Try THESE Natural Remedies for Sunburn

(AscendHealthy.com) – One of the best things about summer is the chance to get outdoors and enjoy a little sunshine. While it’s healthy in moderation, sometimes we can get stuck in situations where we get too many UV rays. The result may be pesky and painful sunburns. While prevention is key, there are ways to treat sunburns naturally. Check out these natural remedies for sunburn.

Risks of Too Much Sun

Everyone knows that a day out in the sun may lead to a sunburn. But did you know the skin can be affected by indirect UV rays — even on a cloudy day? Either way, when venturing outdoors, we require some sort of sunscreen protection. Sunburns can cause serious health problems, including:

An increased risk of skin cancer, including deadly melanoma;
Damage to the cornea, lens and retina of the eye;
Precancerous lesions on the skin;
Freckles and dark, discolored spots; and
Loss of skin elasticity and deep wrinkles.

Preventing overexposure to UV light can help reduce the risk of skin changes now and years from now.

Natural Remedies

Sometimes sunscreen wears off, or we forget to apply it before heading to the beach. There are several reasons why we may get a painful sunburn, but if we do, our first step usually involves relieving the pain. The solution? Reaching for some all-natural products that are likely right in the cupboard. Here are some popular natural remedies for sunburn:

Add lavender oil to a cool bath to soothe the skin;
Apply chamomile tea bags to the affected area or soak in a chamomile bath;
Use fresh aloe vera to help soothe red, irritated skin; or
Add baking soda and oatmeal to slightly warm bath water, and soak for at least 20 minutes.

A slightly cool shower is also an instant way to get some relief from a sunburn. It helps to treat inflammation and calm an angry sunburn.

When to Seek Help

Many people may brush off a severe sunburn as a natural process of getting a base tan. The problem is, dealing with harsh side effects is not normal, and in some cases, severe sunburns can be serious medical issues.

Noticing things like blistered skin, peeling skin or severe pain and inflammation are all red flags. These symptoms could indicate sun poisoning. Seeking medical attention will allow proper care and follow-up, so infection and permanent scarring are less likely to occur.

How to Avoid a Sunburn

The best way to avoid a sunburn is to cover the skin when venturing outside. Using a moisturizer with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 is good for everyday use. But the FDA recommends a sunscreen with a much higher SPF for beach days or those spent in direct sun.

While over-the-counter solutions for sunburns are available, many people turn to natural remedies out of personal preference. Having solutions on hand is important, just in case. Sometimes we fail to do our best to protect the body’s largest organ from painful sunburns. Fortunately, these solutions may come in handy and take the sting out of the situation. Always consult a healthcare provider in case of fever, excessive blistering, dizziness, muscle cramps, or if the condition does not respond to treatment.

~Here’s to Your Healthy Ascension