Things You'll Need:
- Common Sense
- Sunscreen
- Aloe Vera
- Lotion
- Fluids
-
Step 1
THE THREE LAYERS OF SKIN
The skin consists of three layers. The first layer is called epidermis made of skin cells nearing the end of their life-cycle. These cells provide protection from injury and a barrier to keep infectious organisms out of the body. This is the layer that gets damaged with continued exposure to ultraviolet (UV) A or UVB light. Dermis, the second layer, contains capillaries that feed the cells with nutrient-rich blood. This is where hair follicles, nerve cells, and sweat glands are located. Subcutaneous the third layer, (also known as the hypodermis and is not officially considered skin) attaches the skin to everything beneath. It also contains a layer of fat. -
Step 2
SUNBURN
Sunburn is the result of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, commonly from the sun's rays. Initially, the skin turns red about 2-6 hours after exposure and feels irritated, hot to the touch and well, painful. The peak effects are noted at 12-24 hours and water-filled blisters may form.
If the sunburn is severe enough, and you’ll be able to feel whether or not it is, the skin will usually blister within 24 hours. Before this happens it is best to do the following and frequently;
- Take frequent cold showers or baths
- Apply aloe vera to sunburned areas and apply it frequently.
- Topical steroids such as 1% hydrocortisone cream may also help with sunburn pain and swelling.
- Drink plenty of water and fluids
- Cool your bedroom as much as you can and prepare for a potentially sleepless night
- Consider taking Tylenol PM or a mild sleeping aid to help you actually get some sleep -
Step 3
If blisters have formed after sun overexposure do not pop them or otherwise do anything that may further irritate the skin (picking or scratching) and potentially even cause an infection. Blisters will eventually pop without your help, and the unsightly peeling will start. Continue repeating the steps above and add the following;
- Wear loose fitting clothing
- Grate some cucumber (it will cool and moisturize the skin) and apply to sunburned areas for 10 to 20 minutes
- Try soaking in an oatmeal/essential oil bath and remember to keep the water cold or at most lukewarm
- Stay out of the sun, and if you must step out even for a short period of time apply liberal amounts of sunscreen all over
- Take an aspirin if you get a headache -
Step 4
NOTE
Even after the peeling stops and your bad sunburn is just a memory, a few days sacrificed for the sake of beauty, the new skin will be particularly vulnerable to UVA or UVB light. Thus, make sure you apply sunscreen any time you are out in the sun. -
Step 5
Long-term exposure to ultraviolet UVA or UVB light can cause cellular damage, early wrinkling, age spots, actinic keratoses, and skin cancer -- including melanoma, the most serious type. Exposure to the artificial sunlight used in tanning salons is just as harmful. Additionally, continued tanning makes people appear older and literally accelerates the aging process. In other words if you want to minimize the chances of getting skin cancer and want to keep your skin looking as youthful as possible stay out of the sun and use sunscreen.
Comments
stlscientist said
on 7/30/2009 Great tips for sunburn. I use 100% pure Aloe Vera gel and I've heard of people using condensed milk too. Works great, but you don't smell to good after a few hours!
gabbygirl007 said
on 7/22/2009 Great tips! :)
MyJB said
on 6/26/2009 Good suggestions, by the way.
MyJB said
on 6/26/2009 I worked for a woman once who got really bad sunburn and she was in pain. I felt pain just from looking at it and volunteered to go to a health food store and pick up some Aloe Vera for her and she got relief for the rest of the day. Sun burn has got to be the worse. 5*