July 1, 2005, Newsletter Issue #93: How to Treat a Sunburn

Tip of the Week

Sunburns are no fun. Every skin type handles sunburn differently but once you have received a severe sunburn, your skin will eventually blister & peel. You have “killed” the top few layers of your skin & nothing can bring it back. The tan you worked hard to achieve will go with it forcing you to start all over again. Take it slow & play it smart the next time around. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day … so don’t try to “build” your tan in one day!

There are a few things you can do to aid healing & minimize pain. First, the key is to HYDRATE yourself to restore lost fluids in your body. Drink plenty of water & apply a good Aloe Vera Lotion or Gel often during the healing process. Avoid getting more sun exposure until you have fully healed. If you experience pain or itch, try Ocean Potion Burn Relief Ice. It contains Lidocaine [a pain reliever] & other essential ingredients to help speed healing. It also comes in a shower gel so you can get immediate relief in the shower [we like this product to just Cool Down after a long, hot day]. It is ok to peel the dead skin since it will eventually peel anyway. You can help expedite this process by exfoliating your skin every time you take a shower.

But if you experience chills, fever, or vomiting ... please seek medical attention immediately. You may be experiencing Sun Poisoning or received a severe burn which requires professional advice.

Now let’s talk about Sunburn PREVENTION which is the best way to avoid a painful sunburn to begin with. Did you know repeated sunburns can lead to skin problems, including skin cancer, later in life? Now is the time to reduce your risk. Use a good Broad Spectrum sunscreen every time you go out into the sun. Try to stay out of the sun during peak UV times [between 11am & 1pm]. If you cannot get out of the mid day sun, at least cover up or seek shade. Use the “Shadow Rule” – When your shadow is longer than you are, it is safer to be in to sun but when your shadow is smaller or non-existent, this is when the UV Radiation is at its peak. If you find that you are reapplying sunscreen often, try using a higher SPF. Avoid buying “bargain” sunscreens … after all, you may save a few bucks now … but pay dearly in medical bills later on. What is your skin health worth to you?

There is a brand new product out this season that can be a Life Saver. New SunSignals UV Sensors are small patches that can be worn on your skin or clothing. They change colors to warn you when you are reaching the “Danger Zone” of a pending sunburn. This is your “alarm” to apply more sunscreen, cover up, or seek shade. These will take the guess work out of sunscreen usage. Kids love them & will stop fighting with you about wearing sunscreen. Use these & your kids will tell YOU when they need more. Your sunscreen won’t tell you when to reapply … but SunSignals will. Try them this summer & protect the skin you’re in.

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