Home Remedies and Preventing Future Sunburns
/Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their life? Every year, there are about 3.5 million cases of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell skin cancer are diagnosed. It is estimated that in 2015, melanoma (a more severe type of skin cancer) will account for more than 73,000 cases of skin cancer. Simply applying sunscreen in the proper way can dramatically decrease your risk of developing skin cancer.
The most important way you can protect yourself from skin cancer is to stay out of the sun. However, most people enjoy the sun too much to completely avoid it. Plus, sun exposure is essential for us to get vitamin D. Therefore, the next best thing you can do is to wear sunscreen. But we all have had a terrible sunburn. If you're burnt to a crisp and are looking for some natural home remedies to relieve the pain, here are some tips.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. In fact, it is probably more common than you think. Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their life? Every year, there are about 3.5 million cases of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell skin cancer are diagnosed. It is estimated that in 2015, melanoma (a more severe type of skin cancer) will account for more than 73,000 cases of skin cancer. Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer combined.
HOME REMEDIES FOR SUNBURN
Aloe Vera
The most well-known and well-used remedy continues to be aloe vera. Why? It contains humectant and emollient properties which attracts and binds water in the skin to form a protective coating. over the affected area as it heals. Plus, aloe vera is naturally cooling, contains antioxidants, and helps to reduce skin inflammation.
Calendula
Also known as the marigold plant, calendula can help soothe burns and skin inflammations. Put the petals in water and boil it as a tea, let it steep, cool down, and then bathe the skin in it. Calendula also encourages collagen and elastin production.
Peppermint
The menthol in peppermint is one of the most effective cooling substances that nature has to offer. It works both as prevention and cure keeping the body cool from the inside out. try drinking iced peppermint tea during summer months and soak the mint leaves in water to extract the menthol. It also helps decrease inflammation.
Yogurt and Milk
Believe it or not the lactose is the major player here. In yogurt and milk this provides the skin incredibly amounts of hydration which is essential post sunburn.
Honey
Similar to aloe vera, honey is a powerful humectant in its raw state. Honey also has probiotics and important enzymes that benefit skin health while also being high in antioxidants. On your burn, use honey as a cleanser as well as treatment mask for sensitive and sun-damaged skin. Gently rub honey on tender, burned skin right before a shower helps protect the skin and minimize discomfort.
SUN PROTECTION 101
The most important way you can protect yourself from skin cancer is to stay out of the sun. However, most people enjoy the sun too much to completely avoid it. Plus, sun exposure is essential for us to get vitamin D. Therefore, the next best thing you can do is to wear sunscreen. But with so many types of sunscreen to choose from, how do you know which one is the right one?
First, let’s talk about SPF. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which is a measure of how well sunscreen will protect our skin from UVB rays. UVB rays are the type of radiation that causes sunburn, damages skin, and can contribute to skin cancer. However, it is important to protect our skin not only from UBV rays, but UVA rays as well.
When choosing a sunscreen, there are three main things you should look for. Make sure you choose a sunscreen that is 1) at least SPF 15 or higher, 2) broad spectrum (protects from UBV and UVA rays), and 3) water-resistant.