Too Cool for Sunburns?

Hey Girls, we only worry about sunburns when it is warm and sunny; however it is possible to get badly burned on overcast days that are cool. In fact, it's more likely, because you won't tend to feel your skin burning as quickly as you do when it's hot and sunny.

Sunburn is a serious matter. Research has shown that even one serious sunburn can increase the risk of skin cancer. Sunburn often leads to dehydration. Healthy skin has a high water content and this is depleted rapidly with sunburn.

Prevention is of course the best remedy, but sometimes despite all of our preparations – sunburns happen. When they do, it is very important to treat them right away by giving your body what it needs to heal and repair the damage. Prompt and thorough treatment can reduce the risks of long-term damage. What follows are the most effective home remedies to treat the burn, heal the skin, and reverse severe skin damage.

1. Aloe Vera Gel or Cream. One of the best and quickest remedies for mild sunburn, this African plant can soothe and calm burns. Aloe Vera also helps to heal wounds and preventing scarring. Rub the natural form of the gel (available in many health food stores, or even better, buy an aloe plant for your home) into the location of the burn and leave on the skin. Reapply as necessary. On a side note, Aloe Vera juice also has many health benefits when taken internally.

2. Coconut Oil A cooling oil that soothes burns, rub coconut oil onto the affected location.

3. Milk. Many people are unaware of the cooling properties of milk. If Aloe Vera gel is unavailable, dip a gauze pad into milk and apply it directly to the sunburn.

4. Hydrotherapy. Taking a short, lukewarm bath, or using cool towel compresses aids in keeping the burn moist and cool. Do NOT use hot water, as this further strips the already damaged oils from the skin.

5. Ozontated Olive Oil. Gently rub the ozonated olive oil paste on the sunburned area and let sit. This will help the area heal without blistering and/or peeling. O2-Zap works great for this.

6. Increase Water Intake. Sunburn’s dehydrates the insides of the body, as our natural healing mechanisms attempt to bring more moisture to the burned area. Stay hydrated to avoid the headaches and fatigue that may accompany sunburn.

7. Sandalwood and Turmeric Paste. An ancient Ayurvedic remedy, these herbs have a cooling affect on the skin. Mix equal amounts of these two herbs with a little cool water. Apply to sunburned area and leave for 15-20 minutes.

8. Vinegar. White vinegar has been known to ease the pain of a sunburn when applied to the skin. Apply to the skin as a compress, using a small towel soaked in a mixture of water and vinegar. I would NOT recommend using apple cider vinegar, instead of white vinegar.

9. Eat More Sunflower Seeds. Studies show that increased intake of Vitamin E food scan help decrease the discomfort of a sunburn. Sunflower seeds, as well as many other seeds, are full of Vitamin E. Other foods that are high in Vitamin E include wheat germ, soybean oil and most raw nuts. You can also rub vitamin E on the burn to cool the area.

10. Use Cooling Essential Oils. You can quickly relieve a burn by soaking a wet towel in water containing several drops of cooling essential oils. Oils that reduce burns include lavender, sandalwood, chamomile, eucalyptus, rose hips, and buck thorn essential oils. They can also be directly added to a warm bath.

11. Fresh Air. Bask in the moonlight! Burns heal quicker in the fresh air, than wrapped in bandages, which can cause the burn to hold more heat in.

So, put on some shades, put on a hat and stay out of the sun. We'll see you next time with some more wisdom.