Sunburn
Synopsis of Sunburn
Sunburn is an acute skin reaction to excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, typically from the sun or tanning beds. It leads to inflammation, redness, pain, and in severe cases, blistering and peeling. UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn, damaging the DNA in skin cells and triggering an immune response. Sunburn is not only painful but also increases the risk of premature aging, sunspots, and skin cancer—especially with repeated exposure. While mild cases heal within a few days, more severe burns may require medical attention or lead to long-term skin damage.
Types:
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First-degree sunburn: Red, tender skin with no blisters; affects only the outer layer (epidermis)
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Second-degree sunburn: Includes blistering, swelling, and deeper tissue involvement
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Severe or systemic sunburn: May include fever, chills, nausea, dehydration, and dizziness—requires medical care
Common Causes:
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Prolonged sun exposure without sunscreen
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High UV index environments (e.g., beaches, mountains, snow)
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Tanning beds or sunlamps
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Reflective surfaces (water, snow, sand) increasing exposure
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Medications or supplements that increase photosensitivity
Severity Causes:
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Fair skin types (less melanin protection)
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Midday sun exposure (10am–4pm)
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Not reapplying sunscreen after sweating or swimming
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Infants, children, or individuals with sensitive skin
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Pre-existing skin conditions or autoimmune issues
When to See a Doctor:
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Severe pain or blistering covering a large area
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Fever, chills, confusion, or dehydration symptoms
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Signs of infection (oozing, swelling, pus)
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Eye pain or vision changes from sun exposure
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Sunburns in very young children or those with compromised immunity
Natural remedies for Sunburn
Aloe vera: Cools and soothes burned skin while supporting cellular repair. Apply fresh gel or clean topical products several times daily.
Vitamin C: Helps reduce oxidative damage and supports collagen synthesis. Internal use boosts recovery and reduces inflammation.
Vitamin E: Antioxidant that helps repair UV-damaged skin. Can be applied topically (mixed with oil) or taken orally.
Chamomile: Reduces redness and inflammation. Use as a cool compress or herbal soak for gentle relief.
Hydration: Drink extra water to replace fluid lost from skin damage and prevent dehydration. Moisturizers also help seal in hydration.
Cool compresses: Applying a damp, cool cloth reduces heat and eases discomfort. Avoid ice directly on skin.
Magnesium: Supports skin healing and reduces muscle cramping or discomfort sometimes associated with systemic sunburn.
Avoid further exposure: Stay out of the sun until fully healed. Use protective clothing and high-SPF sunscreen going forward.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Sunburn
activated charcoal
aloe vera
alpha-carotene
beeswax
beta-carotene
bisabolol
chamomile
chlorophyll
cucumber
magnesium
mixed carotenoids
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
watermelon
zinc
parthenium
chickweed
typhonium
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
sheep's sorrel
wintergreen
camphor oil
melaleuca alternifolia
isoparaffin
sea salt
Avocado Oil
Aloe Polysaccharide
Azelaic acid
Aloe Polysaccharide
Activated Charcoal
Aloe vera
Almond Oil
Amber resin
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Activated Charcoal
Allantoin
alpha-carotene
Aloe
Apple Acid (unspecified)
Astaxanthin
Ash (unspecified)
Apocarotenal
beta-carotene
benzyl alcohol
Babchi
beta-zeacarotene
Blubber oil
Benzalkonium chloride
Bicarbonate
Balsam Poplar
Bougainvillea
Bisabolene
Bisabolol
Benzoin siam
Balsam of Peru
cucumber
Cream
Calotropis gigantea
Cetyl Esters
Candelilla wax
Cream
Cocoa Butter
Camphor
Cantaloupe
Chlorophyll
carotenoids
Carotenoids
Cedar
Centipeda minima
Camphor
Cosmos
Castile Soap
Canthaxanthin
Chlorophyllin
Chinese Cucumber
Cicada
Chlorophyll Vegetable Cellulose
Dragon's Blood (unspecified)
Diatomaceous Earth
Dragon's Blood
Dianthrone
Denatured alcohol
Ethoxylated Castor Oil
Emu Oil
English Plantain
Eupatorium
Ethyl Linoleate
Euphorbia (unspecified)
Fat liver oil
Fruit acid (mixed)
Fern-leaf yarrow
Fireweed
Glycolic acid
Golden Willow
Humboldt Lily
Hydrogenated Coconut Oil
Hyaluronic acid
Hydrogen peroxide
Hyaluronic Acid
Impatiens (unspecified)
Isopropylmyristate
Isobutylamides
Insect wax
Jojoba Oil
jojoba
Japanese camphor
Jessica's Sticktight
Lime
Lemon Eucalyptus
Lichen Oil
Latex
Lanolin
Lactic Acid
Lanolin
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Lily
Lubricant
Laminaria
Mustard (unspecified)
Myricyl Alcohol
Mineral wax (unspecified)
Microcrystalline wax
Nonionic surfactant (unspecified)
Oak (unspecified)
Orange (unspecified)
Octyl Glycerate
Polypodium (unspecified)
Pine
Panthenol
Polypodium leucotomos
Plant wax (unspecified)
Peat
Rugose Rose
Red Sandalwood
Sodium chloride
Samphire
salt
Sea Salt
Soapberry
salt (unspecified)
Sesame Oil
Surfactant
Sapindus mukorossi
Skin
Sesame Oil
Silica cellulose
Sodium chloride
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sulfur
Stone Root
Styrax balsam
Sargassum
Silver (usp)
Sulphur
Tyrosinase
Thymol
Tansy
Tropical oil (unspecified)
Tea Tree Oil
Tomatoe
Tangerine
Urea
Vitamin E (tocopheryl succinate)
Vegetable Wax (Unspecified)
Vitamin A (vitamin A Palmitate)
Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate)
Vitamin E (tocopherol not specified)
Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols/tocotrienols)
Water Lily (unspecified)
Witch Hazel
Watermelon
White Hellebore
Willow Bark
Xanthophyll
Zeaxanthin
