Summertime is here!!! If you are like me, you likely leave the house without putting any sun protection on, even when you go to play outside or go for a walk. I even neglect to apply anything while swimming during the summer days and have had to run to the nearest aloe vera plant for some soothing relief, something my Nana taught me when I was a kid. It is so easy to forget that the sun is unforgiving, haha. I am usually happy once I darken up and become a bit more adaptable to the Sun, but I have learned to cover up with long sleeves and hats, or get out of the direct sunlight from time to time, over the years. I personally don’t like using sunblock due to ingredients, or the fact that it gets on everything you touch, or that touches you, haha.
What causes a sunburn?
A sunburn is caused by overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This UV radiation damages the skin’s outermost layers, leading to an inflammatory reaction that causes redness, pain, and swelling. The body reacts to this damage by sending blood to the affected area, which causes the skin to become red, hot, and painful. A UV index of 3 or higher indicates a risk of sunburn.
Generally, sunburns can occur within 30-60 minutes at moderate UV levels (3-5), as little as 15-25 minutes at high UV levels (6-7), and even faster at very high (8-10) and extreme (11+) levels. In the U.S., average summer UV levels can vary significantly, but generally, expect values between moderate (3-5) and very high (8-10).
Southern states and areas closer to the equator tend to have higher UV indices compared to northern latitudes. In southern California the summer UV levels are 10 -11 and in Arizona they average 11+. This can cause the skin to burn within minutes of exposure, especially if your skin tone is fair or light.
Sunburns can do more than hurt
I know it’s not fun having a sunburn, especially when you have to sleep or put on clothes, and the location can also be bothersome. I remember a long time ago, right after my high-school graduation, I had a friend start a new job with a construction company and he decided to shave his head to stay cool during the day. This was around the end of May, in Tucson, Arizona, where temperatures begin to exceed triple digits in April. The first day he was out in the sun for the full day without a hat, or any coverage, he developed 2nd degree burns that blistered from the direct sunlight during that 8 hours. It was something I had never seen until that day, and I was shocked that the sun could cause so much damage.
That was a lesson we learned that day, and it was temporary, but there can be some long-term effects from excessive sunburns, overexposure to UV rays, and even being in extreme heat for prolonged periods of time. Certain skin cancers and rapid aging are some of the most commonly diagnosed conditions caused by long-term effects from the sun. Also, a recent study concluded that heart disease can develop from over exposure to extreme heat. Heatstroke and dehydration can also cause health concerns and even lead to death.
Sunburn relief and prevention
There are multiple ways to obtain natural relief from a sunburn. Aloe vera, as I mentioned I used during my experiences, oatmeal, and chamomile are some examples. Also, anything that is soothing, or could help the inflammation. I like to use Nana’s Rub Rejuve Oil because it is made with blue chamomile, which is great for inflammation and skin cell repair while having anti-aging properties, and it also contains a full spectrum hemp oil that also helps with inflammation and skin healing. I have had a few friends and clients confirm that it assisted with their most recent sunburns. I would recommend having some near-by for those accidental sunburns. But, you can use whatever you are called to, we know everybody has their preferences, I just want to let you know there is an option I trust and use.
Covering up with uv-protective clothing, natural sunblocks, and certain long sleeve clothing can protect you from sunburns. I have some uv protective clothing and it works wonders while I am on my walks, or on my hikes. It keeps me so cool from the sun and my skin is grateful!
I love you and I want you to show your skin and body some care! We can’t stop aging, but we can choose the way we do it!
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