Summer time!

Great time to get out into that warm sunshine and soak in those rays?

Not without some protection!

I remember when I was younger and there was a huge fad with laying in the sun to toast yourself to get a deep tan. Being very fair skinned myself, this always resulted in sun burns and some of them were quite severe. I remember one summer in particular that I wanted to get a tan and be like everyone else. I laid in the sun and the result was a severe burn across my back that created so much pain and such large blisters that I had to wear loose cotton t-shirts and have salve put on my back to relieve the pain. Well, I learned the hard way, protect your skin when you are in the sun.

While there seems to be this belief that a nice toasty tone to your skin gives you the look of health, that is just not true. There are lots of articles out there and reams of research about the negative effects of the sun and its potential to damage your skin over the long term. Once the tone or color of your skin changes as a result of UV rays, the damage has been done. This also shoots the theory of creating a “base tan” as a way to protect your skin.

What to do when fun in the sun is not so fun after all.

So what do you do if you are unfortunate enough to get a sun burn?

Keep it cool! Use either a cold compress or soak in a cool tub to bring down the heat. I would not recommend using any salts or suds but perhaps a herbal bath with the Tres Spa Tub Teas especially Romance or Sanctuary.

Keep it moist! Using a lotion, cream or a body butter can help create moisture for your skin. I have many customers who use the Tres Spa Naked Body Butter. When I am asked by people what I use, this is the one. A body butter works to lay down a thicker coating of the skin than a lotion or even a cream since it contains no water. Continue to use the moisturizer as the dead skin peels away as this will help the new skin as well.

Here is a great article with simple steps to help relieve a burn from the Mayo Clinic:Sunburn

If you experience severe sun burn or other exposure symptoms such as dizziness, headache, or vomiting, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Best defense? Don’t be there to receive the offence.

Okay so we’ve all heard about the benefits of a little daily dose of sunshine and the rays providing the much needed vitamin D. You don’t want to live in a cave hiding away from those lovely happy and inviting rays of the sun so you know you are going to get outside and enjoy. Who could blame you? Do yourself a favor though and avoid all of the hassle and pain with toasting your skin by protecting yourself.

The best ways to protect your skin from damaging rays are;

Avoid the sun during the hours of 10am to 4pm

Wear protective clothing. Lose fitting clothes that cover the skin and hats to protect your face and neck.

Use liberal amounts of a sunscreen with a high SPF value.

To learn more about Tres Spa and to see a full list of products available, please visit our on-line store at www.tresspa.com