To my knowledge, none of us has yet attained perfection (at least not yet!). We are all works in progress, battling our vices, setting our goals, and trying our best. Yet sometimes, no matter how hard we strive, we come up short. We flub the triple axel, deflate the soufflé, mis-conjugate the irregular French subjunctive. Of course, I have problems comprehending how it could possibly be difficult to remember to put on sunscreen. But then again, since we are all human and therefore flawed, I’ll try my hardest not to judge. If you do fall off the SPF wagon and end up with a **sunburn**, 1) DO NOT EVER DO THAT AGAIN!, and 2) here’s my advice for healing:

Natural Topicals to Treat and Soothe

Natural actives can offer short-term relief—hydrating, healing, calming, cooling and soothing skin irritated from overexposure to the sun. Be sure to apply them in their fresh, most concentrated form for maximum benefit.

Cucumber: cucumber juice has beneficial moisture-binding, moisture-regulating and anti-inflammatory properties; it acts as a tightening agent for stressed and tired skin; and contains amino acids and organic acids that help to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier.
Aloe Vera: this compound expressed from the leaf of the aloe plant and known for its hydrating, softening, healing, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties penetrates the skin and provides moisture directly to the tissue; it also assists in regulating skin moisture and absorbs UV light. It has a relaxing and cooling effect on the skin and is often used in treating burns. Aloe Vera is constituted of about 99.5% water and has a synergistic effect when used in conjunction with other anti-inflammatory substances. Concentrations of over 50% have been proven to increase the blood supply (for increased healing) to the area of application.

Sunburns often strike where skin meets bathing suit. Sensitive and hard-to-reach spots you’ve neglected to smear with suntan lotion (along bikini lines, underneath buttock cheeks, or around the breasts and armpits) often fall victim. These burn spots then have to face daily irritation from tight elastic in bras and underwear. To ease chafing, cover the burned area with a dusting of cornstarch. Don’t apply petroleum jelly or oils, which can exacerbate the burn by blocking pores. If the burn is blistering, however, don’t apply anything.

Baths and Soaks

Mixed with bathwater, certain natural ingredients can bring down sunburn-related inflammation and bring soothing relief to irritated skin.

Soothing Oatmeal Bath – Grind two cups of colloidal oats in a blender, add to 1/3 cup dry green leaves, place in the middle of a cheesecloth and secure with string. Tie the pouch under running water as you fill the tub. Keep bathwater temperature lukewarm to warm. Relax in the tub for twenty minutes. Once the water starts to cool, you may add more warm water. Air-dry your body and let oatmeal remain on your skin.

Milk Bath – Steep 4 chamomile tea bags for 15 minutes in 1 cup of boiled water. Fill a tub with lukewarm to warm water. Add 1 cup powdered milk and 2 tablespoons sunflower oil to the bathwater, then add the chamomile tea mixture. Air-dry your body allowing the milk/chamomile mixture to remain on your skin.

The sun dries out the skin’s surface and causes cells and blood vessels to leak, leading to even greater moisture loss. Keep in mind that while cool baths and compresses can make you feel better, they can also end up robbing moisture from your injured skin. To prevent drying, apply moisturizer immediately after your soak. For cooling relief of pain and dryness, chill the moisturizer in the refrigerator before using.

Active Ingredients for Long-Term Rejuvenation and Restoration

Even a single sunburn can cause photo-damage to your skin, contributing to signs of aging. Look for these actives in pure or highly concentrated form to help heal and reverse the negative long term effects.

Alpha Lipoic Acid – A powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, ALA is what science refers to as a “super antioxidant”: it enhances the viability of both vitamins C and E as well as the anti-oxidant efficacy of other nutrients. ALA scavenges free radicals caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation and works on a genetic level to reduce the aging stresses on the skin. ALA also has anti-inflammatory and photo protectant capabilities to promote younger looking skin.
Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) – Clinical studies of topical application of Vitamin E have evidenced its ability to decrease skin erythema (redness) from ultraviolet radiation as well as skin wrinkling and tumor formation. Alpha-Tocopherol is considered the most important oil-soluble antioxidant and free-radical scavenger: it helps to maintain the skin’s connective tissue and reduce trans-epidermal water, loss thereby improving skin hydration and the appearance of rough, dry skin.
Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic acid) – Vitamin C scavenges free radicals and stimulates collagen synthesis as well as providing anti-inflammatory affects. Clinical studies demonstrate Vitamin C’s ability to decrease the depth of fine lines and wrinkles caused by photo damage, as well as improve the thickness of the skin.
Grape Seed Extract and Grape Seed Oil have wide-ranging health benefits and significant anti-oxidant properties. They serve as a great source of polyphenols/flavonoids, the Essential Fatty Acid Linoleic Acid, and vitamin E—all of which can help in reversal of photo-aging.

A few trips to the doctor’s office in Santa Monica can also help to reverse UV radiation’s detrimental effects. Various laser treatments can stimulate collagen and help to repair a damaged skin support network; other procedures can address dark pigment and other casualties of overexposure to the sun. If you’ve been negligent, talk to your dermatologist—most likely, he or she can help. Just know you might be in for a lecture or two. And expect to leave with a sunhat!

There you go. Feel better. And keep striving for perfection. Next time, save money, save aggravation and save your skin—and hit the drugstore before you hit the beach. You’ll make your mother proud.

For more information on sunburn treatment, visit WebMD.com.