Exposing your skin to ultraviolet rays during the summer months can cause sunburn. Ultra violet A (UVA) and ultra violet B (UVB) are the two types that you have to look out for and both of them cause harm to the skin. Shutting yourself up at home is hardly an option, right? So, what is the way out? There are many ways through which you can prevent this from happening and keep your skin well maintained and healthy. Here's how.
Prevention Tactics
During 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the ultraviolet rays of the sun are very strong. If you can help it, try and remain indoors during this time. However, if you need to venture out during this time, adopt some prevention tactics:
- Protective Shield: Protect yourself by wearing a hat, light-colored and light-weight clothes, and sunglasses to protect your eyes from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.
- Sun Screen: Apply sunscreen lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of more than 15. It is recommended that you apply this lotion at least half an hour prior to venturing out in the sun. The lotion must be applied to all exposed areas such as the face, neck, and hands. Also check whether the lotion is effective against both forms of ultraviolet rays.
- Hydrate: In order to prevent dehydration, you must drink a lot of fluids.
- Eat Healthy: Your diet must contain lean and high-quality protein foods. Intake of raw fruits also helps in providing the required vitamins and minerals.
Remedial Measures
If the damage has already been done, then:
- Cool It: In case of sunburn, you can apply cold water compresses over the affected area.
- Soak It: Dissolve some baking soda or oatmeal in a bathtub full of cold water and then soak in it for about half an hour or so.
- Protect It: In order to prevent the affected area from further infection, wash it with an antibacterial soap.
What You Shouldn't Do
There are some don'ts on the sunburnt area, such as:
- Refrain from bursting a blister. They act as natural protective covers and help in healing the sunburnt skin faster.
- Do not apply any greasy substance like creams, butter, or petroleum jelly to the sunburnt area. They trap the heat and make the burn deeper. Moreover, sunburn that is exposed to air heals faster.
Home Remedies to Heal a Sunburn
There are some herbal and home remedies which you can opt for to help heal a sunburn.
- Onion Juice: Apply some onion juice to the affected area. This helps in reducing inflammation and keeping the skin cool.
- Natural: Apply aloe vera or sandalwood paste to the sunburnt area. These will provide a soothing effect.
- Facial Paste: Mix some barley powder, milk, some olive oil, honey, and egg white. Blend it to make it a consistent paste and apply it over the affected area. This is effective only on your face.
- Buttermilk: Make a paste of tomato juice and buttermilk in the ratio of 1:6 and apply on the affected area.
- Cool Leaf: Refrigerate some cabbage or lettuce leaves and cover the sunburnt area with these. This will help heal sunburns fast.
- Rose Water: Refrigerate rose water and apply it on sunburns.
- Slice Relief: Place slices of either potato, tomato, or cucumber on your cheeks or under the eyes which is affected with sunburn. Gives good relief.
- Tea Bags: Placing tea bags to the affected area also helps.
- Vinegar: Add a few drops of vinegar in a bucket of water. Soak a soft cotton cloth and apply it on the affected area (except the eyes).
- Cucumber: Mix one tablespoon of cucumber juice and one tablespoon of milk and apply the solution to the affected area.
These preventive and remedial measures can help you counter sunburns effectively, and can help you keep your skin beautiful during the summer.
