Has this ever happened you? A nice pleasant trip to the country or beach was ruined because you got badly sunburned.

Sun damaged skin caused by over exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays usually results in a first-degree burn. The symptoms are normally limited to minor pain, redness and sometimes a white plaque at the site of the burn. This level of burn only affects the top epidermal skin layer.

There are four degrees of burns. Levels two through four are more serious and are usually caused by extreme hot or cold temperatures, boiling water, radiation, chemicals, electricity and friction.

However, severe sun damage may cause a second-degree burn resulting in pain, blistering, epidermal and superficial dermis and possibly even deep reticular dermis layer damage. This level of burn often requires attention and treatment by a medical practitioner.

Let's discuss how your body tries to recover from a first-degree burn, and how you can help treat sun-damaged skin.

As soon as your body recognizes it has been damaged it triggers several defensive mechanisms. These include DNA repair and increased melanin to transform UV radiation into heat without generating free radicals. It is very important not to get sunburned again on top of this first-degree burn. So whilst you recover avoid the sun.

Your skin needs to be hydrated; this can be done with a good quality natural topical skin cream containing a variety of antioxidant and emollient ingredients. However, you must make sure the cream contains the maximum amount of active ingredients possible. Many skin creams on the market today only contain miniscule amounts of active ingredients, so always read the label.

Use a skin cream that includes substances like Coenzyme Q10 in the form Nano-Lipobelle H-EQ10 to help remove free radicals from your skin. Phytessence Wakame can help increase your hyaluronic acid to help fight the causes of oxidative stress caused by UV sunrays. Another unique ingredient Cynergy TK"(TM)" helps moisturize and hydrate your skin, and can stimulate the re-growth of collagen and elastin proteins in your dermis.

Next time you're outdoors, remember you don't want sun-damaged skin, be smart and always apply a sunscreen, wear a hat and protective clothing so you don't get burned in the first place. Remember to apply a skin moisturizing cream morning and night to keep your skin well hydrated.

At my website, I discuss more anti aging skin issues, plus new ingredients that can benefit your facial appearance, and help give you a younger and smoother looking complexion.