"Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy." Definitely true! But over exposure to the sunrays won't make you happier for sure. None other than your own skin will begin to revolt against the scorching sun rays. The red dry patches occurred on the skin due to the heat and harmful rays of the sun are known as Sunburns. Too much of outdoor activities or holidaying in the sea beach may end up resulting in severe painful sunburns. So be cautious next time you take an outdoor assignment.
We should never avoid sun completely as sunrays, in adequate amount, is extremely beneficial for our health and our skin to remain fit and energetic. Skin produces the very important vitamin known as Vitamin D in the presence of sun light only. However, the ultraviolet rays of the sun when falls on the skin for longer period can cause serious damage. The red patches or wrinkles due to sunburn can be painful at times and irritating. Sun burns promote premature ageing of the skin. The worst case is skin cancer due to excessive sunburns.
The cause: According to the dermatologists, prolonged exposure to sunrays makes the cells dry and dead. They get deposited on the upper layer as red patches. The blood vessels under the skin break down due to effect of ultraviolet rays and star leaking fluids. Even there might be damage in the DNA sequence which leads to severe skin cancer.
Keeping in mind the above scenario, the best option against sunburn is no doubt Prevention. As "prevention is always better than cure," let us know how to prevent our skin from the deadly burns due to the sun.
1. Always use a sunscreen lotion (with SPF minimum 15) before you go out. Apply it on all your exposed body parts.
2. Wear dresses covering your body more rather than the exposing ones. Indulge in wearing cotton dresses.
3. Drink eight full glasses of water per day to prevent your body from dehydration.
4. Avoid over exposure to the sun and don't indulge much in tanning to get a temporary golden shade in your skin. Beware of the consequences.
Even though after all the preventions you get some sunburn patches on your skin, do not worry much. Some simple home remedies can prove to be real beneficial for your burnt skin.
A few handy tips and home remedies for sunburn are:
1. Dip a clean piece of cotton cloth into cold water or milk and spread it on the sunburn affected areas. It will soothe your skin and lessen the irritation.
2. Do not use chemical based soap or face wash on the sunburn affected area. Cleanse mildly. Don't scrub.
3. Put a cup of cider vinegar into your bath water before taking shower.
4. Use the healing properties of aloe vera for your sunburns. Drink aloe vera juice two times a day. You can also apply the juice directly on the affected parts. It will reduce inflammation.
5. One of the simple home remedies for sunburn is rose oil. Put a few drops of rose oil in cold water and enjoy a refreshing shower.
6. Cucumber juice is very good for sunburn treatment. Mix cucumber juice with cold milk. Dab a cotton ball into it and press on the burn. You can feel the cooling effect.
7. Apply onion juice on the affected area as onion is very effective home remedy for sunburn.
Once you get rid from your sun burn patches do not forget to take the preventive measures before you go under the sun next time. Best of luck!
