According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, sunburns cause long-lasting damage to the skin. Just one blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life. Even with this knowledge, most people are lax in their sun-protection routines. Here are some facts that may help you prevent future sunburns and a few natural remedies for when it’s already too late.
Prevention:
- UV radiation is most intense between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- You may be burning even if you aren’t turning red. Redness peaks 12 to 24 hours after initial sun exposure.
- Some people can start to sunburn after less than 15 minutes of exposure.
- Certain medicines like ibuprofen can make skin more susceptible to sunburn.
- There is no protection value in any sunscreen below SFP 15. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied at minimum every two hours.
- You can get sunburned on a cloudy day.
- Since UV rays can be reflected off water, sand, snow and concrete, you can even get a sunburn sitting in the shade on a cold day.
Relief:
- Aloe vera, honey or Greek yogurt: Covering burned skin with any of these cools down skin and alleviates some of the pain.
- Milk: Adding a cup to a cool-water bath and soaking will calm burned skin. Also, a half cup of oatmeal or baking soda will do the trick.
- Vinegar or tea: Soaking a cotton ball or washcloth and wiping over the affected area will temporarily soothe the skin and will help repair long-term damage.
- Potatoes: Blending chunks of sliced potatoes until they are liquefied and covering your skin in the paste will help with some of the pain.
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