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In 1992, three Canadians developed
a standardized method of measuring the strength of UV radiation
from the sun at any particular time and place. Since then this
system, called the UV index, has become used throughout most
of the world. It ranges from 1; the weakest - to 11; the strongest.
Listen to your local weather forecast to see how intense the
sun is supposed to be on the days you intend to tan and prepare
accordingly. Safe Suntanning
If you normally don't spend
much time in the sun, don't expect to be able to spend all day
long tanning at the beach without burning because you'll be in
for a painful surprise! Use high-SPF sunscreen and start small
with 15 minutes to an hour in the sun and then see how you feel
a few hours later. You can then build up from there based on
your level of sensitivity.
If you want to make the most
of a vacation at the beach, consider visiting a tanning salon
for a week or so prior to the actual vacation to prepare your
skin for the sun. Most tanning salons will create a schedule
for you to gently ease your maximum time exposure up. Don't let
your first day of vacation be your last!
If you are taking any regular
medication, consult your doctor before leaving on vacation as
some meds can increase sensitivity to the sun's rays. Your doctor
may be able to swap you over to medication that doesn't have
that side effect for the time that you are on vacation.
Warning: Babies under 6 months
should not be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods
of time! Keep them cool and in the shade. Sunscreen should never
be used on children this young either.
Preventing sunburn
Following are some tips that
you can use when you go suntanning that can help prevent sunburn:
* Use a sunscreen with an SPF
(sun protection factor) of no less than 8. Rub it thoroughly
into your skin paying special attention to sensitive areas that
don't normally get much sun (under your arms, the insides of
your knees, and the bottoms of your feet)
* Re-apply your sunscreen every
30-45 minutes while you're skin is still acclimating to the sun.
Once you're used to it you can re-apply every 2-3 hours. If you
venture into the water or start sweating you should re-apply
your sunscreen more often.
* Protecting your eyes is important,
but sunglasses can leave some funny tan-lines.
* If you think you're in danger
of burning but don't want to pack it up, move into the shade
and put on some light, loose clothing. A wide-brimmed hat will
protect your face and neck.
After tanning
* Use skin moisteners and after-sun
lotions generously. Those containing aloe are the most popular.
For an extra-soothing feel you can store the bottle in the fridge
to keep it cool.
* When bathing, use a loofah
or other exfoliant to remove dead and peeling skin.
* Cocoa butter applied directly
is claimed to help preserve your tan while moisturizing your
skin.
3. Sunburn Pain Relief
Unfortunately, once you've been
sunburned - much like any other type of burn, all you can do
is baby your skin and wait for it to heal. Fortunately, there
are lots of ways to relieve the pain. It's important to stay
out of the sun until your burn has healed as you can make it
much worse! Refer to the previous section for tips on protecting
yourself from worsened burns. sunburn
Topical Sunburn Remedies
A general rule of thumb when
selecting or making a topical sunburn remedy is this: If it promotes
moist and healthy skin, it's good. Give the body what it needs
to promote healthy skin and then give nature the time to work
her magic. The only exception to this is blistering sunburn.
Blistering sunburn should not be covered in any lotions, creams,
or balms as it can cause the wound to become infected. Do not
attempt to pop the blisters - wait for them to subside on their
own.
Following are some commonly
used topical treatments, make sure you give your skin some time
to breathe between applications; otherwise you can lengthen the
time needed to properly heal. If you know if any remedies that
are not listed below please use the form at the bottom of the
page to share them with other sunburned surfers who make it here
in search of relief. Sunburn pain relief:
* Reach for a product that contains
lidocaine - Lidocaine is an anesthetic that will dull the pain.
* iceCooled whole, plain yogurt
applied topically can help soothe sunburned skin.Sunburn pain
can also be eased through the use of over-the-counter analgesics
such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Follow the usage instructions
printed on the bottle.
* Use a washcloth soaked in
cool milk to gently dab the sunburned areas periodically.
* Cold compresses and cool baths
will help temporarily ease the pain - but it will likely return
soon after the skin warms back up.
Sunburn treatment (Many of these
will also help soothe the pain):
* Some skin-friendly ingredients
to look for in store-bought products are aloe vera, cocoa butter,
vitamin E, lavender oil, and tea.
* White or apple cider vinegars
can be used to hasten healing, soothe your pain, and prevent
blistering and peeling. Dampen a wash cloth with the vinegar
and periodically dab the liquid onto the burns. Vinegar can also
be added to bath water.
* Pretend you're a hot dog!
Slather some mustard onto those sunburns.
* Crush a raw tomato and apply
it to the burned areas. This will be painful, but you will find
that it speeds healing. |
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