SUNBURN: DON'T GET BURNED THIS SUMMER

Woo, it's time to get out of the office and into the pool or out on a sandy beach! Just don’t get too overexcited to get outside into the summer sun and forget to protect yourself, or else you’ll get that all too familiar red glow of sunburn! But, Instead of letting sunburn get you down about going outside, try these helpful tips to protect your skin from the sun's rays, alleviate burns, and even reduce the risk of cancer!
            The first thing many people think to do slather themselves in sunscreen whenever they step outside the door! But not so fast! Some brands of commercially made sunscreen products contain various chemicals and pharmaceuticals that have the potential to cause cancer and reactions! The most problematic of sunscreen chemicals in the U.S. is oxybenzone, found in nearly every chemical sunscreen! EWG recommends that consumers AVOID this chemical because it can “penetrate the skin, cause allergic skin reactions, and may disrupt hormones!” According to WebMD, retinyl palmitate is another chemical you should look out for! Multiple lab tests have found a connection to skin cancer. On top of that, wearing sunscreen blocks the body's absorption of ultraviolet radiation that produces vitamin D in your skin! As studies have shown, Vitamin D prevents 77 percent of all cancers, so limit the amount and duration of time you wear sunblock! The best thing to do is to allow your skin some time to soak in direct sunlight before applying sunscreen. Check out this website for more detail on the amount of direct sunlight needed. (http://www.sunshinevitamin.org/) Also, try some natural brands or remedies to use! Coconut oil is a proven sunscreen that is not only good for blocking the rays but also promoting healthy skin!
            If you do manage to get sunburned, try these remedies:

• Take a cool shower or bath
•  Soak in an oatmeal bath for itchy sunburns
• Use a lotion that contains aloe Vera, it will soothe and moisturize skin.
• Apply lukewarm-cool (NOT cold) milk to your skin using a clean cloth. The milk will create a protein film that eases the sunburn discomfort
• Vitamin E supplement can also decrease inflammation caused by sunburn
• Freshly brewed black tea that has been cooled can be applied to the skin. The tannic acid in black tea reportedly helps draw heat from sunburned skin, and it also aids in restoring pH balance.
• Cucumbers also have natural antioxidant and analgesic properties. Chill cucumbers and blend them in a blender into a paste. Apply to affected areas, including the face.

 
Remember, the BEST remedy is PREVENTION. Use a sunscreen without the harmful chemicals. A good alternative is a sun screen with Zink Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Also, wear protective clothing such as rash guards (breathable long sleeve shirts, hats, etc.), and limit your exposure to direct sunlight![G1] [G2] 
 
 
1)http://www.medicinenet.com/10_home_remedies_for_sunburn_treatment/views.htm
2) http://healingdeva.com/sunscreen-may-cause-cancer/
3) http://www.ewg.org/2015sunscreen/report/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/
4) http://www.webmd.com/beauty/sun/sunscreen-safety-labels-ingredients
5) http://www.medicaldaily.com/natural-suncreens-does-seasoning-your-skin-coconut-oil-protect-against-uv-rays-256311