Sun, Sun, Go Away!

If only there were a cure for the dreaded, most of the time inevitable summer sunburn...

Clearly, it is better to take preventative steps to protect your skin against sunburn, but if you do spend a little too much time in the sun this summer, here are a few wallet-friendly ways to soothe that burn!

• Oatmeal soak (good for any after-sun exposure): Soak in a cool bath with an oatmeal-based bath treatment such as Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment (5-8$) or a homemade oatmeal bath.
• Vitamins: Vitamin supplements are a great thing for sunburns - specifically vitamins A, C, E, as well as flaxseed oil (liquid or capsule) and beta-carotene. While taking a vitamin supplement won't instantly relieve your sunburn, it's been proven to help your skin recover faster. Be sure to check with your doctor about taking any of these vitamin supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or on any medications that could be compromised. Also, be sure to stay within the RDA of these vitamins. Not doing so could result in adverse effects.
• Green tea: Not only loaded with antioxidants, green tea also contains tannic acid and theobromine, which help remove heat from sunburn, while catechins in tea help prevent and repair skin damage. Green tea also contains many polyphenols, which help protect against skin damage from UV radiation. After a day at the beach, brew a large pot of green tea. Allow tea to cool completely and once cooled, soak a soft cloth or sponge in the tea and apply to any sunburned areas.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera is an old home remedy for scrapes and burns. It's especially helpful in treating all kinds of sunburn. The gel from aloe plants has a cooling and relaxing effect on the skin and locks the moisture in, which helps the skin heal much quicker. If you have an aloe plant at home, snap off a piece and squeeze out the gel, spreading it lightly over the sunburn. If the sunburn covers a larger area of skin, you might consider using a bottled aloe vera product (many sun-block lotions make aloe vera cooling gels, as well). Another way to use aloe is to freeze aloe vera gel in an ice cube tray. Allow to freeze completely and once frozen, gently rub a cube over the sunburn. This is a good thing for instant relief.
• Cucumber: Like aloe vera gel, cucumber is also a good home remedy used for soothing many kinds of burns. All you need is a cucumber. Slice open and wipe directly on affected areas.
• Soothing balm: A homemade soothing balm is another great option for treating sunburn. You'll need two vitamin E capsules, apple cider vinegar, lavender oil, and aloe vera gel. Pierce the two capsules and squeeze into a small bottle. Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of lavender oil, and 1/3-1/2 cup of aloe vera gel. Shake well and use to your liking.

As spring and summer approach and the sun grows stronger, be sure to keep cover and wear sun-block lotion of at least 30 SPF on your face. I recommend Eucerin Everyday Protection 30 SPF Face Lotion (8-10$ at most drugstores). Hydrating yet light, this moisturizer helps protect from sun damage and keeps your skin glowing and soft.

Not all sunburns should be left to ancient or even cutting edge home remedies. If you experience chills, extreme fatigue, fever, nausea, or if you have large blisters or discoloured/darkening skin, please visit your doctor for professional sunburn treatment.

Hopefully you won't have to use any of these home remedies, so stay cool and remember to use sun-block lotion every day to slow your skin's natural aging, protect against sun damage, and keep it feeling healthy!