The most common concern, after being in sun for long is sunburn. Sunburn is caused due to overexposure to UV rays from the sun or other sources as well such as tanning bed, sunlamps, etc. If we look at sunburned skin with a microscope, we will see that the blood vessels & cells have been majorly damaged. With repeated exposure to the sun, the skin starts to look dark, dull, leathery, and, discolored. But in today’s busy world it is difficult to avoid sun or sunlight, hence below are a few tips that can help avoid the harmful effects on the skin. Madhumeeta Dhar, Chief Research Officer, Plantas suggests some ways to deal with the sunburn.
-Always apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or 50
-It is required to apply sunscreen every two hours or more often if you're sweating heavily or swimming.
-It is suggested to avoid the sun in the middle of the day, especially between 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. as the UV rays that cause sunburn are the strongest during this time.
-It is suggested to wear covered clothes that protect your skin from direct sunlight. Covered clothes as slacks with long sleeves, and a wide-brimmed hat.
-Wear sunglasses that filter UV light.
-Sunglasses help you see better when in the sun. They also help protect your eyes from developing cataracts. When buying new sunglasses, make sure they block the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.
Home Remedies that will help you heal & soothe your sunburns –
-Cool Water - One of the most known ways of treating inflammation is to cool down the affected area with the help of cool water. It is an effective way to immediately help sunburn, even if you are outside, just try hopping into the water, whether in the bathroom, lake, stream, or ocean.
-Baking soda and oatmeal – One of the most effective ways of treating sunburn is to mix a tablespoon of baking soda into a bucket or bathtub that is full of cool water and soak for about 15 to 20 minutes to help minimize sun damage. Adding a cup of oats to the bath also soothes irritation and helps the skin retain its natural moisture.
-Aloe vera - If you don’t have an aloe vera plant in your house, you should get one. The gel inside this succulent plant has been used for centuries for all sorts of ailments, from upset stomachs to kidney infections. It’s also the sunburn relief most commonly found over the counter.
Stay hydrated, keep cool, and if the sunburn is too painful, consult a doctor. Enjoy your summers without any hesitation.
