One of my patients came in today with an evident sunburn on her arms and neck. When remarking to her about it, she commented that it was a cloudy and windy day and she was shocked that she burned so badly, and it is still so early in the sunning season. Spring has just sprung for most of us here in the US. It doesn’t have to be full sun blazing to actually get burned. We all know this and, remarkably, we still forget. Present company included.
I recommend using a non-nano mineral sunscreen when you go out, along with a floppy hat. I look forward to the near future when we at Young Ever After make our own tinted moisturizer and other products with sunscreen.
We know that sunburns are likely to happen, so here are 6 natural remedies on how to take care of sunburned skin.
1. Aloe
Juice from the aloe plant is best to use on sunburn if you have a plant readily handy. Slice
open the aloe leaf, scoop out the pulp and apply directly to the burned area. If you don’t have an aloe plant available, you can typically find some very good organic, all natural aloe gel at your local grocery store or pharmacy. I keep mine in the fridge.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil is excellent to help protect and soften burned skin. Cool the skin down first with either a cold compress or shower then apply the coconut oil before lightly toweling dry. It will absorb into the skin gradually and soothe the burn.
3. Oatmeal
Better known as breakfast cereal or for making delicious cookies, oatmeal is great for soothing skin irritation, including sunburn. You can put some ground oatmeal in a sock or cheesecloth to create a sachet, allow it to steep in a tepid bath and soak yourself. Loose oatmeal in the bath makes a crazy mess, so heed the advice and use a DIY sachet. Ground up oatmeal, milk and honey applied to the affected area is also a good “upgrade” option.
4. Witch Hazel or Tea
Tannins, a natural compound found in Witch Hazel and tea can be used in the reduction of inflammation from sunburn. Place a clean cloth compress over the area and pour witch hazel or cooled tea over the sunburn. This is an effective way of cooling the area. Adding mint leaves to the tea you brew has a compounding cooling effect. You may use green or black tea. Leave the cloth in place and reapply the witch hazel or tea as needed.
5. Baking Soda or Cornstarch
These two ingredients are fantastic in helping with sunburn. A lukewarm bath with baking soda is a great remedy to sooth scorched skin. And how many of us remember how painful sleeping with sunburn is or getting clothes on when your skin is raw and red. Dusting your skin with cornstarch adds a layer of protection by reducing friction. This option can be somewhat messy, but a good night's sleep is invaluable.
6.Hydration
Drinking water after you get a sunburn is uber beneficial. Burned skin is void of moisture and the body requires hydration to help get nutrients to the area. Your body needs water to maintain a healthy life balance, so making sure you drink plenty of water after a day in the sun is good advice. And even better is to make sure you get the required amount of water you need every day for your best health. Most research today requires us to drink half of your body weight in ounces. And if you are out in the sun, strive for consuming even more.
Save Your Skin
Sunburns have consequences and excessive sun exposure can damage your skin permanently. Prevention aforethought and conscious aftercare is therefore essential to keeping your skin happy and healthy. Over time, this can result in changes to skin texture, dark spots, wrinkles, and potentially skin cancer. If your sunburn is accompanied by blisters, nausea, dizziness, fever, or chills, contact your doctor immediately as these may be symptoms of a serious condition known as sun poisoning. If you start to see unusual changes in your skin visit a dermatologist to make sure cancer is not a threat. Skin cancer is highly treatable in early detection, so getting to a professional is best if you have any concerns.
Do not hesitate to have fun and play in the sun! Break out the tank tops, shorts, and bathers. Always be prepared for when you have had “enough” or you plan a whole day outdoors. Wear protective clothing and hats, use “good for you” sunscreen and don’t forget your water bottle! Summer is just around the corner. This makes me so happy.
Cheers to playing in the sun and staying Young Ever After!
Dr. Rose
