Sunburn Do’s and Don'ts

Sunscreen is always a DO but from time to time we forget to apply some before heading outside. Here are some do’s and don’ts if you find yourself a little red.

Do:

• Aloe!!! In Arizona, Aloe plants are common and a natural soothing remedy for sunburns. Refrigerate or freeze a few leaves and when you’re in need of some relief, remove the top layer of the leaf and apply to the skin.
• Soaking in a lukewarm bath with a few drops of chamomile, lavender or tea tree oil can help speed up the healing process.
• Puncture a Vitamin E capsule and squeeze the contents onto peeling skin. Vitamin E is essential to skin health, and it supports the skins natural healing process.
• Moisturize! A moisturizer will not prevent peeling, but will help relieve the irritation of dry, flaky skin.

Don’t:

• Pick or scratch peeling skin. While it may be tempting to pull the peeling areas off, this can seriously damage your skin, leading to bleeding and scarring.
• Take a hot water bath, it drains the skin of its natural oils. Warms baths of lukewarm water are milder and causes less damage to the skin.
• Forget to apply sunscreen the next time you’re out! Stay out of the sun during Peak UV Radiation times such as during mid-day 11:00am-2:00pm.

Try this (available at Body Beautiful Spa):

Skin Script Sheer Protection SPF 30

• Provides UVA and UVB sun protection
• Ideal for daily wear
• Lightly moisturizes and protects the skin

Active Ingredients:

• Zinc Oxide (ZinClear™) (13.5%) – Zinc Oxide is a safe and non-irritating UV absorbing material
• Aleurites Moluccano Seed Oil (Kukui Nut Oil) – High in the essential fatty acids linoleic and linolenic acids. These acids are vital for the metabolism of healthy skin. Kukui nut oil is easily absorbed by the skin. It soothes irritated skin.
• Porphyra Umbilicalis (Red Algae) Extract A natural UVA-screening compound from sea algae to protect the skin against photoaging.