Soak up the….Sun Damage?

Posted by Olivia Lobb - Read Time: < 4 minutes

Nothing ruins fun in the sun like a nasty sunburn.

When we think about burns, we think about heat, but sunburns do not result from the heat of the sun. UV radiation coming into contact with our skin causes sunburns. This radiation can affect and damage not only proteins and membranes within the skin but can damage DNA itself. This damage cannot be reversed. (1) Thankfully, there are natural remedies to help soothe the skin as it begins its healing process.

Essential Oils

The first remedy that comes to mind is aloe vera, but this is not the only option nature offers. Essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, tea tree, and eucalyptus are also powerful tools in combating sunburns. They are even more powerful when paired with ozone, but we’ll get to that later.

These essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in soothing a skin injury, such as a sunburn, and antibacterial properties that can lower the risk of a skin infection. Lavender essential oil in particular has the added benefit of promoting skin regeneration. This property may be particularly useful when healing a sunburn. (2)

Ozonated Oils

While these essential oils can be incredibly helpful when applied to the skin, in most cases, you should not directly apply them without some kind of carrier oil. Carrier oils are typically vegetable oils that help to dilute essential oils and “carry” them to the skin. Common carrier oils include coconut, jojoba, and sunflower oil.

Studies have shown that coconut oil may be useful in soothing sunburns and may even speed up the healing process because of the high amount of lipids, or fats, contained within the oil. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and the potential ability to lower body temperatures. This can help when the skin is hot to the touch, a common symptom of sunburns. (3)

PurO3 Ozonated Coconut Oil is available with no added scent, or with lavender essential oil. This allows you to get the benefits of coconut oil, lavender essential oil, and ozone in one convenient jar.

Jojoba oil is also a great option for a carrier oil as it has benefits that can help aid in soothing and repairing sun damage. For combating and soothing sun damage, the most important part of jojoba oil is that it is a natural source of Vitamin E. Studies have shown that it may speed up the healing process, similarly to coconut oil, and could also minimize the appearance of scars. Also, because of its non-comedogenic properties, you won’t have to worry about this oil potentially clogging your pores. (4)

PurO3 Ozonated Jojoba Oil is also available with lavender if you seek additional benefits.

There is one more ozonated oil worth mentioning. PurO3 Ozonated Sunflower Oil is also non-comedogenic, so it is unlikely to clog your pores. It is a natural source of Vitamin E and may help to heal wounds more quickly. Sunflower oil can also help the skin maintain its natural barrier, keeping moisture levels optimal. (5)

More options for combating sun damage

Spending a lot of time in the sun can often result in a painful sunburn. This is no secret. Unfortunately, the potential consequences don’t stop there. Sun damage can cause long-term damage and ongoing problems if we repeatedly expose our skin to harsh conditions.

Having the knowledge to soothe a sunburn is useful. It is also important that we take precautions to ensure we do not get burnt every time we go outside. Prepare before exiting your home. Cover your body with clothing as a means of protection and use sunblock. A natural kind that’s gentle on your skin while still protecting it from the elements is preferable. Also, consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat to protect the extra-sensitive skin on your face.

Conclusion

Summer is just around the corner. That means pool parties, barbecues, and days that never feel long enough. While you are soaking up the fun, ensure that your skin isn’t soaking up all that sun. Remember that what starts as a tan can easily turn into a burn.

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