Aloe vera is great to help soothe sunburnt skin
When you’ve overdone the sunbathing or been caught by surprise with the heat of the sun, there’s a natural remedy you should turn to, aloe vera.
The aloe vera plant produces two magical substances: gel and latex. The aloe gel is a clear, jelly like substance found inside the leaves with huge hydration properties and instantly cools and soothes sun ravaged skin. The latex is yellow and comes from under the plant’s skin. This has anti-inflammatory substances which help reduce the redness and promotes the healing process.
Nira Betancor Galván from Gran Canaria Wellness (www.grancanariawellness.com) advises how to take the heat out of sunburn with this very special plant:
1. Once you have sunburn there is very little you can do about it besides covering it up and letting it heal. However, the gel of the aloe vera plant is the best way to help soothe the burning sensation as well as help promote the healing process.
2. The best way to apply aloe vera is straight from the plant leaves. Aloe vera plants grow naturally on Gran Canaria but the plants are readily available in supermarkets and garden centres. Simply slit open the broad leaves and apply the clear gel direct to the affected area.
3. As aloe vera has a high water content, it will evaporate, especially in a hot climate, so make sure you reapply often.
4. Applying aloe vera directly onto sunburned skin brings immediate relief. The anti-inflammatory compounds it contains will help reduce any swelling and allow healing to begin. The gel itself soothes and takes away the burning sensation. It also helps calm the affected area reducing the damage done to the tissue.
5. If the burn is severe, you should always see your doctor.
Tagged in Sunburn