Sunday, October 21, 2007

SUNBURN

i am BACK again. This time i got sunburn due to duty at SGM. Therefore as i was searching bout how to cure sunburn, i saw a few info about it. So here it goes.

All sunscreens lotions have SPF. SPF15 SPF20. What is SPF. The SPF number gives you some idea of how long you can stay in the sun without burning. For example, if you burn in 10 minutes without sunscreen and you apply a liberal dose with an SPF number of 15, you should be protected from sunburn for 150 minutes.

Sunscreens with SPF numbers higher than 15 may work better for people who are fair-skinned, live at high altitudes, work or play outdoors much of the day, or perspire heavily. Swimming and perspiration reduce the actual SPF value of many sunscreens -- even those that are water-resistant -- so you have to reapply the product often(which i forgot to do).

To get the maximum protection from your sunscreen, apply at least one large handful about 30 minutes before you go outside, and reapply after swimming, toweling yourself dry or participating in any vigorous activity that causes heavy perspiration(i did not went swimming but i did sweat-damm).

The following table is a useful guide for your own skin type in choosing the right sunscreen, whether you like basking in the sun or engaging in outdoor sports.

Type Characteristics SPF (Outdoor Activity)
I Always burns easily, never tans 25-30
II Burns easily, tans slightly 25-30
III Sometimes burns, tans gradually and moderately 15
IV Burns minimally, always tans well 15
V Burns rarely, tans deeply 15
VI Almost never burns, deeply pigmented 15

Obtained from www.sunscreens.net


Sunscreen still will not protect u completely. So do not lie or stand or sleep directly in the sun
If you really want a tan that badly(which i do not want), then I suggest you try out a self-tanning lotion. Get one from cosmetic departments.

Always remember to avoid sunburn. Always wear protective clothing such as caps and T-shirts... hmm i DID bear that in mind but my face now looks like red tomato.

What if u really got sunburn, like me now. What should you do??

Use ALOE VERA. "Take as many leaves as necessary from an aloe plant; refrigerate; peel off top layer of leaves; apply the side of the leaf with flesh exposed directly to the sunburn. Other remedies use aloe vera juice: for mild to medium sunburn, keep the affected area moist with aloe vera juice. Repeat frequently. This will reduce the pain and the amount of peeling. Aloe vera ointment works well, too, as it contains oil and will not evaporate. For a severe sunburn, keep the area moist at all times with aloe vera juice. Since aloe vera is an astringent, you may want to use aloe vera ointment or some sort of oil, such as olive or baby. Aloe is very effective in relieving pain and inflammation."

Another option-Vitamin E Cream. "One of the antioxidants, vitamin E creams, ointments and oils, can help heal sunburn damage and shorten its effects."

Increase Your Vitamin C. "Another antioxidant, increasing your vitamin C intake while sunburned will help you heal."

And finally, Drink lots of water; avoid hot showers or baths (heat dries out skin). Take a lukewarm bath. Moisturize with alcohol- and perfume-free lotion. If you see freckling or skin problems after you heal, an aesthetician can exfoliate and heal the skin with microdermabrasion.

Protecting yourself from the sun should be a priority for all you sun worshiper(definitely not me). After all, who wants to end up with old, wrinkled and freckled faces when they're 80?

~aL~

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