Whether you live along the Sunbelt or practice massage therapy in the northern states, clients may come in at almost any time of the year with sunburn. In the summer, it might be after spending too much time at the beach or in the backyard. In the winter months, it could be from skiing or from a holiday spent in a sunny climate. Learn how to help your clients cope with the effects of too much sun exposure.
Read the full article at Integrative-Healthcare.org.
PLEASE DO NOT RECOMMEND PUTTING ANY KIND OF OIL ON ANY KIND OF BURN – EVEN SUNBURN – YOU’LL CONTINUE TO COOK THE SKIN FROM THE RESIDUAL HEAT – ALOE, ETC – BUT NEVER ANY KIND OF OIL (OR BUTTER)
Thank you Isabella!
Of course common sense should always prevail, even with mild sunburn.
Most likely the person who is sunburned will not be coming in for a massage right off the beach, and will have waited a day or two before getting any kind of massage. You would never put oil on newly burned skin, but a day or two after a very mild sunburn is okay. The skin has already started to heal and certain oils can assist in that healing, especially if in a formula mixed with aloe vera
Even within the 1st, 2nd, 3rd degree classifications there are gradations of sunburn from a slight pink to a deep red within the first degree. Once it starts blistering it becomes a second degree. So on the milder side of a first degree burn, oil should not make it worse.
Assuming (and recommending to the client) not to go out and sit in the sun after getting a massage will prevent any further ‘cooking’ of the skin.
There are massage lubricant formulas geared towards healing sunburn containing essential oils and cooling ingredients.
Thank you for your comment,
Linda Fehrs, LMT