HEALTH & BEAUTY
From Issue #12
How to Treat a Sunburn Naturally
By Bonnie Croft
You’re enjoying the great outdoors and the next thing you know, you’re as red as a lobster and in A LOT of pain! Here are some natural ways to treat sunburns using stuff from around the house.
Aloe Vera: The juice of this moist plant can provide relief and reduce inflammation: its Aloectin B stimulates the immune system. You can find Aloe Vera juice, gels, and lotions in health food stores and some drugstores, but using the juice of the plant works best. Simply break off a leaf and apply the juice to your burn.
Baking Soda: Run a cool bath with a ½ cup of baking soda. This will soothe your skin. Make sure not to apply soap on the sunburn to avoid unnecessary pain.
Tea Bags: Place two to three teabags under the running water in a bath to get most of the tea out, and soak your aching parts. Tannic acid in tea helps relieve the pain.
Vitamin C: Increase your vitamin C intake. This will boost your immune system and make the healing process much quicker. Eat plenty of fresh fruits with vitamin C like oranges and strawberries.
Oatmeal: Add about one cup of uncooked oatmeal to a lukewarm bath. Soak for about 15-20 minutes. This will help soothe the itching.
Cool, wet compresses: Take a small face cloth, run it under cool water and ring it out. Place it directly on your burn several times a day. This will relieve pain and take away some of the burning.
Water: Drink plenty of water to replenish your fluid levels. Dehydration is another potentially dangerous side effect of too much sun exposure.
Moisturizing cream: If the burn is minor, applying a moisturizing cream (preferably with aloe) will help reduce some of the swelling and pain of sunburn. Do not to use petroleum-based creams as they prevent excess heat and sweat from escaping.
PJ tip: Wear your pajamas inside out to avoid the irritation of seams when you are sleeping.
With proper medication, moisturizing, and cooling, sunburn doesn't have to be a completely miserable experience. Your skin can recover within a few days, and you will be able to return to your outdoor activities a little wiser about the importance of always using sunscreen.
You said…
Have you ever been sunburned? Yes- 80% No- 20%
Do you always wear sunscreen? Yes- 4% No- 96%
Do you worry about skin cancer? Yes- 40% No- 60%
Do you tan because you look better with a tan? Yes- 44% No- 56%
During summer, do you tan three/more times a week? Yes- 40% No- 60%
