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Why Sunscreen?

I am guessing that in this day and age even a small child has heard we need sunscreen protection when to go to the pool, beach, or outdoor athletic events.  But which sunscreen?  Are they all safe?  Do you read the ingredients before you buy?

At Healing Leaf LLC we are particular about ingredients.  We believe in all natural, earth friendly formulas that deliver exactly what they promise and are completely safe to use.  To that end we developed Beach Butter Sunscreen®.  It is waterproof and very effective.  We never use petroleum additives or synthetic chemicals. 

Always use sunscreen and take time to read labels.  Following is a bit of sunburn information.

Sunburn Definition

A sunburn is reddening of the skin that occurs after you are exposed to the sun or other ultraviolet light.

Causes

While the cause seems obvious there are differences of opinion regarding how much time in the sun is safe.  Sunburn results when the amount of exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light source exceeds the ability of the body’s protective pigment, melanin, to protect the skin. Sunburn in a very light-skinned person may occur in less than 15 minutes of midday sun exposure, while a dark-skinned person may tolerate the same exposure for hours.

It is now recognized that sunburn and sun exposure should not be treated as insignificant. Deaths have resulted from acute sun exposure, and significant temporary disability is experienced by millions of sunburned people each year.

Unlike a thermal burn, sunburn is not immediately apparent. By the time the skin starts to become painful and red, the damage has been done. The pain is worst between 6 and 48 hours after sun exposure. In severe sunburns, blistering of the skin may occur.

Swelling (edema ) of the skin, especially in the legs, is common. Toxins are released with sunburn, and fever is not uncommon. Skin peeling usually begins between three and eight days after exposure.

The long-term consequences of years of overexposure to the sun are significant. One blistering sunburn doubles the likelihood of developing malignant melanoma . Chronic sun exposure causes premature wrinkling and aging of the skin. Age spots (lentigo) are a result of sun overexposure.

Skin cancer (basal cell and squamous cell cancer) is directly related to the amount of sun exposure (determined by skin pigmentation and hours in the sun). Finally, sun exposure and ultraviolet damage have been implicated in the development of cataracts.

Very effective sunscreens have been developed that protect from UVA and UVB (long and short wavelengths of ultraviolet light), which are the components of sunlight responsible for burning and cancerous changes in the skin.

Sunscreen, protective clothing, and ultraviolet-protected sunglasses are all recommended to prevent excessive sun exposure. Wearing a sunscreen with adequate sun protection factor (SPF) is recommended. There is no way to get a "safe tan" from the sun.

Home Care

Sunburn is better prevented than treated. 

Sunscreen should be generously applied. If out in the sun for a prolonged period of time during the day, wearing a hat and other protective clothing is recommended. Light clothing reflects the sun most effectively.

If you do get a sunburn:

Try taking a cool shower or bath or placing wet, cold wash rags on the burn.
Avoid products that contain benzocaine, lidocaine, or petroleum (like Vaseline).
If blisters are present, dry bandages may help prevent infection.
If your skin is not blistering, moisturizing cream may be applied to relieve discomfort.
Over the counter medications, like ibuprofen, may help to relieve pain from sunburn. (Aspirin should be avoided in children who are running a fever.)

Take time to read about the ingredients in some commercial sunblock and sunscreen products.  Beach Butter Sunscreen® provides a healthy protection for your time in the sun.