health and weelbeing

Following her mother’s sudden passing in 2021, serial entrepreneur Katleho Tsoku wondered if she would ever know joy in her life again. Following my dad and brother’s passing years ago, it had just been my mom and I – and our extended family of course. “Reflecting on my own life, I remembered how bringing people together and creating experiences had been a big part of what made my life beautiful,” says Katleho who’s previously owned a restaurant. The answer that became palpably obvious during those moments of reflection was that redirection is one of few ways that help with finding purpose and joy again. And so, the idea of HOSTED was born.READ MORE: How Dyslexia Led Me To A Thriving Career In ArtPicking up the piecesAs I started researching how I could bring this to life, I discovered a term called The Joycononomy.  It is a term coined by Wunderman Thompson Intelligence. “The Joyconomy leverages the power of joy to connect. It is a response to people’s deliberate gravitation towards joy in the face of continued hardship globally especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. This was an AHA moment for me, because my yearning for joy was not just personal, there was a widespread yearning for joy and connection.”As I continued to do my research, particularly on how HOSTED could serve women, I came across startling research on the widening gender-burn-out gap mostly impacting Black Women. “Women struggle to balance self-care against filling the needs of their families. But for Black women, juggling those competing needs often comes against a backdrop of intergenerational trauma and suppression of emotions. In the Black community, women have perfected obsessive selflessness to an art form. We end up exhausted, emotionally drained — and in many cases, unhealthy — because we are conditioned to serve the needs of others and display superhuman strength — to our own detriment.” (CNN)READ MORE: DJ And Fitness Trainer Miss Bee On Crafting A New Life After Surviving CancerThe JoyconomySo what started off as a really personal project, is evolving into a product that is on a mission to help women nurture joy, beauty and community through the lens of hosting and gathering. And we do that by elevating the practice of gathering by providing a curated ecosystem of inspiration, quality products (women-owned), and enriching experiences that help hosting enthusiasts create memorable and beautiful gatherings with ease. Simply put, joyconomy refers to the idea of finding joy and beauty following loss, i.e. creating beauty from ‘ruins’.READ MORE: Banesa Tseki On How Yoga Gave Her A New Lease On LifeThrough hosting and gathering as a form of essential self-care particularly for women. Also, new research showing that one of the reasons women live longer is because of the gathering they do and community they build with other women. I think I will leave it at that for now and let you marinate on it a bit. I am happy to have a call and chat further. You had asked if I would be ready for an interview next week, depending on what you would need, I definitely can make it happen! More

There’s a reason the words “believe in yourself” are plastered on classroom signs and cross-stitched on throw pillows. Your sense of self-efficacy, or the belief that you can accomplish what you set out to do – whether that’s finishing a 5K or a master’s degree – plays a huge role in whether or not you succeed, according to experts and research.While this may seem quite obvious, developing (and, later, maintaining) an I-can-do attitude is easier said than done. A person’s sense of self-efficacy is built up over time as they experience life and, inevitably, failure, says Jessica B. Stern, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Langone Health, and host of SiriusXM’s Doctor Radio. How people respond to messing up a presentation at work or getting their heart broken shapes future success. “Are you able to work through frustration? How you interpret that or extrapolate from that frustration is meaningful,” says Stern. If you always tell yourself that you will fail or that one misstep means you might as well quit altogether, you are less likely to succeed. Unfortunately, improving that self-talk can be a bit more challenging than ordering an inspirational pillow on Etsy.The good news? There are everyday strategies you can do to strengthen this mental muscle. Just like you’d need to build up your cardiovascular endurance before crushing that 5K, you need to work your self-efficacy in small ways to see lasting results, says Brian Licuanan, PhD, a California-based clinical psychologist and author of How to Get Your Resisting Loved One Into Treatment. Science backs this up, too: A 2020 study of medical students showed building up self-efficacy improved academic results. And self-efficacy was the strongest predictor for student success, according to a 2012 study.How To Assess Your Self-Efficacy LevelThe way you speak to yourself, especially in the face of obstacles, is an easy way to gauge your own sense of self-efficacy, says Thea Gallagher, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and