Sunburn Pain – Try These Natural Solutions
Sunburns do happen. Even when you think you have applied, and reapplied enough sunscreen to protect your skin, you can still end up getting sunburns. Furthermore, not only are sunburns unattractive, but also one feels the sunburn pain.
Everyone craves some fun in the sun during the summer season. So, it is most definite that one or two people have endured sunburn pain more than once. Luckily, there are some natural solutions to sunburn pain which can help take the sting, and soreness out. It also reduces blistering, which can happen when one is outdoor too much during the summer.
What is a Sunburn?
Sunburn is the skin’s reaction to damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Each one of us reacts to the sun differently. One might burn in about 10 minutes while another can be out for hours before they experience too much UV rays.
The first sign of a sunburn is redness of the skin. This happens when the blood vessels dilate, which is the body’s automatic response to recognising the need for cell repair. The skin begins to feel dry, and tight after the redness because of moisture loss. Skin cells then start to thicken so as to block UV rays from reaching deeper layers of tissues, where they can damage the skin cell DNA.
The final stage of a sunburn is when the skin begins to peel. It is the body’s way of naturally ridding itself of sun-damaged skin cells, which are at risk of becoming cancerous.
Is Sun Exposure Always Bad?
Sun Exposure isn’t a bad thing. There are many health benefits linked to daily sun exposure, including improved bone health. The sun also plays an important role in the body’s ability to process vitamin D.
Vitamin D regulates calcium absorption. The more calcium the body can produce, the stronger the bones will be.
Controlled sun exposure can lower blood pressure, lessen the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and also suppress an overactive immune system.
Other Negative Effects of Overexposure to the Sun
- Damage to the retinas. Excessive sun exposure contributes to the development of cataracts, which can affect one’s vision.
- Triggers premature ageing
- Causes heat exhaustion – overexposure to the sun depletes the body of water, and salt levels it needs. When that happens, heat exhaustion kicks in, increasing the risk of getting a stroke.
- Increases risk of skin cancer.
All Natural Sunburn Pain Solutions
- Avoid Soap – if you must shower, use a gentle cleansing gel instead of harsh soap or body wash. Detergents, and other ingredients in most commercial soap products can further irritate sunburned skin.
- Hydrate – sunburns dehydrate your skin, making it feel tight, even itchy sometimes. You must re-hydrate your skin as part of the healing process.
- Use aloe vera plant – aloe vera is known for its healing properties. Aloe vera can help with sunburn relief. The thick aloe vera juice has excellent anti-inflammatory properties which can speed healing, and relieve any discomfort.
- Moisturise – hydrating is important but you can also use moisturising cream on the surface of your skin to restore moisture. Once the sunburn starts to subside, it’s crucial to moisturise the surface of the skin so as to nurture, and protect new skin cell growth.
- Slather yogurt on your sunburn – slathering some plain yogurt on your skin may seem gross but can provide fast-acting relief for the pain because yogurt is packed with enzymes , and probiotics good for healing.
- Take a cool bath – taking a cool bath lowers the body temperature, helping sunburned skin feel better. Soaking yourself in a cool water tub can tame skin inflammation from the sunburn.
You do not have to avoid having fun in the sun when you know how to protect your skin from sunburns!