Sunburn
Sunburn is caused by excessive exposure to ultra-violet rays from the sun. Most sunburns are first-degree burns, causing the skin to “cool” into a suntan or peel off. A second-degree sunburn occurs when the skin has extreme reddening, swelling, pain, and sometimes blisters. This means that the sun has burnt more than just the top layer of skin. Dehydration often accompanies sunburn.
Some important nutrients to help protect your skin include the following:
- Coenzyme Q10 – increases oxygen supply to the cells
- Colloidal silver – prevents infection, subdues inflammation, and promotes healing
- Dimethylglycine – increases tissue oxygenation
- Potassium – the lost potassium must be replaced
- Vitamin A – destroys free radicals from the sun, aids in tissue repair and healing
- Vitamin C – needed for tissue repair and healing, reduces scarring
Some helpful herbs include the following:
- Aloe vera gel - relieves discomfort, speeds healing, relieves dryness
- Calendula flower & St. John’s wortsalve – antiseptic properties, painkiller, promote healing
- Chamomile bath or Lavender oil – minimizes stinging and pain
- Horsetail – helps tissue repair
Some recommendations for preventing and healing from sunburns include the following:
- Eat high-protein foods, raw fruits, and raw vegetables
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Avoid further sun exposure until burn is completely healed
- Avoid spending time outside between 10:00am and 3:00pm
- Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (15 SPF) while outdoors
- To obtain a tan, start with 15 minute periods of sun exposure and increase amounts slowly