How can I soothe a sunburn and promote skin repair?
Every summer, sunburns remind us that our skin has its limits. Even when the pain fades quickly, skin cells have undergone a real assault and must mobilize numerous mechanisms to repair the tissues.
Can we accelerate this repair? Can we quickly relieve the burning sensation? What skincare should be applied after a sunburn?
Understanding what happens in the skin allows us to better support it.
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Table of Contents
after a sunburn? 1. Limiting the damage 2. Repairing the tissues 3. Restoring the skin barrier Can we accelerate the repair? Why is the Pommade Magique
the SOS skincare of the summer? Botanical lanolin, a true lipid bandage 1% CO₂ calendula extract: a rare dosage A synergy designed to support repair Key points to remember after
a sunburn In summary Sunburn FAQ
A sunburn is a real burn
Contrary to what one might imagine, a sunburn is not just redness.
It is a burn caused mainly by UVB rays, which penetrate the epidermis and directly damage the DNA of skin cells.
When the damage becomes too significant, the body triggers an inflammatory response to eliminate the most affected cells and initiate tissue repair.
It is this inflammation that causes:
redness;
a feeling of heat;
pain;
sometimes visible edema;
then, a few days later, peeling.
A sunburn is therefore the visible consequence of a defense mechanism set up by our body.
Why does a sunburn hurt so much?
Inflammation leads to the release of many molecules called inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins, cytokines, histamine, etc.).
These substances sensitize the skin's nerve endings.
Result:
The skin becomes extremely sensitive;
The simple contact of clothing can be painful;
A burning sensation can persist for several hours.
This pain is not a bad sign; it simply testifies to the intense work done by the skin to limit the damage.
How does the skin repair itself
after a sunburn?
Skin repair takes place in several stages.
1. Limiting the damage
The most damaged cells are eliminated by a phenomenon called apoptosis, a programmed cell death that prevents them from multiplying with altered DNA.
2. Repairing the tissues
The remaining keratinocytes begin to multiply in order to gradually rebuild a healthy epidermis. This phase can last several days.
3. Restoring the skin barrier
Once the inflammation has subsided, the skin must rebuild its hydrolipidic film and its intercellular lipids in order to regain its protective function. It is only at this stage that the feeling of comfort really returns.
Can we accelerate the repair?
Unfortunately, there is no cream capable of reversing the damage caused by UV rays. The best protection remains avoiding exposure during the hottest hours and wearing sun protection (sunscreen and clothing).
However, certain treatments help create optimal conditions for the skin to repair more effectively:
limiting water loss;
maintaining a protective environment;
providing repairing lipids;
quickly calming inflammation and discomfort.
This is precisely the role of an appropriate repairing treatment.
Why is the Pommade Magique
the SOS skincare of the summer?
After a sunburn, the skin is weakened. Its hydrolipidic film is altered, water loss increases, and inflammation sustains the burning sensation for several hours, or even several days.
The priority is therefore not just to "cool" the skin, but to provide it with an environment conducive to its repair.
That is precisely why we formulated the magic ointment.
Its formula is completely anhydrous; it contains no water but rather an exceptional concentration of vegetable oils, vegetable waxes, and lipid-replenishing active ingredients that protect the skin while limiting dehydration.
Vegetable lanolin, a true lipid-based dressing
At the heart of the formula is vegetable lanolin, a biomimetic active ingredient capable of retaining a large amount of water while depositing a supple protective film on the surface of the skin.
It partially mimics the role of the lipids naturally present in our skin barrier.
As a result, the skin is immediately more comfortable, tightness is reduced, and the tissues have a more favorable environment to gradually rebuild their barrier function.
1% Calendula CO₂ extract: a rare concentration
We also chose to incorporate 1% calendula CO₂ extract, a particularly generous dosage for this type of extract.
Supercritical CO₂ extraction allows for the preservation of the most beneficial lipophilic compounds of the calendula flower, notably its faradiols and carotenoids, which are studied for their soothing properties and their ability to support the skin's natural repair mechanisms.
This active ingredient complements the nourishing action of the formula by quickly providing a sensation of comfort to heated or weakened skin.
A synergy designed to support repair
Vegetable oils and vegetable waxes complete this formula by providing the fatty acids the skin needs to gradually restore its hydrolipidic film.
Applied at the first signs of a mild sunburn, the magic ointment helps to:
rapidly reduce the feeling of heat and burning;
limit water loss in weakened skin;
restore skin comfort;
support the skin's natural repair mechanisms.
This is why it has become, at La Canopée, the SOS summer treatment, to be kept on hand for mild sunburns, but also for heat irritation, chafing, chapped lips, or any minor daily skin aggressions.
Key points to remember after
a sunburn
A sunburn is a genuine burn caused by UV rays, which triggers an inflammatory response essential for skin repair.
While no treatment can undo the damage caused to cells, it is possible to effectively support this process by limiting dehydration, restoring the skin barrier, and quickly providing comfort to the skin.
Thanks to its anhydrous formula rich in protective lipids, its vegetable lanolin, and its 1% concentration of calendula CO₂ extract, the magic ointment creates an environment conducive to natural repair mechanisms.
This is why it has become our SOS summer treatment, always to be kept handy after a mild sunburn or any other daily skin aggression.
In summary
A sunburn is a genuine burn that triggers an inflammatory response essential for skin repair. While no treatment can cancel out damage caused by UV rays, a formula rich in protective lipids and soothing active ingredients, such as the Magic Ointment, helps limit dehydration, restore the skin barrier, and quickly relieve discomfort.
Sunburn FAQ
What should I apply to a sunburn?
After cooling the skin, choose a repairing treatment rich in lipids that helps restore the skin barrier and limits dehydration.
Can the magic ointment replace sunscreen?
No. The magic ointment is a post-exposure treatment. It does not protect against UV rays and never replaces sun protection. If you are looking for sun protection, discover our SPF50+ and SPF30 milky sunscreen fluids.
Can an ointment be applied to a sunburn?
Yes, when it is a mild sunburn and the skin does not show severe lesions. A rich, protective treatment helps maintain an environment favorable for skin repair.
How long does a sunburn last?
Depending on its intensity, complete repair generally requires between 3 days and about ten days.
Protecting yourself well from the sun ☀️
Juliette Munoz,
Co-founder, in charge of communications at La Canopée.
✔️ Holds a Master's degree in Design and Environments.
✔️ Certified in aromatherapy.
✔️ Trained in facialist massage and face yoga.
Passionate about skin biology, botany, and holistic beauty, Juliette founded La Canopée in 2017 alongside her sister Cécile, an expert in green chemistry. Driven by a commitment to her customers, Juliette tirelessly pursues excellence in every aspect of La Canopée, aiming to offer the best possible experience with the brand.
