Friday, June 15, 2007

Natural Sunburn Relief

While there are many over the counter topical creams and anti-inflammatory medications you can use to alleviate the pain and soreness associated with sunburn, there are natural sunburn relief products which can relieve the discomfort as well.

Try some of these to get that relief you need:

  • Aloe Vera, which is used in the treatment of burn victims, is quite effective in the treatment of sunburn. Simply apply a thin layer to the affected area and repeat the application every hour. Aloe Vera plants are beautiful and easy to use, just break off a part of one of the leaves and use the soothing ointment inside to rub on your sunburn.
  • Herbal teas can offer a respite from the discomfort of sunburn as well. Non-herbal black tea is one of them. Steep six bags in four cups of hot water, cool, and apply it to the affected area with a cotton cloth. In fact, tea bags have long been known to alleviate puffiness and burns to the eyes as well. Place a cooled teabag on each closed eyelid, lie down, and let the tea do its work.
  • Try an herbal bath using either chamomile or lavender essential oils. This is another effective means by which you can relieve severe sunburn symptoms. You may want to try tea tree oil, which helps heal skin burns and other skin irritations, and products rich with it can be helpful as well.
  • Apply cold compresses by using cool tap water on a cotton towel and apply it to the affected areas. A cool bath is also recommended. Do not shower as the pulsating water on your sunburned skin will cause further pain.
  • An oatmeal bath will not only relieve the itchiness accompanying dried sunburned skin, but sooth and alleviate the burn as well. There is powdered oatmeal available with which you can add to a tub of cool bathwater.

While some people look forward to getting a great summer tan, bathing in the sun too long can have caustic affects. Use SPF 15 or higher sun block, depending on your skin tone, to prevent severe burning. Apply it before you go out into the sun and every 20 minutes thereafter.

The rule of thumb when sunbathing is: 20 minutes in the sun and 20 minutes out of the sun. In this way, you can acquire a tan comfortably and safely.

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