunscreen so I don't get more burnt. Does this help me at all? Am I already susceptible to cancer because I didn't put it on before I went out?

I'm aware that I should apply it before I go out and every two hours throughout the day. However, I'm interested in how affective the sunscreen is once I'm already burnt.

Herk

Well it won't unburn you, obviously, but I believe it will still continue to perform the same function it would have before you were burnt. It blocks a lot of the uv light. This is good. Block as much as you can. There is no over-protection and no point that it loses function regarding how sunburned you already are.

I could be wrong, but this is how I understand it.

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Baraka_Guru

It is always good to apply sunblock, regardless of past exposure. In your case, it is probably recommended because of the damage. (Remember, even a suntan is a sign of skin damage.)

One thing to keep in mind in regards to skin cancer and UV damage: Skin cells have a memory, which means UV damage is cumulative. So, even if you use sunscreen from now on, the damage you've acquired in the past is residual. Basically: Wear sunscreen from now on--use SPF45.

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Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing?
—Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön

Humankind cannot bear very much reality.
—From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot

snowy

To prevent further damage to your skin, yes, you should be wearing sunscreen even if you're already burnt. Sunburns are burns--you wouldn't go sticking your burnt finger onto the heat source that burnt it, now would you?

I recommend the new Coppertone spray bottles. It's so easy to apply, why wouldn't you?

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If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

cadre

This is right except the part about there being no over-protection. It is not a good idea to wear sunblock on all your skin exposed to the sun all the time. You will develop a Vitamin D deficiency, 90% of the vitamin D in your system comes from exposure to sunlight. If you're going to wear sun block leave at least a part of your skin bare, and the best thing would be to change which area that is.

I'm no expert, but this is what I have learned recently. Just thought I would point it out.

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My life is one of those 'you had to be there' jokes.

Baraka_Guru

This isn't much the case with all the vitamin D fortification going on. Just be sure to consume these fortified foods: yogurt, margarine, milk, cereal, and bread. Also, you can get vitamin D in fatty fish such as herring, salmon, and mackerel. It is also found in eggs. Multivitamins are a good insurance as well.

__________________
Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing?
—Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön

Humankind cannot bear very much reality.
—From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot

snowy

Sunblock does not actually block the sun's rays completely. Some sun gets through. The word sunblock is a misnomer.

But the recommendation is to get 15 minutes of sun without sunscreen to get your vitamin D. However, this is probably best done in the morning, before the sun gets fierce.

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If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Push-Pull

A bit off from the discussion, but I've found that breaking off a "leaf" or two from an aloe vera plant and rubbing the "gel" on any sunburn I may have received to be very soothing, and definitely helps it heal faster. A bit messy, yes, but very worth it....

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DAMMIT! -Jack Bauer-

cadre

I suppose that's true, many of the common deficiencies are being battled that way these days. Still, I doubt people would get enough vitamin D without sun or a multivitamin. (speaking in generalizations, of course)

Yes, nothing is 100% and it does change with the SPF but the effect is still there.

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My life is one of those 'you had to be there' jokes.

Redlemon

I had a friend who got a sunburn. Then he stayed in the sun for the rest of the day, figuring the damage had been done. He went to the hospital that night - I think they said it was sun poisoning, but it was over 20 years ago, so I don't remember clearly.

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SSJTWIZTA

oh its so worth it. trust the floridian on that one.

Yeah sunblock after the fact is kind of pointless unless your still going to go out in the sun. appy some aloe for sure, it helps tons.

i havnt worn sunblock in ages. last time i was in cocoa i turned beat red, but it didnt sting at all. bah i spend to much time in the light.

__________________
First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the communists and I did not speak out because I was not a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for me And there was no one left to speak out for me.
-Pastor Martin Niemoller

Xazy

Yes aloe alot and often and drink drink. I have to look up but I recall that eating watermelon also helps (maybe cause of all the liquids).

jewels

Another "yea" on the aloe. If you don't have access to the plant, be sure to read labels on aloe products, most contain lots of alcohol, benzocaine and other ingredients that won't help heal and keep you from peeling.

As been said, it's the cumulative sun damage that you need worry about. I'm not even fairskinned and have had skin cancer for years as a result of continuous exposure. My somewhat tainted advice is to heal the burn you have and protect yourself before exposing yourself to the sun again, if possible.

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Mark Twain

snowy

My post-sunburn regimen consists of aloe, Nivea creme (or another heavy moisturizer), and washing the sunburn gently with a washcloth (slightly painful, but the mechanical exfoliation helps to slough off the massive amount of dead skin cells caused by sunburn, which results in less peeling).

Basically, use the aloe, let it sink in, and then apply an almost ludicrously thick layer of Nivea creme. Let this sit for quite a while, then massage it in. If it's really painful, I usually swab some witch hazel on prior to the aloe. And when you shower, exfoliate the area of the burn mechanically--scrub brush, pouf, washcloth, whatever. This will result in a lot less peeling if you do get a sunburn.

__________________
If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Grasshopper Green

Thinking about exfoliating a sunburn gives me the willies . I just stick to aloe vera, myself.

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"They say that patriotism is the last refuge to which a scoundrel clings; steal a little and they throw you in jail, steal a lot and they make you king"

Formerly Medusa

SSJTWIZTA

Yeah, fuck that!

ill let the skin peel, thank you.

__________________
First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the communists and I did not speak out because I was not a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for me And there was no one left to speak out for me.
-Pastor Martin Niemoller

Baraka_Guru

Oh, man. It's just so much easier avoiding the burn altogether.

__________________
Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing?
—Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön

Humankind cannot bear very much reality.
—From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot

Herk

+1

Seriously, sunburns give me crazy hives. I end up having to go to the ER and get a shot of Vistaril. Feels like somebody hits me in the leg with a hammer too.. on top of the sunburn. Plus, the added complications with skin problems and cancer. Long sleeves and boonie cap ftw. Even when guttering in the middle of july, you won't see me without lot of loose clothes and a boonie cap or equivalent.

__________________
-Blind faith runs into things!-

Mephex

Just got back from a vacation in the hot ass Puerto Rican sun, got so burnt on my first time at the beach, a local had to tell me to get out "Hey you! Red lobsta! Yeah you!". Anyway, I wasn't about to give up so the next day I applied 30spf sunscreen even though I was wearing a shirt (adidas semi-see through variety). It did help! It was still painful as hell, but I swear it helped.

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There is seldom an instance of a man guilty of betraying his country, who had not before lost the feeling of moral obligations in his private connections.
-Samuel Adams

snowy

I don't disagree, but I love love love to swim, and sometimes a) I miss a spot, b) my swimsuit shifts, or c) the sunscreen isn't as waterproof as it claims to be. The nastiest sunburns I've ever had happened because of b. Once, the top of my bikini shifted enough to expose an inch of skin on my breast that had no sunscreen on it, and I burned badly enough that the tan it turned to afterward was so dark it looked like a birthmark. The worst was a sunburn I got on my knees because I didn't reapply sunscreen on my legs as often as I should have. Each sunburn has caused me to become much more vigilant about preventing the next.

__________________
If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau