LENA BLOG

There are many reactions that are caused when sunlight hits your outer skin. Melanocytes are excited into action, which in turn produce melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its individual color or tan . Sunlight causes freckles , the color in some moles , and potentially mild to severe sunburn . Finally, DNA can be altered and may form malignancies later on. Melanin absorbs UV light and is produced by your body in an attempt to protect itself from radiation. A tan is the body’s way of responding to sun damage. When you see people walking around with a nice golden tan, they are literally exemplifying the body’s magnificent response to danger. If you have a tan, you have sun damage. The two are one and the same. Black skin, however, is naturally protected (in part) from the sun due to the high amounts of melanin inherent in the skin. So if you’re African-American or another dark skin type, you have not incurred damage; you are simply blessed with a built-in sunscre...

I can’t say enough about this miraculous herb. I have used aloe in many different circumstances, and each time it came through with flying colors. Aloe vera is my #1 sunburn remedy . Whenever you’re going someplace where you’ll be exposed to the sun, I strongly recommend taking a bottle of aloe vera gel with you. It is easy to use and does a great job of healing and soothing the skin. Don’t leave home without it. You can find 100% aloe vera gel at most health food stores. You don’t want to use a gel that has less than 95% aloe in it. Otherwise, you may get too many unwanted ingredients along with the aloe. Simply apply the gel to sunburned areas Because it’s a gel, it will dry fairly quickly Depending on the severity of the burn, I would apply it liberally and frequently It works on any kind of burn, not just sunburn Keep it on hand for vacations or whenever you know you’ll get extended sun exposure. Aloe vera gel is also good for dehydrated skin . If your skin h...

If you are going on any kind of outing, take the following items to ensure you won’t have an attack of “lobster skin.” All of these suggested articles will fit in a small backpack or beach bag. Don’t leave home without them , or you may come back home sporting a sunburn.  Always have a lightweight, long-sleeved, white T-shirt (like the kind you get for running a race or a sun-protective type). It will cover most of your upper body and save you from burning. You can pull it on and off if you are boating, on the beach, or even taking a long walk or hike. It can be wrapped around your waist when you aren’t wearing it. Lighter colors reflect light and won’t make you feel as hot as darker colors. Better yet, purchase an SPF-rated long-sleeved shirt. These are widely available nowadays, although they can be pricey. Cotton, linen, or other lightweight, drawstring or other loose-fitting pants in a light, sun-reflecting color are good to have around—especially on a boat...