I am sure that we have all been guilty of over sun exposure in pursuit of that healthy glowing tan and have been left paying the price of our vanity. While prevention is better than cure, we all make mistakes in the protection of our skin. This article looks at how the 'aloe vera plant' and its amazing healing qualities, may be used in the natural treatment of sunburn.

For those that have an aloe vera plant, you can literally extract a piece and plant and rub the leaves gel directly on the afflicted area. For those that don't, do not despair, as there are numerous 'aloe based products' in retail markets that treat sunburn.

Aloe vera is very popular and effective in naturally treating sunburn. The aloe vera gel contains a vast variety of nutrients and substances which include powerful anti-inflammatory agents that naturally cool effected skin. These include 'aloectin B', a chemical that has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and stimulate the immune system.

It is also exceptional in the treatment of burns, and soothing the pain associated with burns. The aloe gel also contains vitamins and trace elements which are very beneficial in nourishing skin after sun exposure.

Aloe vera also contains fibroblasts which are specific cells that function in the production of collagen and elastin fibres and are key components in maintaining and prolonging plump, elastic and youthful skin.

While the application of an aloe vera product can stimulate the natural regenerative process of the skin, it's also important to remember that when subjected to heat the body loses fluid as it attempts to cool. For this reason, it is imperative to re-hydrate as part of the process of restoring skin to a healthy balance.

The ancient Greeks aptly named the aloe vera plant the 'ultimate panacea', the 'ultimate healer'. The healing properties of this amazing little plant are questionably unrivalled in nature. It's these properties that when incorporated into a lotion can provide a natural holistic remedy in the cure of over sun exposure.