Post from the Past: Part 3 (Aloe Vera Warning)

This blog content was originally posed on April 17, 2008 on my Myspace Blog. I wanted to share.
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While at the Wilderness First Aid training I learned a little something about sunburns and Aloe Vera: they do not go together!

"There is nothing good about the Aloe plant except for its intense ability to absorb junk." -American Red Cross Instructor

We've been taught to put Aloe Vera on sunburns; the cooling effect is supposedly a sign that it's working, and it feels good on the hot skin. However, the aloe is actually harming your skin. It is able to absorb quickly through the burnt layer of skin and even into the still healthy skin below it. In effect, it dries out both layers (ever wonder why your skin gets really sticky even though the Aloe Vera supposedly has "moisturizers?"). This is why no matter how much Aloe Vera you put on, you still end up peeling within a couple of days.

The aloe's ability to absorb is harmful because once you open your container of Aloe Vera, it immediately absorbs the germs, bacteria, and dirt in the air. The longer the container goes unused, the more germs are absorbed (How many of you have a container that you opened over a year ago?).

The best remedy for sunburn is cool (not cold) water over the skin (running water or with a damp cloth). You skin is hot after being in the sun because it continues to "cook." Cool water helps to lower the temperature and end the "cooking effect" sooner. Keep the skin moist so that it naturally heals on its own. If you feel that you need to use a lotion, use your regular body lotion (unless, of course, if it has aloe as an added ingredient).

With that, hope you all are able to avoid sunburns this summer... I, unfortunately, already have one!!