Summer is coming and, with it, a few months of intense heat in which the Sun rays can be more harmful to the skin. The negative effects of overexposure to the sun are, in the short term, sunstrokes, burns, eye conditions, premature aging of the skin, alterations in the immune system and, in the long term, permanent damage to skin cells can lead to serious effects like skin cancer. In this way, the first thing, of course, is to protect yourself from the sun by using sunscreen.
Do not forget that the sun also has positive effects on health. Mainly, provides us with vitamin D, which is fat-soluble, that is, it is stored in the fatty tissue of the body and it helps to absorb calcium and phosphorus that are necessary to maintain strong bones.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in hot seasons, such as summer and spring, 10-15 minutes of natural sun on the arms and face 3 times a week are enough. Also, remember that you have to use sunscreen on all occasions, even on cloudy days, since we also receive the necessary amount of UVA rays.
Natural remedies for sunburn
If we have not taken the necessary measures to avoid overexposure to the sun, once the burn has occurred, the resources to limit the damage to the skin are scarce, but there are a number of remedies that can help you decrease pain, swelling, and discomfort:
1. Aloe Vera
It is one of the best known remedies to treat burns of all kinds, in addition to its many other benefits thanks to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and regenerative properties. This plant helps us to accelerate the healing of the skin thanks to the fact that it regenerates cells very quickly. It is an ideal product that can be applied in cream or gel format or directly on the skin.
2. Fresh milk
The fatty acids and lactic acids of milk have soothing properties that relieve pain in the affected areas. The best way to apply it is with the use of gauze or a soft cloth.
Fatty acids and lactic acids in milk have soothing properties
3. Potato
In the case of this food, its compounds of starch They relieve skin irritation caused by UVA rays. An ointment should be made by mashing the very cold potatoes and applying it to the burns.
4. Cold water
Will help the skin to cool down and lower the temperature. If the areas are specific, it is advisable to apply cold cloths or gauze soaked in water. It is important to avoid applying ice to burned skin, as it could cause a cold burn and decrease blood flow and cause tissue damage.
5. Yogurt
Like milk, the proteins in this dairy derivative help calm the skin and keep it moist.
6. Plantain leaves
It is a plant whose leaves have various anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-hemorrhagic properties. You can use the fresh leaves well washed or crush them and obtain the juice to apply it on the burn.
7. Coconut oil
Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties prevent possible infection on the affected area and help soothe irritation and redness. It is a hydrating toner that accelerates the healing process of burns.
If home care does not work or the sunburn is very serious, you should see a doctor to assess your situation and offer you additional treatments.
Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
Tricks to protect yourself from the negative effects of the sun
Although it has many advantages, prolonged sun exposure can have very negative health effects, such as sunburn or premature photo aging. Therefore, it is essential that, in addition to protection, a series of precautions. These are the ones recommended by the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV):
• Avoid sun exposure between 12:00 and 17:00.
• Always use a minimum sun protection factor of 30, which should be renewed every 2-3 hours and applied 30 minutes before leaving home.
• In sensitive areas, such as the face or scars, the protection factor should be higher
• Use items such as umbrellas to prevent the sun from reaching directly to the skin, sun glasses, caps or hats.
• Sunbathe progressively to avoid getting burned.
• Hydrate yourself well.
• In the case of children, special care must be taken. Children under 6 months should not, in any case, be exposed to the sun, even with protection.
This information does not replace in any case the diagnosis or prescription by a doctor. It is important to go to a specialist when symptoms occur in case of illness and never self-medicate.
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