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Five Natural Sunburn Remedies

by Lisa McCague

Let's face it... we need the sun.  We need it to make plants grow, which supplies the entire food chain.  We need it to keep our planet warm, otherwise life would cease.  We need it ourselves because it converts biological compounds in our skin into Vitamin D, which protects us from diseases like osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer.  However, too much of a good thing can be bad.  Too much sun can cause severe and painful burns, and prolonged exposure over a lifetime can cause skin cancer, premature aging, and dry leathery skin.  But, if you do happen to get singed, here are some ways to soothe that delicate skin:

1. ALOE: Either straight from the plant slathered on, or from a store-bought gel, get that skin covered!  Apply multiple times per day until the pain is gone.
2. CUCUMBER: Slice one open and wipe directly onto the skin... might as well make a sandwich with the leftovers and get in a serving of veggies for the day too!
3. CALENDULA: The flowers have been shown to stimulate the growth of new cells, which helps close wounds and reduce inflammation.  You can find creams with this ingredient in many health food stores.
4. PLANTAIN: Plantain includes allantoin, a proven healer of injured skin cells.
5. VITAMIN E: The old stand-by!  Try pricking a capsule and putting it right on, or dilute into a teaspoon of jojoba or other massage oil.

Lisa McCague is a mom, crafter and owner of Lantern Light Candles, a homegrown business that creates, by hand, quality soy and palm wax candles, custom photo luminaries and natural body care products.  Check out her site at www.lanternlightcandles.com.