by Lisa M LaVergne

Created on: June 01, 2008

Sunburn is a condition that many people will suffer from at least once in their lives. Sunburn can occur in various levels, such as first, second and third degree burns. The level of burn you receive is dependent upon the length of time spent in the sun, as well as geographic conditions and atmospheric levels that can affect the amount of UV rays you are exposed to.

The key to preventing sunburn of course, is to reduce the amount of exposure you have to the sun and harmful UV rays. If you must be in the sun, you should make sure your skin is properly covered by clothing and use a sunscreen. You can find sunscreen in many different strengths that is sold over the counter, or you can use a natural sunscreen to prevent exposure, such as jojoba oil.

However, if you are exposed to the sun and suffer from a case of sunburn, there are many natural ways to treat it, providing the burn is not extremely severe. In the event of a severe third degree burn, you should immediately seek medical attention. For lesser burns however, there are many natural treatments available.

An important supplement that helps speed healing from sunburn is Coenzyme Q-10. Coenzyme Q-10 helps to increase the supply of oxygen to your skin cells which is necessary for proper healing. Vitamin C with additional bioflavonoids is also beneficial as it is needed by the body for tissue repair. Vitamin C will also help to reduce scarring that may be caused by the burn. Vitamin A will help to destroy free radicals that have been released by your exposure to the sun and will also assist in tissue repair for your body.

Aloe vera has long been known as an effective treatment for those whom have suffered from sunburn. Aloe helps to relieve pain, moisturize dry, burnt skin and speed the entire healing process. Fresh aloe vera gel straight from the plant works best for treating sunburn, however you can also find over the counter creams and gels that contain processed aloe. If you choose to purchase one of these over the counter remedies, make sure that the product does not contain mineral oil, alcohol or paraffin wax which can actually slow healing.

Soaking in a herbal bath can help in greatly reducing the amount of pain you are feeling and help aid in healing. If you soak in a tub infused with a strong chamomile tea or add chamomile oil to your bath water, it will not only sooth irritated skin but heal the skin as well. You can also use a lavender infusion or oil if you prefer, rather than the chamomile. If you prefer not to soak in a bath, you can soak soft linen rags in the water and apply them to your skin.

While recovering from your sunburn, eat foods that are high in protein to help assist with proper tissue repair. You should also consume a good amount of raw fruits and vegetables to help supply necessary vitamins and minerals to your body.

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