associate professor at NYU Langone Health. A person with low self-efficacy will discount their achievements and blame themselves if they believe they made an error. “[They] might say, ‘Yeah, I did that thing, but other people could do it better,’ or ‘I didn’t do a great job,’ or ‘It wasn’t that hard,’” Gallagher says. “They add disclaimers to accomplishments and double down on the negative self-talk.”On the other end of the spectrum, a person with high self-efficacy has grace for their mistakes and speaks kindly to themselves, like they might talk to a friend. In the face of failure, they tend to recognise their error and start fresh with a new plan. It’s about the bounce back, not the setback.FYI: This doesn’t mean someone with high self-efficacy thinks they are perfect, says Gallagher. “It’s about keeping track of the thing you do that you’re proud of, or that might be a little bit hard for you.” And those who have high self-efficacy still need to work toward their goals, adds Licuanan. If you want to participate in Dry January, for example, you shouldn’t celebrate New Year’s Eve with a bottle of tequila and expect to wake up the next morning a new person. For your belief in yourself to work and, ultimately, help you achieve your goals, you need to start by breaking those goals down into small, realistic steps, he says.Self-Efficacy Vs. Self-Esteem: Many people either haven’t heard of self-efficacy or conflate it with self-esteem or self-confidence, says Licuanan. “[But] Self-esteem, or confidence, is just a general feeling of one’s worth and meaningfulness.” Self-esteem tends to be based on overall emotion toward oneself, whereas self-efficacy is tied to motivation, achievement and success. Learning to use your self-esteem and/or general sense of meaning in the world, can also strengthen that self-efficacy muscle, too. For example, think about your place in your world as you go about your daily tasks. This will help you recognise that others rely on you and you make a meaningful impact, says Licuanan, and keeping that top of mind is motivating.Ahead, the experts share six ways to build up your sense of self-efficacy every day:1. Start a to-do list of all of your tasks and cross them off as you finishWhile you may take it for granted that when your alarm goes off each morning, you work out, hop in the shower and make breakfast – all before heading to work for the day – taking a moment to acknowledge and celebrate your “micro successes” can help beginners build up their self-efficacy, says Licuanan. “From fixing your bed to being able to eat meals and go to the gym, we take those as routine activities, but those are highly successful activities.”Start taking stock of your micro successes by writing a to-do list for everything you do in a day and cross the tasks off as you finish them. Once you watch all those little wins pile up, you’ll be more willing to venture outside of your comfort zone and tackle bigger life goals, he says.2. Repeat positive affirmations to yourselfAs mentioned, self-talk plays a big role in building up a strong sense of self-efficacy. If your inner monologue is a bit negative, it can be understandably difficult to believe in your own success. This is where positive affirmations come in, the experts say. Something as simple as repeating ‘I will be more positive, I am patient, I am successful’ to yourself can have a profound impact on your mental state, says Licuanan. And while it may seem silly to repeat something, especially a phrase you may not believe in, what you are actually doing is subconsciously rewiring your brain by creating new neurological pathways. Over time, your brain will begin to truly believe what you’re telling yourself. It happens slowly, says Stern, but it is powerful.3. JournalWriting about your day, what is going on and how you feel about it all can be helpful here, says Stern. You can start by observing how you speak about yourself in your writing or begin to catalogue your wins throughout the day – from catching the early bus to having a great night out with your bestie. Taking the time to slow down and appreciate the positive moments already happening in your life can help build up your self-efficacy.READ MORE: 15 Best Journalling Apps To Start The New Year With More Mindfulness4. Look at the evidenceIf you tend to think in extremes (meaning, you’re either the worst or the best at everything with no room for nuance), pausing and questioning yourself can help you switch your self-talk, says Gallagher. Say you have a goal of drinking more water each day. Instead of questioning why you can’t get it together, look at the evidence. Are you making it easy to stay hydrated by bringing a water bottle with you? Are you speaking to yourself kindly, even when you realise at 6 p.m. you haven’t sipped anything other than cold brew?These are all steps in a positive direction and, although they may seem small, they matter. Looking at this evidence and giving yourself a pat on the back for trying is important, Gallagher says. Examining the facts versus what you’re telling yourself can illuminate differences in your narrative vs reality, helping