Aromatherapy For Sunburns by Susan Wilson

Sunburns result from too much direct sunlight. Though most people understand the importance of avoiding over-exposure to the sun, sometimes people accidentally become sunburned. This result from applying sunscreen incorrectly, or not reapplying it after prolonged sun exposure. Many people are not diligent in reapplying sunscreen after swimming and may accidentally become sunburned. Sunburns are not only painful but they can also be extremely dangerous. Too many sunburns can cause premature aging, damage the skin, and lead to skin cancer. Prevention is the most effective treatment for sunburn.
If you are suffering from a sunburn you need to realize that it is equally serious as being burned by a stove or an open fire. Like other burns, sunburns have degrees. Severe sunburns may cause the skin to develop severe blisters. It is important to treat your sunburn with the same diligence and care that you would with any serious burn. One of the most often recommended sunburn treatments is aloe vera gel. Aloe vera gel is found inside the aloe vera plant. You can harvest your own aloe vera gel by slicing open one of the plant's leaves and scraping out the aloe vera gel. This gel may be directly applied to the sunburn to provide immediate relief.
Another great sunburn remedy includes combining six drops of Peppermint oil with four drops of Lavender oil. Mix these oils together and apply directly to the sunburn. Peppermint oil has cooling properties and lavender has soothing properties for the skin. Peppermint oil or lavender oil can also be added to a base of aloe vera gel. This wonderful remedy will remove the sting of burn while also cooling and soothing the skin.
Peppermint oil and lavender oil can also be added to a nice cooling bath. Lukewarm water may be the temperature preferred by the sunburned skin, but be careful to avoid becoming chilled. Peppermint can become very cooling so if you feel that you are getting too cool, you may need to reduce the amount of peppermint oil added to your bath. Once the sunburn begins to heal,you can also include the use of lotions and oils to keep the skin well-hydrated and moist. You may continue to apply aloe vera gel, but you may want additional moisture as well. When the pain and sting of the sunburn has eased, supplement your treatment with a lotion or cream to prevent the skin from peeling and to keep it soft and supple.
It is vitally important to keep children out of direct sunlight and prevent them from getting sunburned. Make sure to regularaly apply sunscreen as directed on the bottle or tube, especially after swimming or prolonged exercise. Keep in mind that some essential oils will make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Make sure that you read all safety precautions and avoid exposure to the sun during the use of these essential oils. Also, if you are pregnant take care in choosing essential oils. The use of many essential oils may damage your unborn baby or cause premature labor. Finally, treat your essential oils with the same respect that you would prescription medicine.

About the Author
Susan Wilson is a writer for several popular online magazines, on health and wellness and fitness and health themes.

Why UVB and UVA Affect the Skin by Lim Zheng Yang

Do you know that if you wear sunscreen, it is perhaps the most important skin-care solution available to prevent wrinkles?
But most people do not use it correctly though, thereby exposing themselves to ultraviolet light, UVA or UVB, from sunlight, which accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging including wrinkles.
Important factors to consider when you wear sunscreen are the spectrum of UV radiation absorbed, the amount to be applied, and the frequency of application.
UV Radiation
The sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) radiation that we divide into categories based on the wavelength.
UVC radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere and does not cause skin damage.
UVB radiation affects the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, and is the primary agent responsible for sunburns.
UVB does not penetrate glass, and the intensity of UVB radiation depends on the time of day and the season.
UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin and works more efficiently.
The intensity of UVA radiation is more constant than UVB without the variations during the day and throughout the year. UVA is also not filtered by glass.
UV Radiation and Wrinkles
Both UVA and UVB radiation cause wrinkles by breaking down collagen, creating free radicals, and inhibiting the natural repair mechanisms of the skin.
A popular classification system of sun-sensitivity is the Skin Phototype (SPT) classification.
People with skin types I and II are at the highest risk for photoaging effects including wrinkles and skin cancer.
Knowing how to wear sunscreen properly to block both UVA and UVB radiation is an important weapon in battle against wrinkles.

About the Author
Lim Zheng Yang used to suffer from acne and has spent countless hours researching on this skin condition and the best ways to treat it. His main site about self esteem, his blog for about self-esteem issues

Why UVB and UVA Affect the Skin by Lim Zheng Yang

Do you know that if you wear sunscreen, it is perhaps the most important skin-care solution available to prevent wrinkles?
But most people do not use it correctly though, thereby exposing themselves to ultraviolet light, UVA or UVB, from sunlight, which accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging including wrinkles.
Important factors to consider when you wear sunscreen are the spectrum of UV radiation absorbed, the amount to be applied, and the frequency of application.
UV Radiation
The sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) radiation that we divide into categories based on the wavelength.
UVC radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere and does not cause skin damage.
UVB radiation affects the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, and is the primary agent responsible for sunburns.
UVB does not penetrate glass, and the intensity of UVB radiation depends on the time of day and the season.
UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin and works more efficiently.
The intensity of UVA radiation is more constant than UVB without the variations during the day and throughout the year. UVA is also not filtered by glass.
UV Radiation and Wrinkles
Both UVA and UVB radiation cause wrinkles by breaking down collagen, creating free radicals, and inhibiting the natural repair mechanisms of the skin.
A popular classification system of sun-sensitivity is the Skin Phototype (SPT) classification.
People with skin types I and II are at the highest risk for photoaging effects including wrinkles and skin cancer.
Knowing how to wear sunscreen properly to block both UVA and UVB radiation is an important weapon in battle against wrinkles.

About the Author
Lim Zheng Yang used to suffer from acne and has spent countless hours researching on this skin condition and the best ways to treat it. His main site about self esteem, his blog for about self-esteem issues