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Home Cures for Sun Burns Tanning of skin is a normal process that occurs when skin is exposed to sunlight. This process is actually protective and beneficial to the skin, but many people see it as a problem because of the perception that fair skin is more beautiful. Exposure to sunlight for long periods of time can damage the skin and cause several health problems if the skin is not protected. To some extent, the skin is able to protect itself but creating more of the skin pigment melanin, which blocks sunlight. This is what creates a tan, and the best “remedy” for this is to avoid the sunlight. Without exposure to sunlight, a tan slowly fades on its own, and skin returns to its natural color.
Beyond a point however, skin is not able to protect itself, which is why it is important to cover yourself adequately if you are going to be outdoors for long, and if for some reason you cannot cover yourself completely — for example, if you are on the beach or in a swimming pool — wear an appropriate sunscreen. Too much exposure to sunlight can result in sunburn, which is usually a mild although painful problem, but can sometimes be serious and also always carries the risk of future skin cancer. For mild sunburn, no real treatment is necessary apart from hydrating the skin using substances like aloe gel and drinking enough water. The skin will peel and itch, and heal on its own in a few weeks.
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