Natural Treatment for Sun Damaged Skin

Sun damage to skin is common, especially in the summer months when outdoor activities are at their peak. Long-term exposure to sun can cause not only sunburn, but also internal damage that may lead to skin cancer. Avoiding the sun during peak hours, which are normally 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will protect the skin from strong UV rays, yet, if sun damaged has already been done natural remedies exist to heal the skin and prevent future complications.

Vitamin A

• Vitamin A is commonly used for skin disorders and conditions. The properties within Vitamin A delve deep into skin to repair from the cell level. Vitamin A works as an antioxidant, which when used topically or internally, will reduce the amount of harmful free radicals from attacking cells. Free radicals severely damage cells, which in this case, can lead to skin cancer.

  To topically use Vitamin A, break open a liquid capsule by puncturing the surface with a pin. Squeeze the liquid directly onto the sun damaged skin and gently massage into the skin. Depending on the size of the damaged area, more than one capsule may be required.

Oatmeal

• The effects of oatmeal on sun damaged skin, especially if the sunburn is still present, range from shortening the duration of a burn as well as reducing the amount of permanent sun damage. The properties within oatmeal will prevent peeling or blistering, which is common in badly sun damaged skin.

  Fill a bathtub with cool water and place 3 cups of dried oatmeal into the bath water. Stir the water with your hands for several minutes, ensuring that the oatmeal has mostly dissolved into the water. Soak in the bath for at least 30 minutes before draining the tub. Repeat up to two times per day until the sunburn has subsided.

Aloe Vera

• The aloe vera plant contains unique properties that have been researched for their abilities to heal sun damaged skin. Aloe vera gel can be obtained directly from the plant leaves, or through pre-made gels, both of which work to reduce pain, swelling and permanent damage from sunburns.

  Apply a generous amount of aloe vera gel directly onto to the sun damaged skin. Since aloe vera works as an astringent, applying a small amount of olive oil onto the skin will prevent dehydration and keep the area moist. Also, keep the sun damaged skin generously doused with aloe vera until the sunburn has subsided. Once the sunburn is gone, apply aloe vera to the area three times per week to prevent deep set harm and to repair pre-existing damage.