Sure, it didn't seem like you were in the sun for long, but — ouch!
That first day of summer fun can be a doozy if you're not careful.
Obviously sunburning is not ideal, but in case it happens again, here's some not-so-common, home-grown sunburn advice from a handy reference book we carry at Hallelujah Acres called Prescription For Nutritional Healing:
- Reflections from water, sand, or even snow can double the amount of UV rays you absorb.
- Symptoms of sunburn may not appear while you are out in the sun, but 1 to 24 hours after exposure. (Paul and Ann's rule of thumb: limit your first exposure in the summer sun to 15 minutes.)
- Always apply cool, not cold, compresses to the affected areas.
- Apply aloe vera gel every hour to relief burning, speed healing, and moisturize the skin. Fresh gel from an aloe plant is best; if you use a commercial product, choose one without mineral oil, paraffin waxes, alcohol, or coloring.
- Bad burns call for a salve of calendula flowers and St. John's wort. They have antiseptic properties, act as a painkiller, and promote healing.
- Horsetail is a good source silica, which is beneficial for tissue repair (the alfalfa grass in BarleyMax is a good source of silica, too)
- A cream containing at least 5% tea tree oil helps to heal sunburn.
- Eat high-protein (plant-based) foods and raw fruits and vegetables to promote healing.
- If a child is sunburned, do not apply creams or anything other than cool water or a small amount of aloe vera gel. The burn will heal faster if left exposed to the air.
Tell us your best sunburn tip — comment below!
