Normally, we take great pains to prevent sunburn by limiting our exposure to sunlight as far as possible. Unbelievably, sunlight is the most effective source to build our immunity and a strong bone structure. Our body synthesizes nearly seventy-five percent of the Vitamin D it needs, to build our immunity and strong bones, directly from sunlight. Thus, as important as it is to prevent sunburn, it is vital and almost mandatory that we give our bodies a healthy dose of sun energy to keep the body strong and further strengthen our defense mechanism against various ailments.
Opposing views sunburn prevention methods
Within this framework, that exposure to sunlight is required, let us continue further to explore how to prevent sunburn. Given the constant exposure to sunlight due to our everyday routines, preventing sunburn is better than curing it. At this point, arise two diametric views on how to prevent sunburn optimally.
One group strongly believes that given the present medical advances and technology, using latest formulations prescribed by certified dermatologists that prevent sunburn, is the best method. This widely disputed by leading naturalists who list endless items of everyday use and certain specialized naturally occurring herb extractions, formulations that are effective and prevent sunburn or irreparable damage to the skin.
Consensus on treatments to prevent sunburn
However, after years of this unending debate on best method to prevent sunburn, there is consensus in that natural products, formulations be used if your are prone to prolonged exposure and harmful sunlight cannot be avoided. Since, not all of us are fortunate to tailor our daily schedule to avoid the maximum harshness of sunlight, which is, 11am to 2 pm we can only seek recourse in fortified applications. The proven and effective method used so far to prevent sunburn continues to be the use of sunblockers.
Why only sunblockers are recommended?
Professionals advise that only SPF 15 sunblocker composed of zinc, titanium oxide should be used. This is because sun blocks act as physical blockers, preventing the harmful ultraviolet rays from penetrating deep into your skin and instead reflect it away from your skin thus ensuring you effectively protect yourself from getting sun burnt.
Alternatively, chemical sunscreens are proven to actually bring the harmful UV radiation closer to the skin surface by absorbing it and rendering them to be the wrong choice to prevent sunburn.
Choose effective treatment that has natural ingredients
Ideally, when choosing a sun cream, the ingredients used in the preparation play a very important role in being able to prevent sunburn. Plant extracts, oils, antioxidants such as Vitamin E, Vitamin C, will provide the much needed hydration to skin, which is overly exposed to sunlight. These ingredients to an extent help in skin cell repair-both cellular layers as well as DNA damage. (Source: Mol Carcinogen, 1999; 24: 169-76)
Besides, it is always recommended that prolonged exposure to sunlight should be countered by increasing the intake of Vitamins C to 2g and 1000IU of Vitamin E, which will lower the tendency to sunburn. (Source: J Am Acad Dermatol, 1998; 38: 45-8)
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