Tips to Prevent Sunburn

Even though most people do get sunburn, there are a lot of precautions you can take to prevent it. If you are smart and prepare for the sun, you can end up without a burn!

The first, and most obvious precaution, would be to put on sunscreen, or sunblock. I would recommend at least SPF 25, because the lower SPF's are made for people who want to get some tan, or have darker skin. If you are like me, and have really pale skin, you are at even more risk. People with pale skin should have at least 30-40 SPF and if you are going to be exposed for a long time (more then 4-5 hours) you should consider SPF 50. You also have 2 options for type of sunblock. There is liquid (well a dense liquid) form, and a spray form. I found that spray form didn't last as long and it wore off quickly. With the spray it is also easy to miss small spots that will be exposed to the sun. The liquid is better because you have to rub it in yourself, and you can make sure you got it everywhere Now that we have sunblock down, we can move on to the technical issues.

Ok, so you just put on your sunblock and you are running right into the water! Wrong, you have to wait for it to "soak in". Yes, that old "story" your mother told you about how you had to let it soak in was true! Unless the sunblock was proven to be waterproof, you should let it soak in so it lasts longer. Also, if you plan on going into the water, you should re-apply every 3-4 hours. I try to put sunblock on in the morning, re-apply at lunch, and then it will last me until dinner. Well those are all the tips for preventing sunburn, but what if you did get sunburn?

In this section, I am going to show you how to heal from sunburn. The only real product that is used for this is Aloe Vera soothing gel, and it can be picked up at any local convienience store, and it really helps. It comes in a bottle with some green gel that is probably going to feel like the best goo that has ever touched your body. Just apply every 2-4 hours (Or as instructed by the bottle) and stay out of the sun. I really doubt your sunburn wants sunburn!!