Sunburn. Ouch!
It is truly one of the worst things we can do to our skin. The best way to prevent sunburn is obviously before it happens, but sometimes we are out in the sun longer than expected, or an area gets missed when applying sunscreen. When that happens you need to soothe the skin quickly and effectively to prevent further damage.
Nothing soothes better than pure Aloe Vera gel.
Squished right out of the plant. It will help calm and cool the burn and then work it’s magic. But, be careful before you just squish it on, because according to this article by Mind Body Green, “An orangy liquid runs in long vessels just under the skin of the aloe leaf. It smells a little like chicken soup, and it’s an irritant; a few drops of the stuff makes a powerful (and unpredictable) laxative, since it inflames the intestines. (Note that we don’t recommend using it that way.) It can irritate skin, too, so you’ll want to get rid of the stuff before applying aloe gel at home. Here’s how: Chop off a leaf at the base and let it rest on the counter for a few minutes, tipped downward, so the irritant drips out. Then slice off the “seam” where the spines are, carefully slice the leaf open, and use a spoon to scoop out the gel. Voilà: pure aloe!”
We recommend NOT using petroleum based ointments or Vaseline.
The wrong lotion may trap the heat and make the burn worse. Moisturizing with the right lotion, like our Oilz+ won’t just cool down the burn, but will help prevent peeling. Ahhh! Learn how Oilz+ was born here!
Another thing to use is cooled Shea Butter.
In addition to moisturizing the skin, which helps reduce the chance of infection, Shea butter is packed with vitamins and nutrients that help speed up the healing process. Keep our Balmz in the cooler along with your drinks at the beach or in the refrigerator at home, so you can cool the area along with soothing it. It will help prevent redness and help prevent premature peeling to the affected skin. The key is to completely cover the area that is burned to prevent any further sun exposure.
Drink copious amounts of Water!
Forgo the alcohol and drink up the H2O. Hydrating your body from the inside out is equally if not more important than the other way around.
Take an Aspirin or Ibuprofen if you are feeling extra tired and sore.
The anti-inflammatory effects will help you feel better overall and help the affected area be less swollen.
Stay Out of the Sun!
I know it sounds pretty obvious, right, but many people will continue to stay outside without covering up. Not a good idea. Make sure you continue to put on sunscreen if you want to be out and choose to stay under umbrellas or awnings.
So, of course the best way to help soothe sunburn is not to get it in the first place.
But, if you are overexposed, the above should at least give you some relief and healing. Be safe. Be smart. Be awesome!
xo
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