Soothing Sunburn Remedies & Safer Sunscreen

Image Gallery Aloe vera is famous for it's ability to speed the healing of radiation-induced burns, and you can use the gel straight from the plant. MOTHER EARTH NEWS STAFF

It's best to avoid getting sunburned, rather than endure the smiting consequences. But if you do spend too much time in the sun, try these five natural remedies to soothe your skin.

5 Natural Remedies

• Aloe. The inner gel of the aloe vera leaf has been shown to speed the healing of radiation-induced burns. Scoop the gel directly from split leaves or buy commercially prepared gel at a health food store or herb shop. Apply aloe gel after showering, then reapply it a few more times each day until the pain has subsided.
• Cucumber. The cool cucumber is often used for soothing burns, simply slice open a cucumber and wipe it directly onto your skin.
• Calendula. Research shows calendula flowers speed the healing of burns by stimulating the growth of new skin cells, closing wounds and reducing inflammation. You can buy commercial skin creams containing calendula at many health food stores.
• Plantain. Plantain contains allantoin, a proven healer of injured skin cells.
• Vitamin E. This nutrient is popular for anti-sunburn activity. Try a cream containing vitamin E to soothe sunburned skin.

Safe, Healthy Sunning

It's also wise to be proactive and take steps to protect your skin from sun damage, while still making sure you still get a healthy dose of sunshine. The sun is our chief source of vitamin D, which protects us from a variety of ailments, including osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, cancer and high blood pressure. Sunscreens block UVB rays, the wavelength that stimulates the skin's vitamin D production.

Ultraviolet light from the sun comes in two types: UVB waves, which are shorter, and UVA rays, which are longer and able to penetrate skin more deeply. Many products offer no protection from UVA rays, which are responsible for skin damage and aging. According to the Environmental Working Group, just 16 percent of sunscreens on the market are both safe and effective at blocking both UVA and UVB radiation. In fact, a sunscreen's SPF only reflects its ability to block UVB rays.

According to Michael F. Holick, of the Boston University School of Medicine, properly applied sunscreen reduces the skin's vitamin D production by 95 percent. Holick advises knowing your skin's sensitivity, and acting accordingly. For instance, if you turn pink after 30 minutes in the summer sun, then spending five to ten minutes in the sun (in a bathing suit) should generate plenty of vitamin D. After that, apply sunscreen, cover up or seek shade.