On Bornholm the sun shines most often – Beware of sunburn

It is not without reason that Bornholm is called the island of sunshine. It is the municipality in Denmark with the most hours of sunshine on average during the year (Source
Dr.dk
).

Bornholm is in close competition with Læsø and Samsø for the title of Denmark’s sunniest island. And seen over a number of years, Bornholm pulls out of this little contest.

But even though the sun shines most on the island in the Baltic Sea, that doesn’t mean the temperature is higher than in the rest of Denmark. Because that is not the case.

Bornholm has what is called maritime weather, which gives more sunshine, less rain, but a temperature below the national average. This is mainly due to the fact that it blows more on Bornholm than in the rest of Denmark.

 

Too much sun increases the risk of burns

The more the sun shines and is out, the more your skin is exposed to the sun’s rays, significantly increasing your risk of getting burnt or sunburnt.

In fact, if you don’t protect your skin with sunscreen or shade and choose to stay in the sun, the sun’s rays will slowly dry out and burn your skin.

Skin burns are caused by a mechanism in the skin that tries to protect itself from the damage caused by the sun’s rays. By producing the pigment melanin, which gives the skin colour, the skin tries to create a shield against the harmful UVA rays.

Redness, stinging and itching typically occur within 3-6 hours after getting too much sun.

 

You can get a tan even if it’s cloudy

In fact, your skin is exposed to the sun’s rays even if you can’t see the sun for mere clouds. The rays come through and bake on your skin, and many people are not aware of this.

On islands such as Bornholm, Læsø and Samsø, where the sun shines a lot, you need to be extra vigilant, even on cloudy days, especially in the summer months.

If you stay out all day and don’t wear sunscreen, cover up exposed areas or go into the shade between 12 and 3pm, you can get red or well tanned, even if it’s cloudy and you can’t see the sun or its rays.

This actually happens to many during the summer months, when the sun’s rays are most “aggressive”.

So remember to take care of yourself, even on days when the sun isn’t out.

 

Good advice against sunburns and sunburns

Unfortunately, if you’ve had too much sun, there’s no miracle cure that will make the pain and irritation go away quickly. The skin needs time to restore itself, and unfortunately that just takes time.

However, you can use various products that enhance the healing process, as well as reduce itching, stinging and pain associated with the scald.
Read the article with advice and treatment for sunburn here
.

 

It may be a good idea to bring some of the products with you from home, as it may not be easy to find them all on Bornholm when you are on holiday. The range of products on the island is somewhat limited compared to the web and the rest of Denmark.

 

1. Cold water – Cold or cool water is always successful if the skin is very burnt. It’s not that water has any properties in terms of the healing process, the water just cools down the hot and burnt skin, which is really nice.
   Water can be used in a bathtub for large burns, but also in a cloth or towel that has been soaked.
   An easy and practical way to reduce pain.
2. Argan oil, coconut oil and other oils – Several vegetable oils such as argan oil, aloe vera and coconut oil have healing properties, which are ideal when the skin has been damaged and burned.
   In addition to nourishing the skin, oils help restore balance and help the skin heal faster. And it’s actually quite effective, if you just remember to rub the scalded area several times a day.
3. Aftersun – A classic is the aftersun, which is typically a cream with added cooling properties. Many aftersun products don’t have healing properties, they just cool the skin so it’s not so hot and irritable.
   Thus, the aftersun product has no influence on how quickly the burn subsides, as it simply reduces the discomfort and pain associated with a burn.
4. Fat cream – An oily moisturising cream can also be good for burnt skin, depending of course on the moisturising ingredients in the cream. But if the cream is based on oils, it is almost perfect!
   The cream will add a lot of moisture to the dry and damaged skin, while its nourishing ingredients will boost the healing process of the skin, so it gets back in balance.
   It’s a great alternative to vegetable oils if you’re not a fan of pure oils.
   A suggestion could be
   Cossy Repair cream
   which is perfect for dry and damaged skin.
5. Painkillers – Panodil or other painkillers are your best friend if you’ve been very sunburned. The pills have no effect on the actual damage to your skin, but they do remove the worst pain associated with a burn.
   And that’s nice, because it can really hurt, and itch and sting like crazy.

 

The best advice is to prevent and avoid getting sunburnt, as you will not have to deal with the above problems. Prevention is the way forward, as you will not be exposed to all the discomforts, such as difficulty sleeping, skin irritation, etc.

Remember sunscreen!