Protect Your Skin By Using Organic Sunblock

Some people are under the mistaken assumption that the only time to use organic sunblock is on especially hot and sunny days. The truth is that anytime that we’re out in the sun, the sun’s rays are having a negative impact on our skin. There is a constant barrage of ultraviolet light that can cause our skin to age before it’s time, and it can lead to more serious skin problems in the long term. Even on days when it’s not all that hot outside, it is a good idea to use organic sunblock.

With that said, organic sunblock is still most needed when a person is spending a day out in the sun, especially if they’re trying to tan. This is when there is the biggest risk of sunburn, which is a direct result of intense sun exposure
. It’s important to understand how to choose the right organic sunblock for the job. SPF, or sun protection factor, is the rating system that is used to determine the strength of a organic sunblock. Usually, a minimum sun protection factor of 15 is recommended for tanning or prolonged sun exposure. However, much more powerful levels of protection are available — up to a 60 SPF rating or more.

There is another factor to consider, as well. There are multiple types of ultraviolet light rays that are harmful to the skin — UVA and UVB. Many organic sunblock are designed to effectively block only one UVB rays, while UVA are actually the more dangerous type. It is a good idea to look for a organic sunblock that is designed to block both types of rays. Organic sunblock that contain the ingredients zinc oxide, ecamsule, or avobenzone are the best choices for full-spectrum protection.

When it comes to just routine daily sun exposure, a full application of organic sunblock isn’t really necessary. If you’re just eating lunch outdoors or walking for a little while outside, then you should be okay just using other skin-care products that contain minor organic sunblock. For example, there are many facial moisturizers that include enough organic sunblock to protect your skin from the sun’s rays on a day-to-day basis.

One of the negative effects associated with sun exposure to the skin is wrinkling. The sun is one of the primary factors when it comes to skin starting to look aged before it’s time. For people who are concerned about aging and wrinkled skin, there are special organic sunblock treatments that are design both to reduce and prevent wrinkles. Many of these have high SPF ratings for maximum protection from the sun’s light.

Aside from wrinkles, the other major impact of the sun on human skin is skin cancer. Heavy exposure to the sun without the proper protection can lead to a person developing deadly skin cancers. This is one reason why it’s especially important to get organic sunblock that protects against UVA rays. Despite the fact that UVA doesn’t cause any burning sensation or redness, it is actually the primary cause of skin cancer. So when you’re looking to buy organic sunblock, make sure that you make an educated choice that will truly protect you from skin problems.

Home Treatments if You Get Sunburned

Home remedies may provide some relief from a mild sunburn. Remember a sun burn is a like any other burn from heat in which the cells become damaged. Be gentle and try not to further irritate the area.

Use cool cloths on sunburned areas, you should gently pat to allow the heat to disperse from the cloth after it absorbs the heat from the sun burn. You can try to take frequent cool showers or baths also.

Apply soothing lotions that contain aloe vera to sunburned areas. Topical steroids (such as 1% hydrocortisone cream) may also help with sunburn pain and swelling. Note: Do not use the cream on children younger than age 2 unless your doctor tells you to. Do not use in the rectal or vaginal area in children younger than age 12 unless your doctor tells you to.

There is little you can do to stop skin from peeling after a strong sunburn-it is part of the healing process. However application of a good natural or organic lotion may help because it will increase the antioxidants in the sunburned area and speed up the cell rejuvenation process. In addition lotion may help relieve the itching once the skin has started to peel.

A sunburn can cause a mild fever and a headache. Lie down in a cool, quiet room to relieve the headache. A headache may be caused by dehydration, so drinking fluids may help.

Other natural home treatments, such as essential oils like lavender, geranium, or calendula, may help relieve your sunburn symptoms.

You can try a nonprescription medicine to help treat your fever or pain, asprin is great for lessening the effects of a burn if taken soon enough.

• Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol for pain and fever
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for swelling from the burn
• Ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin for pain and fever
• Aspirin (also a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), such as Bayer for pain, fever and to thin the blood which will help reduce the burn

Talk to your child’s doctor before switching back and forth between doses of acetaminophen and ibuprofen. When you switch between two medicines, there is a chance your child will get too much medicine

Sun Care Tips for Taking Your Baby in the Sun

When you take your bay outside you should understand how to keep them safe from the sun. Their skin is so delicate that the sun and wind can burn them easily. If there is any tanning on your baby’s skin it means that there is some skin damage. The mildest of sunburns is very painful for the baby and studies have shown that skin cancer is related to sunburn in childhood. Here are some tips to protect the baby from the sun:• Dress your baby up in long-sleeved T-shirts and pants made of cotton. This will be cool and protect the skin from the sun.
• Do not let your baby out in the sun especially at noon, as the sun is the strongest at this time.
• Use a sunblock every time you take the baby out. The sun protection factor SPF should be at least 15. You should reapply if your going to be out in the sun for over a couple hours
• Use a wide rimmed hat when you take the baby out. Sunshades and umbrellas are a great tool also.
• If your baby does get sun burnt give him a cool bath and apply an aftersun lotion. It is always safer to consult your doctor first.
• Ensure that your baby is drinking a lot of fluids. Whether it is breast milk or water especially if it is very hot so that he doesn’t get dehydrated.
• Sometimes babies can have a heat stroke due to over exposure to the sun. The common symptoms are vomiting, listlessness, headaches and drowsiness. Give your baby plenty of fluids and consult your doctor immediately.
• Remember to protect your babies from the wind too. Harsh wind can damage their delicate skin as well.

Treating your Baby for Sunburn

Understanding your baby’s skin and the sun can help you prevent a sunburn. First its important to note the best treatment is prevention. A sunburn is the result of overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. A baby’s skin is very thin and delicate, so despite your best precautions, a sunburn can happen – and it may take only ten to 15 minutes of exposure to cause one. Your baby can even get burned on a cloudy or cool day because it’s not the visible light or the heat from the sun that burns but the invisible UV radiation. Sunburns can be painful and can also cause more serious problems such as dehydration and fever.If you suspect your baby might have been overexposed to the sun, you may not notice a sunburn immediately. The redness and pain of a mild first-degree burn can take several hours to appear. A more severe second-degree sunburn can cause red, tender, swollen, or blistered skin that’s hot to the touch. It’s extremely unlikely that a baby would get a third-degree burn – the worst kind – from sun exposure. If you see blisters contact your pediatrician.

If the sunburn is mild, soak a cloth diaper or clean washcloth in cool water, wring it out, and gently place it on the sunburned area for ten to 15 minutes a few times a day (make sure your child doesn’t get chilled). You could also bathe your baby in a mixture of cool water and baking soda to help cool the skin and reduce redness. Follow either treatment with a gentle application of water-based moisturizer. Also, give your baby plenty of fluids – breast milk, formula, or, for an older baby, water – to prevent dehydration.

For more sever cases consult a doctor. The doctor may prescribe topical steroid ointments or creams, an infant non-aspirin pain reliever, or draining and dressing of blisters.