you to get back and/or stay on track.5. Listen to positive messages like motivational talks and podcastsListening to stories from people who have overcome hardship to achieve their goals can also help expand your perspective. Seeing that other people, just like yourself, have survived their own struggles and emerged stronger can fortify your belief in your own success. Watching Ted Talks or motivational speeches on YouTube or incorporating an inspirational podcast into your daily routine is an easy way to build up your sense of self-efficacy, says Licuanan.READ MORE: These 3 Mental Exercises Can Help You Find Your Purpose In Life At Any Age6. Write down a list of your strengthsAn easy way to shut your inner sh*t talker up is to have a list of things you love about yourself in your back pocket. Take a few moments to write down your personal strengths, says Stern, whether on a piece of paper or in the Notes app of your phone. Maybe you are a good friend or a hard worker. When your inner monologue tells you otherwise, refer back to this list. Bonus points if you keep it on your phone, wallet, or somewhere else easily accessible.While believing in yourself isn’t always easy, developing and maintaining a strong sense of self-efficacy can help you achieve more and live a fuller life. So, next time you see a cheesy sign or cross-stitched pillow with the words “believe in yourself,” take a moment and let that sink in. After all, if you don’t believe in yourself, who will?This article by Jacqueline Tempera was originally published on Women’s Health US. More

If packed gyms on January 1 are any indication, everyone starts off the new year with the best of intentions – from upping your organisation skills to getting fit after a hectic holiday season. However, statistics have found that only a fraction of people actually stick with their resolutions. Here are some simple ways to see a happy and healthy New Year all the way through.Start off slowlyIt might have been the champagne talking when you decided you were going to run a marathon – even though you don’t own running shoes. Rather than setting unrealistic goals, start with ones you can achieve, like starting off with a beginner’s running plan and then moving onto training for a 5K or a 10km race if you’re new to running and build from there.READ MORE: Step Into Your Best Shape With The WH Walking ChallengeWork with your personality – not totally against itDon’t set yourself up for failure. If you’ve never been a morning person for example, don’t decide to start working out every day at 6 am. Instead, pick a time when you’ll actually enjoy going to the gym and you’ll be much more likely to keep that motivation and feel positive about the changes.Monitor your successApps and fitness trackers are great tools for helping you along the way. You can use various apps to track your weight, measure body fat and water levels and obtain bone mass info.READ MORE: 20 Fitness Apps To Kickstart Your Wellness JourneyFind support in numbersIt’s easy to join a gym and just not show up, but signing up for a class or a running group means you’ll have a built-in network to help you see it through. Even pairing up with a friend means you’re not just letting yourself down, and accountability is a powerful motivator.Check In with YourselfAdd a reminder to your calendar at three months, six months, and nine months to see how well you’ve stayed the course. It’s never too late for a resolutions re-boot and following up with yourself down the line will either make you feel proud or motivate you to get back on track. More

In 2024, all you need to do is open TikTok and scroll for a few minutes before you’ll no doubt come across someone speaking about their cortisol levels and how by using simple techniques, they’ve managed to improve things like their mental health or reduce their weight.  For many, however, it can seem like another buzzword and be highly confusing – causing you to keep scrolling while you’re likely dealing with the silent symptoms without realising. So, what is it? Cortisol, often dubbed the ‘stress hormone‘, is central to our body’s ability to handle challenging situations. Yet, when it remains elevated for long periods, it can wreak havoc on both our physical and mental well-being.  Studies have shown that persistently high cortisol is linked to increased blood pressure, insulin resistance (which can lead to diabetes), and a weakened immune system, making us more susceptible to illness. Furthermore, prolonged high cortisol levels are associated with mental health issues like depression, as well as shortened life expectancy.As a board-certified doctor in both OB-Gyn and Integrative Medicine, Dr Suzanne Hackenmiller spent many years researching the healing power of nature, and one of the most effective ways to combat high cortisol levels is also one of the simplest: spending time outdoors in nature. READ MORE: 5 Ways AI Healthcare is Changing EverythingA prescription for natureAs both a physician and a certified forest therapy guide, she often prescribes nature as part of her patients’ treatment plans for managing stress, anxiety and depression. While there’s no one-size-fits-all recommendation, the evidence suggests that spending at least 120 minutes in nature each week can significantly improve your health, but you can certainly feel results from regular short periods outdoors.  