Did you know that if get just six sunburns in your lifetime, it will increase your chances of developing melanoma by 50%.  Along with that, the sun destroys collagen and your health and beauty.  This makes it very important not to forget your sunscreen.

That being said, sunburns do still happen.  So, if it happens to you, here’s a guideline you can use to treat it:

Health and Beauty Step #1- If you’re outside and you start to feel stinging, sensitivity, or tenderness, you’re burning!  Get out of the sun immediately or cover your skin.

Health and Beauty Step #2- Soothe the sunburn with a washcloth soaked in cold black tea – the tannic acid will calm inflammation.  Stay away from sunburn-relief sprays that contain benzocaine because they can cause a rash.  Instead, spread aloe vera gel on the area.  You can also take an aspirin or ibuprofen.

Health and Beauty Step #3 – Your body loses a lot of fluids when you’re burned, so drink a big glass of water every hour until the intense redness subsides.  It’s also best to stay out of the sun for a couple days because your skin is more likely to burn again.

Health and Beauty Step #4- As the burned skin begins to peel, moisturize it twice a day with something basic, such as Aquaphor healing ointment.  As tempting as it is, don’t peel the skin or use a body scrub to coax peeling.  After the area has healed, switch to a lotion with antioxidants, which will help stop cellular damage.

These are just a few of our skin care advice articles, visit our complete library of skin care advice articles here.