How to treat sunburn and prevent it

How to treat sunburn and prevent it

Let’s face it: sunburn is much easier to prevent than to treat! 

But if you’ve been caught out and ended up looking like a lobster, you’ll need some fast tips for sunburn relief. 

First, let’s take a look at our best products for preventing sunburn so you don’t end up in the same situation again! 


How to prevent sunburn

Think you’re too cool for sunscreen? Here are some cold hard facts:

  • Every year, around 6,000 Kiwis are diagnosed with melanoma - the most deadly form of skin cancer. 
  • Melanoma accounts for nearly 80% of deaths from skin cancer each year, which equates to more than 350 people. 

We’ve been drilled on ‘slip, slop, slap’ for decades, and that message is now more important than ever. New Zealand’s UV index (the measure of UV intensity) is among the highest in the world, reaching up to 13 in summer. Values of 10 or more are considered "extreme". 

In summer, sunburn can happen after just 15 minutes of being exposed to the sun. And the damage goes well beyond the burn. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation damages the DNA within skin cells, causing them to malfunction and grow out of control. This can lead to skin cancer. 


Don’t risk it! Stock up on your sunscreen supplies now and make this a burn-free summer. 


Our top picks for sunburn prevention

  • Family sun care
    Oasis Sun SPF30 provides broad-spectrum sun care for the whole family, from toddlers to adults. It’s rich in natural jojoba oil, shea butter, and vitamin E to help protect and moisturise the skin, and can be used on the face and bad.
    For kids, the Banana Boat Kids Trigger Spray SPF 50+ is a gentle, non-greasy, fragrance free sunscreen that’s just right for delicate skin.

  • For active people
    Bondi Sands Sport SPF 50+ have a great range of sunscreens made with Cool Motion® Technology, allowing your skin to sweat while providing high-performance protection from UV rays. Easy to apply and free from any nasties. 

  • High protection
    Le Tan is one of the most trusted sunscreen brands and provides a high SPF 50+.  Le Tan Coconut Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ is designed to shield skin from UV rays while moisturising. And it smells great!
    Neutrogena Beach Defence Lotion SPF 50 also provides high UVA/UVB sun protection with up to four hours water resistance. It also helps to reduce the drying effects of the sun, sand, and surf. 

  • Sun protection for lips 
    Lips are extremely sensitive to the sun. Blistex Lip Conditioner SPF 30 rehydrates dry lips with Cocoa Butter and Vitamin E. Chapstick Conditioner Lip Balm with SPF 15 helps protect against sun damage while boosting moisture. 

  • Great for the face
    Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Facial Sunscreen is made with natural Zinc Oxide for UVA & UVB broad-spectrum protection. It’s untinted, so it’s easy to apply over makeup. Non-greasy and rich in antioxidants from Rosehip Oil, Green Tea and Cucumber to nourish the skin.


    • Tips for sunburn treatment

    Sunburnt skin can be painful, red, and itchy. Time is the only cure, but you can help speed the healing with a little first aid. Take cool showers or baths, wear loose-fitting cotton clothes, and be sure to stay out of the sun. Drink plenty of water to help restore any fluids you’ve lost. 


    Most importantly: moisturise! Moisturising the skin with natural, cooling lotions and gels will help support the healing process. 

    Here are some great after-sun products for helping with instant sunburn relief.


  • Aloe vera
    Aloe vera is well known for its help in soothing reddened skin. Lifestream Biogenic Aloe Vera Gel Pump contains the unique moisturising qualities of Vitamin E to soothe the skin and help restore natural moisture. Plunkett's 99% Pure Aloe Vera Soothing Gel is another great option, and just the right size to pop into your travel bag. 

  • Vitamin E
    Give your skin an extra boost of vitamin E with Plunkett's Vita E Natural Vitamin E Cream, which contains high-potency Vitamin E and rosehip oil to improve suppleness of the face, hands and body. Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion Aloe Soothe is also excellent for sunburnt skin. It contains microdroplets of Vaseline® Jelly to help to restore the appearance of dry skin. 

    • You’ll find plenty more after-sun products at Bargain Chemist in-store or online. 


    But don’t forget that prevention is your best protection! There’s no excuse for not slathering yourself in sunscreen, so take a good look at our sunscreen and sun protection range.