A 2019 study in Scientific Reports found that people who spent two hours or more in natural settings each week were more likely to report good health and higher levels of well-being compared to those who didn’t. Spending time in nature offers a powerful antidote to elevated cortisol. Numerous studies have demonstrated that immersing ourselves in natural environments significantly reduces stress markers, including cortisol. For example, a 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that just 20-30 minutes spent in nature can lower salivary cortisol by over 21%, offering a natural way to combat the stress that comes with daily life. The exact mechanism behind this is still being studied, but one way nature appears to help is by improving heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of the body’s autonomic nervous system. Studies have found that time in nature improves HRV, which allows our bodies to shift from a stressed, “fight-or-flight” state to a more relaxed, parasympathetic mode. This shift is key to reducing cortisol levels and calming the mind. The mental health benefits of natureBeyond its impact on cortisol, nature offers a wealth of mental health benefits. A 90-minute walk in a natural setting has been shown to reduce rumination, which is the repetitive cycle of negative thoughts often associated with anxiety and depression. It also decreases activity in the brain’s prefrontal cortex, a region linked to these negative thought patterns. In short, time outdoors can quiet the mind and promote a sense of emotional well-being.  Sunlight, a natural part of being outdoors, plays its own role in improving mood by boosting serotonin production – a neurotransmitter associated with happiness and emotional balance.  Nature as a physical and immune boosterIn addition to its mental health benefits, nature can also boost physical health in unexpected ways. Spending time outdoors exposes us to phytoncides, the natural chemicals released by trees and plants that have been shown to enhance immune function. Research from Japan has found that these phytoncides increase the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which help our bodies fight off infections. This practice, known as forest bathing or Shinrin-yoku, has become a key part of preventive health care in Japan and is gaining traction in other parts of the world as well. Physical movement is another inherent benefit of spending time outside. Walking, hiking, or even leisurely strolling not only burns calories but also stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin, which further contribute to an overall sense of well-being. These mood-boosting chemicals are part of why we feel so much better after spending time in the fresh air. Simple ways to get outsideIf you’re new to spending time outdoors, the good news is that you don’t need to spend hours in the wilderness to reap the rewards. Studies suggest that even short doses of nature – 10 or 20 minutes at a time – can make a noticeable difference. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike on a local trail, or simply sitting outside in a natural environment, the key is to make outdoor time a regular part of your life. The benefits begin to accumulate even with small doses of time. For some, incorporating nature into their daily routine might mean exploring nearby parks, while others might prefer longer hikes on weekends or vacations.  READ MORE: 7 Easy Ways To Stay In Shape If You Genuinely Suck At Working Out In The HeatWhether you’re battling the pressures of modern life or simply looking to enhance your well-being, time outdoors is a powerful, accessible and scientifically supported solution. Regardless of how you choose to engage with nature, the important thing is to make it a regular practice, and your body and mind will thank you. This article by Dr. Suzanne Hackenmiller was originally published on Women’s Health AUS. More

Summer’s here and so are the bugs. But don’t let them turn your sunny adventures into an itchy nightmare. Whether it’s ticks lurking in the veld, mozzies crashing your backyard braai, or bed bugs haunting your travels, these tiny troublemakers can ruin the holiday fast. Here’s how to avoid scratching your way through the season with our bug-proof guide.Ixodes (Tick)Favourite HangoutThe veld, especially where it’s warm and humid — such as the east coast. “Ticks sit on grass stalks or leaves and wait for animals or humans to pass by so they can latch on,” says entomologist Dr David Merritt.Signs You’ve Been BittenYou’ll find a tick in your bits. Seriously. “Often people don’t realise they’ve been bitten until they scratch an area and find a tick,” says Merritt. Preferred dining areas: hairline, armpits and groin. Symptoms can include an unsteady gait, weakness in your limbs, multiple rashes, headache, fever, flu-like symptoms and partial facial paralysis.Avoid Being LunchWear