Natural sun creams are becoming increasing popular, both as awareness of the potential hazards in standard toiletries grows, and as the products themselves get better and easier to use. Not only are higher and higher SPF products available, but owing to better technology and improved recipes, they no longer have the whitening effect associated with old-fashioned products.
While the quality and convenience of natural sun lotions has increased dramatically, however, it is still not possible to make a fully waterproof cream using only natural ingredients, and this is now the principle difference between natural and conventional products. There are some ingredients such as beeswax that can increase water resistance, but it will still be necessary to occasionally reapply your sunscreen, particularly after swimming.
It is essential to use a good sunscreen if you are going out in the sun, and to make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Even though there are high factor natural sun creams available, they should still be seen as an addition to sensible precautions in the sun. Avoiding midday to mid-afternoon, covering up and getting children in particular to wear hats (as much as they may hate it) remain the best sun protection measures you can use.
In cases of sunburn, aloe vera gel topically is soothing and cooling, and has traditionally been used for treating burns of all kinds. Most natural after sun lotions are aloe vera based. If you are trying to tan, then a rich body lotion that includes shea or cocoa butter can help keep skin moist, and plant oils with high antioxidant contents such as rosehip seed oil are vital to prevent skin damage that can be caused by increased levels of free radicals which exposure to the sun creates. A good anti-oxidant supplement is also advisable. If you want the look without the risk, good quality natural self-tan products are now available.
Staying in the sun too long can cause heat exhaustion or sunstroke. For heat exhaustion, as well as finding somewhere cool and shaded, the priority is to replace lost fluids. Emergen C sachets are ideal for this as they contain a high level of electrolytes. Otherwise, some salt and sugar dissolved into water is more effective for dehydration than just water on its own. The homoeopathic remedy belladonna can also be useful for both heat exhaustion and severe sunburn. Sunstroke, an extreme form of heat exhaustion where the ability of the body to regulate its core temperature is lost, and which can cause mental confusion, dizziness and even coma should be treated as a medical emergency, and an ambulance called.
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