How to prevent and treat sunburn

How to Prevent Sunburn:
Most sunburn symptoms don't show until a few hours after exposure, but the full extent of the burn may not appear for a day or more. So it makes sense to be careful when you're in the sun to avoid getting burned in the first place.

1. Don't stay out long between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when the sun's rays are the strongest. If you're outdoors during this time, keep in mind that you'll burn faster than at other times of the day.
2. Wear protective clothing. If you've been out in the sun for a while and want to cover up, use clothing such as cover-ups, long loose-fitting pants and tops, and wide-brimmed hats. Opt for lightweight fabrics that are cool, but will still give you sun protection. And don't forget your sunglasses (your eyes can get sunburned too).
3. Try natural sunblock. Sunblock will protect your skin from the sun's rays, but be aware that many contain questionable chemicals that are not usually regulated. Opt for natural varieties from your health food store, and be sure to reapply the sunblock if you have been in the water or have been sweating.
4. Get some shade. A simple way to avoid sunburn is to go in a shaded area to get out of the sun. If a shaded area (such as under a tree) is not available, use an umbrella.

How to Soothe Sunburn

1.If your skin is sunburned, keep it moisturized with the all-natural, hypoallergenic Surgeon's Skin Secret Moisturizing Sticks
2.If your preventative measures have failed and you've gotten sunburned, here are some simple tips to soothe the pain and swelling:
-Cool the area. Dampen a washcloth with cool water and apply it to the area, or take a cool bath or shower Adding some baking soda to your bathwater can help to soothe your skin.
-Keep your skin moisturized. A gentle, non-irritating moisturizer can help relieve the dryness and tightness that accompanies sunburn.
-Soothe your skin. Aloe vera gel is an excellent soothing salve, particularly if you have access to a living plant. Simply break off a leaf and apply the gel inside to the burn. Witch hazel also works well to relieve sunburn pain.
-Drink plenty of water. Sunburn can be dehydrating, causing fluid loss through your skin. Drinking water is essential to healing sunburn.
-Leave blisters alone, if they form. The fluid inside acts as a protective agent for your skin. Breaking the blisters will slow healing and increase the risk of infection.
-Avoid topical "-caine" products. Over-the-counter creams that end in "caine" (such as benzocaine) are sometimes advertised to relieve sunburn. However, according to the Mayo Clinic they can actually irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction.

Finally, if you are sunburned treat it as any other illness. Your body will need time to recover, so put on some comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, rest, and eat and drink healthy foods to give your body all the support it needs to heal.