Tips on Summertime Skin Care

Summer is here! That means hot weather, cook outs, family, and friends.That also meams lots of time outside under the sun. Here are some tips and home remedies for sunburns!

Sunburns are caused due to overexposure to the ultra violet rays of the sun resulting in an inflammation and irritation of the skin. When a sunburn is severe it could be accompanied by dizziness, nausea, blisters, peeling of the skin and sensitivity to light.Repeated sunburns cause long term damage such as premature aging of the skin. Therefore take extra precautions to prevent sunburns and treat if effectively if it happens.

Protect you and your family by minimizing your exposure to sunlight between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. During these hours the strength of the rays of the sun are at their peak and could do the most damage. However, it is always best to limit your time in direct sunlight especially in high altitudes.

Be sure to apply sun block or if you would rather go all natural use neem oil or coconut oil. Both oils, when used properly, are just effective as sun blocks. (Please note that neem oil is not pure neem oil but a few drops of neem oil mixed with sesame or coconut or any other mild oil.) Whatever you choose do not forget to apply to ears, nose, back of neck, and hands.

Keep your skin moisturized with coconut oil or cream before and after showers. Your diet also affects the condition of your skin. Eat a light cooling diet. Avoid hot pungent and spicy foods.

Home Remedies to Help Soothe Sunburns
Milk and Cream- Milk protein is very soothing. You can apply a pad dipped in cool milk (cow milk) directly at the site of the burn. Apply the compress for 15-20 minutes and repeat every 2-4 hours.
A little fresh cream can also be applied on the sunburned skin.

Coconut Oil or Sandalwood Oil- These oils have cooling properties and therefore are effective on burnt skin. Apply the oil on the affected area.

Aloe Vera-Apply pure aloe Vera cream /gel to the site of the burn. If you have access to the plant then break a part of the leaf and apply the gel found inside the leaf on the affected area.
A note of caution: Test a small area first to make sure you are not allergic to aloe.

Cooling Baths- Cool baths are an alternative to compresses especially for larger areas. Afterward gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Do not rub your skin dry, as you will irritate it further. The following substances can reduce pain, itching and inflammation:
Mix one cup of vinegar (white) into a tub of cool water.
Generously sprinkle baking soda into tepid bathwater. Instead of toweling off, let the solution dry on your skin.
Go easy on soap as soap can dry and irritate burnt skin. Do not soak in soapy water and stay away from bubble baths.

Note: If your sunburn is very severe or if you experience chills, nausea, fever, faintness, extensive blistering, general weakness, patches of purple discoloration or intense itching then consult a doctor. As with anything before starting any sort of treatment be sure to consult your doctor.

<3 Rea