When we look in the mirror after a lively summer or outdoor adventure, many of us are left with skin that reflects our time spent in the sun. Whether it’s red, itchy skin on your shoulder or bruises on your knee from a hiking trip, these sunburns can be hard to ignore.
Sunburn, which causes red, itchy, swollen, and painful skin, results from too much exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays or artificial sources like sunlamps. Your skin is very sensitive to UV rays. When you’re lying out in the sun hoping to get a tan, the melanin in your skin (the pigment responsible for skin color) might not fully absorb the UV rays and convert them to heat, resulting in sunburn. When your skin suffers sun damage, your body sends more melanin to try and protect the cells from further harm.
Prolonged exposure to the sun can alter your DNA and lead to severe health issues, such as skin cancer, which is the most common type of cancer in the United States. The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that frequent sunburns increase the risk of melanoma, a form of skin cancer where the pigment-producing cells become cancerous.
Using sunscreen can help block harmful UV rays, but if you do get sunburned, symptoms will typically appear about two hours after exposure. It’s crucial to treat sunburns promptly to prevent further damage.
If you live in high-altitude areas or near the equator, and if you have light skin and red hair, you’re more likely to get severe sunburn that takes longer to heal. Here’s a guide to understanding and treating different grades of sunburn:
– Mild Sunburn: Causes redness and pain lasting three to five days. The skin will peel off during regeneration.
– Moderate Sunburn: Results in red, swollen skin that feels hot to the touch. Healing takes about a week.
– Severe Sunburn: Leads to blisters and can cause serious symptoms like high fever, severe pain, and dehydration. This type of sunburn takes around two weeks to heal, and you should see a doctor if you experience severe symptoms.
Sunscreen alone isn’t enough. Here are some home remedies to help you soothe and heal sunburned skin:
– **Cold Compress**: Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and relieve pain. You can make your own by dipping a hand towel in cold water and placing it on the affected areas for 10 minutes.
– **Tea Bags**: Tea contains theobromine, tannic acid, and catechins which help draw heat out of sunburned skin and repair damage. Soak tea bags in cold water and apply them to your eyelids or use cooled brewed tea on your skin to balance pH levels.
– **Aloe Vera**: Known for its healing properties, the gel or sap of aloe vera can soothe and repair sunburned skin. Mix aloe with cucumber, which has hydrating properties, for added benefits.
**DIY Aloe Cream**: Make a homemade aloe cream with baking soda, aloe gel, water, witch hazel, peppermint oil, and mint leaves. Mix well and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Apply regularly to heal sunburns and remove tan.
– **Milk Masks**: Milk’s fats, proteins, and soothing effects can help heal sunburn. Apply cold milk directly to sunburned skin or mix with a pinch of turmeric.
**Oatmeal and Milk**: Oats have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Blend oatmeal with milk and honey, apply to sunburned areas, and rinse off after 20 minutes.
Additional tips:
1. Always use sunscreen with SPF above 30, wear protective clothing, and sunglasses to avoid direct sun exposure.
2. After healing, use coconut oil to moisturize your skin, but don’t use it as sunscreen.
3. Apply petroleum jelly on sunburned lips.
4. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and juices.
5. Don’t use ice cubes on sunburn as they can cause frostbite.
6. Avoid soaps and perfumes which can dry out sunburned skin further.
7. Cover sunburn blisters to prevent tearing.
8. Avoid sun exposure if you have sunburn to prevent worsening the condition.
No matter the time of year, be mindful of the sun’s harmful rays. Follow these tips to stay prepared and safe while enjoying your time outdoors!