Sunburn occurs when you expose your skin to the harsh UV Rays of the Sun for more than a few hours. The skin gets red, damaged and inflamed.
Optimal Sunburn Protection
Always Use a Sunscreen
Don’t ever forget to use your sunscreen, before going out. Use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) index of at least 30. Use it all year long, not just in the summer. In fact, during the day don’t leave home without it!
Apply sunscreen a half-hour before going outside, allowing it to sink in before you go out in the sun.
While you’re enjoying the sunny outdoors, reapply sunscreen often, especially if you perspire or go swimming. Don’t hesitate to slather it on. One ounce of sunscreen should cover the exposed skin of an average-size adult wearing a swimsuit. Yes, you’ll probably use up a 4- ounce tube during a day at the beach. You’re worth it, especially when you consider the cost of down-the-road skin problems.
Protecting Infants
Do not use sunscreen on infants six months or younger. The chemicals in it may be too harsh for their delicate skin.
Young Infants should never be exposed to the sun for any length of time. The melanin (pigment) in their skin will not offer them proper protection.
When you take a baby out, dress him or her in a tightly woven long-sleeved shirt, long pants and a wide-brimmed hat.
What To Do For A Bad Sunburn? Try These Remedies
Milk, Ice and Salt
Fill a jar with equal parts of milk and ice and 2 tablespoons of salt. Soak a washcloth in the mixture and place it on the sunburned area. The mixture should be left on the skin for at least 15 minutes. Repeat this process three to four times, throughout the day.
Regular Tea Bags
Steep 6 regular tea bags in a quart of just-boiled water. When the tea becomes strong, cool it down. Dip a washcloth in the liquid and apply it to the sunburned area. Repeat this process until you get better.
Yogurt or Sour Cream
Spread yogurt or sour cream over the sunburned area. This is particularly effective when the face is badly sunburned. Keep it on your skin for 20 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. The yogurt or sour cream is said to take the heat out of the sunburn, and tighten pores as well.
Egg White and Castor Oil
Prepare a healing lotion by beating the white of an egg and mixing in 1 teaspoon of castor oil. Gently rub it on the sunburned skin.
Low Fat Milk
Empty a package of powdered nonfat milk or a quart of fresh low-fat milk into a tub of warm water and spend the next half hour soaking in it, soothing your sunburn.
Sunburn Pain Prevention
One way to prevent a sunburn from hurting is by taking a warm—yes, warm— shower right after sunbathing. According to a homeopathic principle, warm water desensitizes the skin.
Sunburned Eyes and Eyelids
Make a poultice of grated apples and rest it on your closed eyelids for an hour.
Make a poultice from the lightly beaten white of an egg and apply it on your closed eyes, securing it in place with an Ace bandage. Leave it on overnight. There should be a big improvement the next morning. Cottage cheese in place of egg white is also effective.
