You know the precautions while staying at the beach with your family and friends. You wore a hat and a pair of sunglasses. Did you forget anything? How about sunscreen? Did you use one? Perhaps, you did. But you didn’t reapply. That’s probably the reason you have sunburn. Now, your face and body are red. Can aloe for sunburn help?
Healing It with Aloe for Sunburn
Aloe vera is a proven natural treatment for sunburn. According to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, “Aloe vera is touted as the “burn plant,” the perfect natural remedy for a bad sunburn, and according to some studies aloe vera can help.” This plan has the power to assist the skin in healing from mild burns, like sunburns. It also moisturizes the skin and helps you avoid peeling because of sun damage.
How Do Sunburns happen?
Unfortunately, sunburns can happen, even if you apply sun protection. When you expose yourself to the UVB rays, you’ll get a radiation burn. It occurs even after 15 minutes of sun exposure. And the burn can develop for up to three days. The radiation burn damages the skin cells’ DNA causing their death. Because the dead skin cells slough off, it causes skin peeling.
Body’s Healing Ability
It’s true that that body has its own healing properties. It can heal itself without treatment. The reason people apply sunburn treatment is to relieve the pain and moisture in the affected area.
How Aloe Vera Becomes the Go-To Relief?
Aloe vera is so effective at treating sunburn that even dermatologists recommend it. This natural treatment contracts the blood vessels. As a result, it takes away the sting and redness. Although this plant is effective, your main question is how often to apply it to hasten the healing time. There’s no right and wrong way to apply this treatment. However, it’s presumed that applying up to six times a day for several days can facilitate healing.
Moisturizing the Skin
In addition to helping the skin heal, aloe vera is also beneficial in keeping your skin moisturized. It can also help in minimizing peeling. That’s why you may want to apply aloe to your skin after sun exposure even if you don’t experience sunburn.
Stay Hydrated
While waiting for your skin to heal naturally with aloe, it’s vital that you stay hydrated. Sunburn takes fluid away from the skin’s surface. Thus, it’s important that you drink plenty of water. You may also take a sports drink to replace the electrolytes you have lost. By staying hydrated, you can further help your skin heal more quickly.
As You Recover
While you convalesce from sunburn, avoid going out in the sun for a few days. But if you need to stay in the sun, you must wear protection. And make sure to apply sunscreen to prevent further damage to the skin.