Sunburn Savvy
If you get my weekly newsletter, you most likely read Midge’s question regarding her request for ways to cool and soothe a sunburn (if you don’t get my newsletter be sure and subscribe via the sticky note in the upper right corner of the blog). Here are a few thoughts I had on sunburns. Molly
Dear Midge,
My first thought on sunburn is prevention. Sunscreen (SPF 5 million) is a great place to start. Did you know that certain foods containing antioxidants can help prevent sunburn? Blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are great sources of antioxidants. Of course, wearing protective clothing and umbrellas are just two more examples of ways to avoid sun exposure. BUT, if you do get a sunburn and you are stuck in “OUCH-land” my all time favorite remedy is aloe vera! Now I’m not talking about the bottled stuff you get in the store. That bottled aloe vera you find in the store has alcohol in it- it will burn when you apply it and further dry out your sunburn. I’m talking about a good ole aloe vera plant, just snap off a portion, make a slice length wise and squeeze out the gel/liquid right onto your sunburn. The relief is almost immediate and after only a few applications it is possible to see your skin gaining moisture (not losing it). I’ve been able to avoid major peeling after a sunburn by frequent applications of aloe vera gel.
One of the things I do in preparation of summer is to grow a nice, healthy aloe vera plant all winter long. By the time spring rolls around I usually have some thick, long branches just waiting to be used. Another good use for aloe vera is for minor abrasions or burns. I burned my finger once taking something from the oven and immediately applied aloe vera and then a bandage. The next day I was left with a small blister but no pain or redness.
If you don’t have an aloe vera plant, now is a good time to go in search of one! They like well drained soil and will do well as a house plant. Clay pots are nice for an aloe vera plant as they have a good sized drainage hole at the bottom. Be sure to let the soil dry out some in between watering times, these plants don’t do well in soggy soil.
Go out and enjoy the parade! And just in case, stop by the store on your way home and pick up a plant.
Love ya, Molly
The more you water the aloe vera the bigger it will be! I water it daily and by summer it’s ready for use.
Molly says: Oh wow, thank you for the watering tip. Anything that makes it grow bigger and stronger works for me!
We are NO good at keeping any plant alive at my house so we use Aqua-phor by Eucern. It works wonderfully on sunburn, minor burns and even diaper rash.
Molly says: In that case, I’m so glad you found something that works to take away the “ouch” in sunburns, minor burns (and even diaper rash!).