via flickr/youthfulsins
Sunburned? Heal your skin with one of our tips from a registered nurse.
Memorial Day is a popular day for being outside, grilling, and splashing around in the newly opened pool. For those of us with fair skin, this is prime sunburn time. Here are four ways to treat the burn and feel better fast:
See also: “Sunburn Art” Is This Summer’s Dumbest New Trend
- Aloe. A tried and true remedy, aloe is a cooling, hydrating gel. For the purest gel, purchase an aloe plant—they aren't very expensive—and cut off a stalk as needed. Scoop the gel out with a spoon, rub it on your skin for relief, and rinse with cool water.
- Coconut oil. A little goes a long way, but the fatty acids of the coconut oil go right to work repairing damaged skin cells while providing key moisture and a hint of natural SPF.
- Hydrate. Adequate hydration is extremely important when healing a sunburn since our bodies are made up of mostly water. Stay hydrated with plenty of water, or drink coconut water with a squeeze of lime for a fruity alternative.
- Spend time in a sauna. Infrared saunas penetrate the skin by more than an inch, stimulating new cell growth and encouraging the body to rid itself of toxins, including the free radicals that result from sunburn. One session in a sauna dramatically reduced my pain from sunburn. Sol Sweat (10727 Big Bend in Kirkwood) has sauna sessions you can schedule.
See also: Introducing Sol Sweat, St. Louis’ First Infrared Sauna Studio
If you have never been to a sauna, don't worry, it's nothing like the “old men in towels (or not)” sitcom stereotype. At Sol Sweat, you get a private sauna. You can choose music to listen to while there, or you can relax in the quiet space. Be sure to hydrate before you visit, as you will probably sweat. Session last 40 minutes max. Packages range from $10-40/session, and there is a referral program to earn free sessions. Check them out at gosweattoday.com.
A fast recovery to you, and also—don't forget the sunscreen next time.
Amanda Kintz is a registered nurse, a veggie-loving wife and mom, and author of the blog Crunchy Hippie Life. She can usually be found eating delicious food or drinking yet another cup of coffee.
