Natural Remedies for Sunburn

A sunburn is caused by excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. The amount of exposure required to cause a burn is dependent on the individual, the geographical location, the time, and the atmospheric conditions. There are two types of ultraviolet rays, designated ultraviolet-A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB). Being exposed to small amount of these rays, especially UVB, can be beneficial for your health, as UVB helps in the production of vitamin D. On the other hand, too much exposure to these rays can be dangerous. In most cases, a sunburn will ensue, for some others, cancer may develop later on in life. An overexposure of UVB rays primarily attack the skin’s outer layer, while UVA rays attack the underlying layers.Fair-skinned people are more prone to sunburn that darker-skinned individuals, but no matter what your skin color, you will burn if you get enough exposure. Symptoms do not necessarily appear while you are in the sun; they may begin from one hour to twenty-four hours after sun exposure, and usually reach their peak in two to three days.

Today, the effects of sun exposure are becoming an increasing concern because of the decline of the earth’s ozone layer. The ozone layer screens out the most harmful ultraviolet rays, but it is becoming steadily thinner all over the world, and holes that fluctuate in size have developed in various places. The best medicine for a sunburn is prevention, but for those who the damage has already been done, take a look at some of the natural remedies below.

Supplementation

CoenzymeQ10

This will help increase the amount of oxygen to the cells; it will also help to minimize free radical damage. 60 mg daily is recommended.

Colloidal Silver

This is used as an antiseptic to prevent infection and subdue inflammation to promote healing. Apply topically where needed or as directed on label.

L-cysteine

This nutrient will promote healing of burns. It is recommended to take 500mg daily on an empty stomach. Foods rich in L-cysteine include onions, eggs, and walnuts.

Potassium

Plenty of potassium is lost through sunburn. It is important to replace this vital nutrient on the onset of a sunburn. A daily dose of 99mg is recommended.

Herbs

Aloe Vera Gel

This is a remarkably effective treatment for any kind of burn. Aloe relieves discomfort, speeds healing, and also helps to moisturize the skin and relieve dryness. Gently apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to the sunburned area. Reapply every hour until the pain is gone. Pulp taken from directly inside the fresh plant is best. If you use a commercial aloe product, make sure to choose one that contains no mineral oil, paraffin waxes, alcohol, or coloring.

Calendula and St. John’s Wort

Apply a salve of calendula flowers and St. John’s wort to baldy burned areas. These two herbs have antiseptic properties, act as painkillers for herbs, and promote healing of skin wounds.

Chamomile & Lavender

A herbal bath can help minimize the stinging and pain of a sunburn. Add six cups of chamomile tea or 6 drops of chamomile oil to a lukewarm tubful of water. Soak in the bath for 30 minutes or more. Lavender oil is also good and can be used in lace of chamomile oil if you wish.

Comfrey and Gotu Kola

Make a large pot of comfrey of gotu kola tea and let it cool. Soak sterile cotton gauze in the tea to make a compress and to apply it to the affected area. Leave the compress in place for up to thirty minutes.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Make a wash of apple cider vinegar diluted with an equal amount of water. Wash the area with the mixture, then rub a herbal infusion of St. John’s wort oil onto the affected sunburned area.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

Prevention is always better than the “cure”. Take precautions to prevent yourself from getting sunburned:

• Avoid spending time outdoors between the hours of 10:00am and 3:00pm. If you do intend to go out during this time, you should limit your exposure to sun to a maximum of fifteen minutes the first couple of days (greater time periods for those who have darker skin), and gradual increase that time every few days.
• Wear a sunhat, protective clothing. The best type of clothing is made of light colored, lightweight, tightly woven material.
• Try a natural sunscreen

A Few Things to Consider

Don’t Neglect Your Lips

The lips are also susceptible to sunburn. Use a sunburn protection product designed for the lips. Choose a formula containing natural (organic) ingredients such as aloe vera or vitamin E. Your health food store should carry such products in a handy stick form.

Don’t Rely on the Weather

Weather does not necessarily determine how strong the sun is. Cloudy or hazy days do not afford protection against sunburn; approximately 80 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays pass through the clouds. Reflections from water, metal, sand, or snow may increase (even double) the amount of ultraviolet rays you absorb. Ensure to take the same precautions on cloudy or hazy days that you do on bright, sunny days.

These are some remedies and practices that can be applied almost immediately. For those of you still unsure about methods or remedies, always trust your instincts to guide your way.