Now that the sun is here, Glamour asked Dr Ross Perry for advice on how to deal with peeling skin after sunburn in its feature entitled:

“Got burnt this weekend?

“A skin expert reveals exactly how to stop peeling after sunburn”

Whether you’ve completely forgotten sunscreen, stayed out in the sun too long or not put enough on, the skin can end up sunburned and then very often peels as the outer layers are shed.

Why Sunburned Skin Peels

Glamour asked Cosmedics Skin Clinics Founder and Medical Director for his advice. Ross is also a practising GP and knowledgeable about matters related to skin health. He told Glamour:

“If the skin is peeling then that is a clear sign that it has been damaged by overexposure to the sun.

“Peeling means that your skin is shedding outer layers and revealing new layers of skin. During this time it is very important to protect new and peeling skin from further damage, so stay out of the sun if you can. If you must go out, then cover up in long layers (long sleeved shirts, loose trousers, hat and sunglasses) and ensure any exposed areas are thoroughly protected with high protection factor sunscreen i.e. SPF50.

How To Help Peeling Skin

Ross gives advice on moisturising and hydrating dry, peeling skin:

“While the skin is shedding, you can relieve any itching or discomfort by keeping it well hydrated. Slather on lots of moisturiser. Aloe vera gel can be soothing as well as moisturising and can help to take the sting out of any lingering sunburn.

“Drink plenty too, to ensure your body is hydrated from within. This helps the skin and hydration is also key to your body’s general recovery and renewal mechanisms.”

Alternative moisturiser options were also suggested:

“You could try coconut oil instead of aloe vera gel – it’s a great moisturiser and very versatile. Calamine cream is another alternative – super cheap and very soothing. Avoid the lotion as it tends to be quite runny and leave a white film on the skin.”

Never Pick Peeling Skin

Ross says:

“Don’t be tempted to pick at the peeling, however bad it looks. It will come off in its own good time.

“If the skin is very flaky, you can give it a gentle rub with a dry flannel to slough off any very loose bits, but now is certainly not the time for aggressive treatments. Your skin needs TLC while recovering.”

Cooling The Skin

Ross suggests applying cold flannels as a quick way to immediately soothe sunburned skin that is still red and hot:

“Just run a face cloth under a cold tap and apply to sore skin for 10 minutes to take the heat out.”

Important Mole Advice

As a leading mole removal expert, Ross was also keen to point out the dangers of sunburn:

“Once the peeling has finished, it’s important to be vigilant going forward.

“Your skin has been damaged by overexposure to the sun and this is linked to a higher risk of skin cancer. So don’t let it happen again and remember to keep an eye out for any worrying blemishes. These can appear decades after a sunburn. If you have any concerns about ‘odd’ moles, then see a GP to get them checked out.”

Read In Full

Find this article in full at https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/sunburn-peeling-skin-treatment

Dr Ross Perry

Dr Ross Perry regularly provides expert comment and advises the media on a range of skincare and health-related issues.

He has particular expertise in skin surgery mole removal and melanoma; having removed thousands of moles in his career, both within the NHS and privately through Cosmedics Skin Clinics. He provides expert advice on skin cancer, sun damage and sun protection for a variety of UK media and publications.

He is also highly experienced in non-surgical cosmetic and medical treatments such as BOTOX® and dermal fillers, where he has a reputation for excellent results that look entirely natural.

DR ROSS PERRY

Cosmedics Skin Clinics

Cosmedics Skin Clinics was established in 2003 and has built up an excellent reputation for cosmetic and medical treatments, carried out by GMC Registered Doctors.  The company offer a full range of cosmetic treatments, including popular lip enhancement and wrinkle relaxing injections, dermal fillers; plus medical treatments including mole removal, thread vein treatment and excessive sweating injections.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics has a team of skin treatment doctors and surgeons in their 5 skin clinics across London and Bristol led by Dr Ross Perry.

Call 020 7386 0464 or email enquiries@cosmedics.co.uk to book an appointment.