How to soothe your sunburn with aloe vera?

Also known as solar erythema, sunburn refers to a first-degree burn of the skin caused by the UVB rays of the sun. This phenomenon usually occurs after prolonged exposure without sun protection. However, some people with sensitive and/or light skin, therefore lacking in melanin, can experience sunburn after just a few minutes of exposure. Sunburns are characterised by redness, sometimes sharp pain, and itching. In the most severe cases, blisters can even appear.

When exposed, to protect the skin, melanocytes produce melanin (a pigment responsible for the brown colour) which migrates to the surface of the epidermis and colours it: this is known as tanning. If the exposure is too long and/or the UVB rays too intense, tanning gives way to a sunburn. According to a study published about a decade ago, thebiological process that occurs during the onset of a sunburn is of an inflammatory type. The sun's UVB rays damage microRNAs which, once released into the extracellular environment, stimulate pro-inflammatory cytokines. A chain reaction then triggers a sunburn on the skin surface.

Belonging to the Liliaceae family, thealoe vera orAloe barbadensishas prickly leaves with a tough appearance. These leaves contain a transparent gelatinous pulp, which is edible once the aloin-rich latex surrounding it is removed. The pressure of this pulp provides the famous aloe vera gel. This gel is colourless and has a viscous texture. It is believed to contain no less than ahundred active substances, nutrients and other components (polysaccharides, vitamins, trace elements, enzymes and amino acids). In cosmetics, this natural compound is an excellent multifunctional active ingredient known for its moisturising, repairing and soothing properties.