Summer is the most critical season for sunburns to occur. Due to over-exposure and prolonged sun-baths, our skin becomes red and sore on the surface exposed to sun rays - especially to UV rays. This happens because the capillaries in the epidermis are damaged and get dilated, while the external layer of the
skin gets thinner. Repeated sunburns lead to allergies, wrinkles and even skin cancer.
After severe sunburn it is vital to avoid applying to the skin greasy or oily lotions, salves, ointments or butter, as they will only obstruct the skin pores, blocking heat and pain within the epidermis. Using commercial soaps that contain chemical compounds is wrong, as the detergents in the soap will irritate the skin.
Most recommended remedies for sunburns are the herbal ones that heal and soothe the skin and renew the thinnest and most sensitive blood vessels of the body, namely the capillaries.
Aloe Vera gel is the most common home remedy against sun burns. You can use lotions that contain Aloe Vera, but it is better to apply fresh Aloe Vera gel to the damaged area of the skin, as this will help the epidermis recover faster. The sterols in this healing plant are anti-inflammatory and will prevent skin from swelling, while the nutritive mineral zinc will enhance tissue regeneration.
Sterols are unsaturated solid alcohols, such as cholesterol and ergosterol, which are found in the fatty tissues of plants and animals.
Comfrey is also very beneficial for the sun burnt skin, as it contains allantoin, a natural compound that is an excellent anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, allergenic and skin cell regenerative. Apply the juice or lotion extracted from comfrey leaves on the skin. Allantoin is also present in wheat and sugar beets or can be extracted from the urine of most animals, including human's urea.
Also, try taking a bath in lukewarm water in which you should pour a cup of baking soda or apple cider vinegar as this will cool down the skin. Compresses with cold green, black, calendula or St. John's Wort will have the same cooling effect on the damaged skin.
Chamomile, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Rose hips and Buckthorn essential oils are also beneficial for the inflamed skin. They can be applied directly to the skin or added to the bath water.
Besides oils, there are some raw vegetables that sliced and applied to the burns will have a very soothing effect: potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, cold juice from lettuce leaves, corn starch and water paste etc.
What you consume when suffering from sunburns is also highly important, as drinking a lot of milk and food rich in vitamin C, E, betacarotene and Zinc will speed the recovery of the skin.
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