We spent a week at the beach in SC last week and it was beautiful. Unfortunately, the very first day we were there, despite using a facestick and 50 spray sunscreen, I got burned. The spray sunscreen, which I applied in the house with no wind, before heading down to the beach, failed me. It was brand new. I woke up the next morning covered in red splotches. Some parts of me were protected and other parts were bright red and on fire. The face burn was probably my fault, I believe the sunscreen was over 3 years old. It must have expired. I was burned from the nose down. It’s been a week and 5 days since it happened and I now have 2 big scabs on and above my lip. Thankful that I work from home. Lol.
Sunscreens are required by the Food and Drug Administration to remain at their original strengths for at least three years. This means that you can use leftover sunscreen from one year to the next. After 3 summers, if you have any leftover, it’s time to toss and buy some new.
I highly recommend using a clear zinc on your face. I really love the Sun Bum Zinc. This is what I used on vacation after the first day. It enabled me to continue enjoying beach time despite the burn. (I did wear a hat and sit under an umbrella all week) Over the years, trying everything from oil to 75spf sunscreen, I have found that 30spf is the sweet spot for me. Anything less is not enough and anything more doesn’t make a difference. This Lizard Sunscreen is one of my favorites. It uses Zinc Oxide to provide true broad spectrum sun protection.
Of course, the best scenario is to avoid getting a sunburn in the first place. But let’s face it, despite our best efforts, sometimes it happens. When it does, you will want to be prepared.
ALOE
Aloe is naturally anti-inflammatory and great for skin. It is moisturizing without being oily and is perfect for those with normal or slightly oily skin. Rich in nutrients and antioxidants, it is often used in anti-aging skin products as well. For best results you will want to use the juice from an actual aloe plant. It’s easy to cut open the plant and extract the healing juice. You can also purchase natural aloe gel in larger quantities.
LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL
Lavender essential oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which can help soothe and repair burns, including sunburn. It’s antiviral properties also help soothe and cleanse the skin of impurities. With anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, this flowering plant has saved many a skin from peeling sunburns. Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, it’ll speed up healing, allowing your body to recover faster. You can add it to a carrier oil or to aloe and apply to the affected area. I usually add 2 drops to a tbsp of aloe/carrier oil.
PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL
Peppermint essential oil contains menthol, which is a cooling agent, and it can help temporarily relieve pain and can tackle that hot feeling from minor sunburns. Dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil or add a drop or two to aloe. Use caution when applying Peppermint to your face as it can burn your eyes if you rub your face and get your hands near your eyes. (lesson learned the hard way…)
YARROW|POM
Used regularly, Yarrow|Pom promotes a smooth, youthful complexion. Both Yarrow and pomegranate seed can help to moisturize and restore healthy-looking skin. This essential oil works to activate protecting proteins within the skin in order to protect the complexion from enzymes that breakdown collagen and elasticity. This blend will help restore your skin at the cellular level.
FRANKINCENSE
Like Yarrow|Pom , Frankincense works at the cellular level. Applied topically this oil is ideal for pain relief associated with sunburn. It promotes skin regeneration and is well known for returning damaged skin back to its original radiance.
OATMEAL
Oatmeal is a common natural remedy for soothing skin irritation. For a sunburn, you can create a sachet of ground oatmeal using a tied-off sock or cheesecloth and let it steep in a tepid bath. Relax in the bath and let the oatmeal-infused water work on your skin, squeezing the sachet occasionally to extract more of its essence into the water. You can also add a couple of drops of lavender essential oil to the bath.
COCONUT OIL
The fats found in coconut oil can help protect and soften burned skin. Start by taking a cool or lukewarm bath/shower and then apply to the affected area. It was gradually absorb into the skin and soothe the burn. Feel free to add a drop or two of Lavender or Frankincense to help calm and support your skin.
HYDRATE
It is likely that you experienced a bit of dehydration if you got a sunburn. To help rehydrate your body, including your skin, drink half your body weight in ounces of water. This will help you replenish the fluids your body desperately needs. Eating hydrating foods like grapes, watermelon, or oranges is also helpful.
When I was on vacation and got a killer sunburn, I had limited resources with me. Fortunately I had my Yarrow Pom, Lavender and Peppermint. I did not have natural Aloe but I did have the green store bought kind. (I did not use that on my face– just on my body)
For my face, I used Yarrow Pom and Lavender. On my body I used Peppermint and Lavender mixed with Aloe. I was so thankful to have it. My face is almost healed…finally! I have been continuing to apply Yarrow Pom to the burns on my face 2-3 times a day.
