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Home>Look Great>Anti Aging Skin Care>Sunburned Skin Sunburned Skin Treatment and Prevention
During mid day, the sun is highest in the sky so there is always more potential for sunburn. Everyone needs sun exposure because without it, your body cannot produce Vitamin D, (essential to a healthy immunity) but burning your skin is never a good idea!
Sunburn is defined as an inflammation of the skin caused by an overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. There are two main types of ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB. UVA causes aging and UVB causes sunburn. Your skin contains a protective pigment called melanin. When your skin is exposed to the sun, the melanin rises to the surface of the skin and your skin looks tan. The darker your skin tone, the more melanin is present. Fair skinned people are most susceptible to sunburn because their skin produces only small amounts of the melanin. However, even the darkest skinned people can get sunburn and even skin cancer. Infants are most susceptible to sunburn and should not be exposed to the sun at all. Children are more susceptible to sunburn than adults, simply by the fact that they’re outside playing more. It’s estimated that one-half to three-quarters of a person's total number of lifetime sunburns occur in childhood or adolescence. The long term effects of repeated sunburned skin can cause premature aging and wrinkling. Overexposure can increase your risk of skin cancer, especially from a serious burn in childhood. Those at highest risk for developing cancer are people who have intermittent severe (blistering) sunburns in youth. Although sunburn itself is not a serious health condition in the short term, skin cancer from sun overexposure can cause serious problems later on in life. Both UVA and UVB radiation play a role in the development of basal-cell carcinoma, the mildest form of cancer, or squamous cell carcinoma, a very deadly form of skin cancer. Topically applied sunscreens can block UV rays as long as the chemical ingredients don't get absorbed into the skin. If applied correctly, sunscreens can prevent sunburn and skin cancer. However, if the sunscreen filter penetrates deeper into the skin, it can get absorbed into the bloodstream and increase the amount of free radicals in your body, which increases the risk for malignant melanoma. Statistics for Sunburned SkinInfants and children get sunburned more frequently than adults do. Those who live in areas where the climate is mostly sunny year round are at higher risk both for sunburn and skin cancer. Also, those living at high altitudes are also at higher risk. The chance of being sunburned increases about 4 percent for every 1,000 feet (300 meters) rise in altitude. Fair skinned, pale, freckled individuals are more likely to get sunburned skin than those with darker skin tones.
Causes and Symptoms of Sunburned SkinThe ultraviolet rays in sunlight destroy cells in the outer layer of the skin, damaging tiny blood vessels underneath. When the skin is burned, blood vessels dilate and leak. Damaged skin cells stop making certain proteins because their DNA has been damaged by UV rays. Repeated DNA damage can lead to cancer. When your skin gets sunburned, your immune system identifies the burned skin as ‘foreign’. At the same time, the UV rays transform a substance on the skin that interferes with this immune response. While this keeps the immune system from attacking your own skin, it also means that any malignant (cancerous) cells in the skin are able to grow freely. Sunburn causes skin to turn red, blister, and eventually peel. Symptoms appear from one to 24 hours after sun exposure and peak several days later. In severe cases, the burn may occur with sunstroke. Symptoms of sunstroke are vomiting, fever, and collapse. Severe cases of sunburned skin may require hospitalization. Treatment of Sunburned SkinIn most cases, treatment involves making the sunburned skin less painful. Anyone with sunburned skin should get out of the sun and protect tender skin against more sun exposure for at least one week. Pain can be treated with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or other anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen. Anyone with moderate sunburn over a large area should drink extra water to avoid dehydration. In addition, discomfort may be reduced by using white vinegar compresses or cool tap water compresses, which help pull the heat from the skin. Soothing treatments include colloidal oatmeal baths, aloe vera with lidocaine gels Short term prognosis is excellent. Moderately burned skin should heal within a week. While the skin will heal after burning, the risk of skin cancer rises with increased sun exposure and subsequent burns. Even one bad burn in childhood carries an increased risk of skin cancer.
