Sunburn - Up Your Antioxidants - Oil Your Burn

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Up Your Antioxidants

Whenever your skin burns, cells are damaged. This damage is caused by free radicals, which are free-roaming, unstable molecules that are seeking to stabilize themselves by stealing electrons from healthy cells. As a result of this cell damage, free radicals can cause premature wrinkling, and in the case of repeated sun exposure, even skin cancer. If you take antioxidants, substances that scavenge free radicals in the body, you can speed healing and prevent rapid cell damage.

At your drugstore or health food store, you will find plenty of antioxidant combination products on the shelf. Alternatively, you can choose to take separate supplements of vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, all of which have strong antioxidant properties, says Dr. Foulser.

For a mild sunburn, take 50,000 international units (IU) of beta-carotene a day, Dr. Foulser advises. If your sunburn is more severe, you could take 100,000 IU of beta-carotene for a few days and then reduce it to 50,000 IU as the burn heals. Dr. Foulser also suggests taking 800 IU daily of vitamin E, which is known to aid in the repair of damaged skin.

"You should keep this up for about a couple of weeks, even after you think the burn has healed," she says. The exceptions are pregnant women and people with liver problems, who should never take high doses of beta-carotene, even for short periods. To be safe, consult a holistic physician before starting this program, Dr. Foulser suggests.

Vitamin E also can be used topically on sun-damaged skin along with other salves and skin conditioners, says Dr. Foulser

Oil Your Burn

Because sunburn essentially produces skin inflammation, it’s helpful to take herbs with strong anti-inflammatory properties, says Dr. Foulser.

She recommends evening primrose oil, which contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). The body transforms GLA into hormonelike compounds called prostaglandin, which have anti-inflammatory effects. When you put more GLA into your system, your body has increased power to reduce inflammation.

The essential fatty acids in this oil provide another benefit: They are good for overall skin health, says Dr. Foulser. She recommends taking six capsules daily of evening primrose oil for long-term use.

"If you want, you can take more, because this oil is quite safe," she adds. Be sure to check the labels of the supplement for information on recommended dosages.