Noxema & Sunburn Pain

Apply Noxzema on sunburned skin.

Too much time enjoying outdoor activities combined with too little sunscreen equals one souvenir most would rather not take home, a nasty sunburn. When skin turns lobster red and is screaming for relief, Noxzema Original Deep Cleansing Cream has been found by many home users to be an effective and inexpensive remedy to reduce the pain of sunburned skin.

History

In 1910, Baltimore pharmacist, Dr. George Bunting, whipped up a blend of medication and vanishing cream in an over-sized coffee pot to create his well-received "Dr. Bunting's Sunburn Remedy." Poured into his soon-to-become signature blue jars, customer's slathered this concoction on everything from sunburns to wrinkles to eczema. Later the product name was changed to "Noxzema," phonetically inspired from the testimonial of a satisfied patron of the potion who declared that the cream "knocked out my eczema."

Uses

In addition to addressing the symptoms of eczema and sunburn, Noxzema cream provides general skin care and comfort. Used to dissolve dirt, facial oil and makeup, this cleaner is formulated to leave a tingling sensation on freshly cleaned skin.

"Tingle"

Sunburn victims who slather on Noxzema after a day in the sun will notice the "one-of-a-kind tingle" as it begins to work its way into the distressed skin. The long-lasting tingle on the skin that the Noxzema brand promotes is created by the active ingredients of eucalyptus, menthol and camphor.

Active Ingredient Properties

The long, leathery leaves of the eucalyptus tree yield an essential oil that, when applied locally, acts as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Menthol is an organic compound found in mint plants that stimulates the skin's cold receptors, creating a cooling effect with therapeutic properties. Extracted from the gum of a camphor tree, camphor cools the skin like Menthol and temporarily numbs the peripheral sensory nerves.

Application

Users typically apply Noxzema on a sunburn and allow it time to absorb subcutaneously. Because Noxzema is an over-the-counter cream, users can reapply it several times a day, based on the level of discomfot, until skin redness and pain lessens.

Warning

The National Institutes of Health advise individuals to seek the care of a doctor when sunburn is accompanied by chills, nausea, fever, rapid pulse, clamminess or faintness. Purple blotches, extreme blistering and relentless itching are signs of internal complications and also require the aid of a medical professional.

References

• Noxzema
• Botanical
• MedlinePlus
• Baltimore Museum of Industry: Bunting's Pharmacy