Sunburns, most people get them and everybody hates them!
People that live in a less then sunny state usually get excited about seeing
the sun, and come April, forget that they need to put on some type of sun
protection. Such was the case for my sister and I a few weeks ago, so I speak
from experience.
-Hannah for ToF
Coconut Oil
is a wonder when it comes to skin protection. Not only is Coconut Oil
beneficial in that it blocks harmful UV radiation (are what cause free radicals), but it also works to your
benefit by allowing beneficial UV’s to allow Vitamin D into the skin. Coconut
Oil also strengthens your skin’s connective tissues, making it smooth and
supple.
Coconut Oil also helps you get a tan without getting a burn.
Simply lather on a bit before sitting out in the sun for 20-30min. Also, since
Coconut Oil is a medium length fatty acid, it will not cause acne, instead it
brings bacteria to the surface of the skin, which allows for you to rid of all
the bacteria by washing it off. Coconut Oil is also anti-microbial,
anti-bacterial and anti-fungal all of which will help detoxify the outer layers
of your skin.
When purchasing
Coconut Oil, make sure to buy the Pure or Virgin Coconut Oil that is cold-pressed
not the hydrogenated kind.
Peppermint Essential Oil is
cooling agent that can help soothe burning skin.
Mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil into 1/4c. of olive
oil/coconut oil and apply to your burned skin. Do not put to much peppermint
into the oil or it will be too string and irritate your skin.
Aloe is
one of the very best ingredients to use on burned skin.
Try
to purchase a tube or jar of gel with the least amount of fillers or
preservatives. Even better, simply use the gooey stuff inside a freshly cut aloe vera
leaf. You can purchase an indoor plant or plant one outdoors. Cut
off a section of leaf, peal off the outer skin and wipe the gooey pulp onto
your sunburned skin. Don't wipe it off. Instantly, you'll feel refreshed and
the healing will occur more rapidly without blistering or peeling. You can
store the remaining leaf in the fridge for a while. Apply commercially sold
gels the same way.
Lavender Essential Oil You can apply this directly to the burn, but it’s easier and
cheaper to add a few drops to coconut oil or lotion that apply.
Here is a recipe I found online that looks interesting and
helpful for anyone that is suffering from a sunburn (I haven’t tried it yet):
Burn Relief
Spray. Combine 2 ounces aloe vera gel,
2 ounces cold water, ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil, 15 drops of each tea tree oil
and lavender essential oils. Load into a small spray bottle and shake well
prior to application. This spray can be applied to the entire burned area as
often as needed. Store in the refrigerator for approximately 5-7 days.
Do you have any tips for sunburns? Let us know!