Despite our best efforts to keep our clients’ skin shielded from damaging UV rays, sunburn every once in a while is inevitable, particularly if they are the outdoor type. If clients come to you post-burn, how can you help them heal and repair the damage? Better yet, if you know a client is prone to burning, how can you educate them on what to do should they experience sunburn and arm them with the right tools to heal their skin?
In the last blog post, “How to Beat the Brown Spots,” I discussed how to correct sun-induced discoloration. This post, however, is all about repairing and healing overexposed skin, and how to provide some much-needed relief to your clients.
Visual Signs: Burns
When burn occurs, what is the safest way to work with skin? And is it possible to accelerate healing?
In many cases it is possible to speed the healing process, or at the very least help prevent clients from doing further damage. There are a few things to keep in mind, however, when working with superficial burns and wounds.
For starters, depending on the severity of the burn, you may need to refer the client to a physician. If it is at the superficial level however, we can help soothe, nourish and rebuild the skin.
With minor burns that haven’t caused any major trauma, use formulas with ingredients like hydrocortisone, bisabolol, arnica, thermus thermophilus ferment and mugwort as these have potent anti-inflammatory capabilities and decrease pain. The thermos thermophilus ferment can also help take the heat out of the skin.
For deeper burns that have reached the dermis, you will want to avoid using any occlusive topicals as these will actually trap in heat.
In the Treatment Room
If the skin is particularly tender, inflamed or pink, keep in mind less is more. The goal is to accelerate the healing process. Steer clear of enzymes, acids and harsh scrubs. Instead focus on gently cleansing, soothing and nourishing the skin.
Start with the gentle Foaming Peptide cleanser, followed by a layer of Post Balm Lubricating Ointment, Calming Skin Gel, or Arnica Therapy. The hydrocortisone, bisabolol, aloe, and arnica in these formulas will work soothe, speed healing and reduce inflammation. Using chilled Milk Maskand Ice Globes gently rolled over the skin will provide instant relief to irritated skin as well. After gently removing the mask, bathe the skin with oxygen. Finish with Growth Factor Serum and eZinc Protection Cream or Daytime Defense SPF30.
If the skin is further along in the healing process and is not tender or inflamed, you may begin to slowly reintroduce enzymes and exfoliation. But again, the emphasis is on nourishing, soothing and protecting.
Home Care
The goal with the home care regimen is to continue the rebuilding and healing process with nourishing ingredients and protection from damaging elements. Of course customization will be key. A few key home care formulas and ingredients that generally aid the healing process include:
- Foaming Peptide or Pumpkin Cleanser
- Grape Seed Hydrating Serum
- Sea Gems
- Epidermal Growth Factors
- Omega #6 EFA
- Vitamins E and C
- Daytime Defense SPF30 or eZinc Protection Cream
Everyone will have a unique set of needs and conditions, but do keep in mind – less is more.
Question: What is your favorite skin-soothing product, ingredient or treatment?