by L.S. Watts

Created on: June 22, 2009

Despite our knowledge of the dangers of sun exposure, many people ignore the warnings or are simply too lazy to protect their skin. Many times people have fallen into the popular thought pattern that having a tan makes a person look healthier. What sometimes will occur is an overexposure to the sun and ultimately quite painful sunburn. Therefore, it is best to prevent sunburn from even occurring. Although there are remedies to help sunburn heal, the damage has already been done to a person's skin.

Stay Indoors

The best plan of action for healing that painful sunburn is to simply stay out of the sun for a few days. Continuing to go outside will intensify your sunburn. Even if you are careful to stay in the shade, your skin is still being exposed to ultraviolet light. Most of the sunlight you are exposed to will reflect off surfaces such as water, sand, and even concrete. What many people don't realize is that ultraviolet light can permeate clothing. So as you can see, indoor is the best place for you to heal.

Stay Cool

Staying cool is just as important as staying out of the sun. Sunburns cause the blood vessels in the skin to dilate and therefore emit heat from your skin. One way to stay cool is to keep the room cooler than unusual. This can be done by simply setting the air conditioning thermostat lower or turn on a fan.

Stay Hydrated

Becoming dehydrated is common with sunburns. It is crucial to drink plenty of water. If you are unsure whether you are dehydrated, your urine will tell all. If your urine is practically clear you are not dehydrated. If your urine is dark, you will need to increase your water intake.

Soak in the Bathtub

If the lower temperature is still not bringing any cooling relief, try soaking in a tub of cool water. This will not only cool the burn but ease the sting. Keep in mind that soap will dry out your skin, so try to avoid using soap if at all possible. If you must use soap, be sure to use a moisturizing soap such as Aveeno or Dove. It is also advised not to use a washcloth, bath sponge, or loofah.

For added relief you could add baking soda to the water. If you do, make sure you use the baking soda in moderation. Another product you could use instead of baking soda is Aveeno's Oatmeal Powder. Simply follow the directions on the container.

Also keep in mind that you should stay in the tub for a lengthy amount of time. If you are the type that enjoys long baths and lose track of time, a cool shower may be better for you. Soaking

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