Sunburned Skin PreventionA regular white T-shirt offers an SPF 5 protection, which isn’t going to help you a lot. Instead, pick up a few pieces of clothes with UPF protection To keep from getting burned, you should also wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Wearing a hat ensures that your face is shielded from the sun, and helps protect your skin. Opt for wrap-around stylish sunglasses To help avoid the absorption of chemicals into your skin, opt for natural sunscreen products Consume superfoods and antioxidants in your diet and consider taking astaxanthin or other fat-soluble antioxidants on a regular basis. Engage in daily juicing of fresh fruits and vegetables, which are loaded with living nutrients. Time your sun exposure and work up to a tan so that you don't need sunscreen at all. Contrary to all the misinformation, a healthy tan is actually a good sign that you're getting adequate amounts of vitamin D. There is also some evidence that common foods may have some protective ability against sunburn if eaten for a period before sun exposure. Beta-carotene and lycopene If you get sunburned, don’t panic. Start applying aloe vera gel to the sunburn as quickly as possible. Keeping the aloe in the refrigerator is also soothing to the skin and helps draw heat from your skin. Drink plenty of homemade green tea and take 500 mg of vitamin C twice a day to help prevent free radical damage to your cells. You can also take ibuprofen every four hours to reduce discomfort and redness. Most people think about sun protection only in the hot summer months, but even in the dead of winter, your skin can get burned. Keep to a good skin protection regiment all year round to avoid sunburned skin and enjoy more of your time outside! What is Astaxanthin?Astaxanthin is a carotenoid and belongs to a larger class of phytochemicals known as terpenes. It is classified as a xanthophyll, which means "yellow leaves" in translation. Like many carotenoids, it is a colorful, fat-soluble pigment and is found in abundance in microalgae. Other sources are yeast, salmon, trout, krill, shrimp, crayfish, and crustaceans. Astaxanthin, unlike some carotenoids, is not converted to vitamin A (retinol). Too much vitamin A is toxic for the human body, but astaxanthin has a lower toxicity. It also has slightly lower antioxidant activity than other carotenoids. Astaxanthin is primarily used as a food supplement. Research shows that astaxanthin's potent antioxidant activity, may make it beneficial in cardiovascular, immune, inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. While it does function as a carotenoid, research has shown that lycopene is a more efficient antioxidant than carotenoids. Some research has suggested it’s potential as an anti-cancer agent, because it protects body tissues from oxidative damage. You can take astaxanthin supplements Learn more about the benefits of astaxanthin! Related Pages on This Site Homemade Facial Scrubs – Take the 30 Day Challenge! Homemade Body Scrubs – Save Money and Time! Daily Skin Care Routine for All Skin Types Boost Skin Moisture to Plump and Revitalize How to Get Smooth Skin at Any Age! Improve Your Skin by Selecting the Right Foods and Nutrients Exhilarating Anti Aging Facial Skin Care Dark Skin Patches – Correcting Skin Tone Dry Itchy Skin – Skin Tips for Cold Temps Facial Skin Problems – Overcoming Common Skin Bloopers Find the Best Prices
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, and unscented water based moisturizing lotions. A variety of topical herbal remedies applied as lotions, poultices, or compresses may also help relieve the effects of sunburn. 
(Calendula officinalis) is one of the most frequently recommended treatments to help reduce inflammation.
(Ultraviolet Protection Factor). You can also infuse sun protection into the clothing you already own with a product like SunGuard. Just add a packet to your clothes when you do laundry to reap the benefits.
that protect more area around your precious eyes. These two accessories look fashionable, while helping to 
and build up to a healthy tan over time. A little bit of sun everyday can help prevent sunburn and skin damage. 
, found in tomatoes and other fruits, increase your skin's ability to resist the effects of UV light. Ketchup and tomato puree contain concentrated amounts of lycopene. 
are rich in flavonoids, and can also have a similar effect if eaten for long periods before exposure! 
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