tight clothing, like leggings, rather than baggy gear in the veld.Ease the ItchGet it out! It’s crucial to get the whole tick out as its head can continue releasing toxins even after the body has been removed.Culicidae (Mosquito)Favourite HangoutMozzies love living near water — because this is where the suckers breed. “Always empty pots and containers around your house after it rains, or mosquitoes will set up camp,” cautions Merritt.Signs You’ve Been BittenA bite is red, raised and itchy as hell.Avoid Being LunchTo bug-proof use an insect repellant containing DEET — it confuses mozzies by jamming their odour receptors. DEET-based repellants keep mozzies at bay for around 300 hours, while citronella-based ones need to be reapplied every 20 minutes, adds Dr Pete Vincent of Netcare Travel Clinics, who also advises spraying your clothing with fabric insecticides containing Permethrin. If you really aren’t keen on DEET-based repellants, try something natural like Pure Beginnings Natural Insect Repellent Stick.Ease The ItchIf you don’t have OTC cream, Dr John Murtagh suggests rubbing dry soap on the bite. Desperate? Vinegar and saliva may also help.READ MORE: 6 Ways To Soothe That REALLY Painful SunburnCimex lectularius (Bed bug)Favourite HangoutMattresses, headboards and carpets in backpackers and dirty hotel rooms.Signs You’ve Been BittenYou’ll wake up with a cluster of itchy red lumps on your body — they often run in a line as the buggers like to follow your veins.Avoid Being LunchThoroughly check your mattress, bedframe and base for bugs — or their little red droppings. “Bed bugs drink blood, so naturally they excrete it too,” says Merritt. Ew!Ease The ItchImmediately hop in a cold shower and clean the bites with antiseptic soap to prevent them getting infected, recommends Murtagh. Post shower, slather on some good ol’ calamine lotion to dull your desire to scratch.Siphonaptera (Flea)Favourite HangoutYour beloved furry housemates.Signs You’ve Been BittenSmall, red, itchy bumps, grouped in clusters of around three or more.Avoid Being LunchUse a flea comb to inspect your pet’s skin at least once a month, recommends Murtagh. If you find any fleas, be sure to use a vet recommended topical treatment. On your pet, that is. PS: never use a dog flea treatment on your cat or vice versa, as the ingredients are different and can be deadly when used on the wrong animal.Ease The ItchIf you’re the one scratching, head to your pharmacist for a cortisone cream (you may need a prescription). Then, to ensure you’ve wiped the critters out of your home, wash all linen on a hot setting and treat your carpets with a DIY fumigation bomb. More

Doesn’t matter if you’re giving or receiving – your brain straight-up loves a fab pressie.The AnticipationIf you’re doling out the goods, your brain’s regions for intellect, memory and emotion are busy trying to ID the perfect present for that special someone. All the activity can leave you excited and anxious.On the receiving end? Sneaking a peek at a wrapped gift can ignite your noggin’s reward centre, releasing the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine. If your mate hints that what’s inside is beyond awesome, you should both experience this anticipatory pleasure surge.The ExchangeIf you gave or received a winner, your brain’s reasoning and emotion centres pump out oxytocin, the so-called love or bonding chemical. Women tend to get bigger hits of the stuff than guys do – score! That, in turn, unleashes stress-reducing serotonin. Things can become even more intense when it’s a big gift or a huge surprise. The brain fires off arousal signals, which rev up your pulse, tense your muscles and dilate your pupils. And yebo, there’s loads more of that oxytocin, too.If what you unwrap is more ugh than whoop, the area of your brain that deals with disappointment lights up. With little or no oxytocin rush, you may feel emotionally distant from the giver. One study even found that, after an unsatisfying gift exchange, men rated themselves as less compatible with their girlfriends. The AftermathSaying thank you – and meaning it – can increase optimism and overall well-being for both parties. Less altruistic bonus: gratitude can also spur on future largesse.Givers, take note: generosity can trigger extra happy hormones that may keep you cheerful for up to three months – a receiver’s high, by contrast, typically lasts only a few weeks to one month.Gift Ideas For Everyone More

Where sexual health is concerned, there are many misconceptions doing the rounds because…between Google and TikTok, someone’s always ready to play expert. From whether you’ll be able to have good sex after a hysterectomy to whether probiotics really do anything for your vaginal health – and everything else in between – Pretoria-based ob-gyn Dr Sebolelo Mojaki sheds some light on some of those questions you and your friends tried to answer yourselves at your last get-together.READ MORE: 4 Most Common Questions Women Ask About Their Sexual HealthIs it true that sex drive increases with age in women — what are the biological reasons behind that?You likely won’t notice a dramatic difference in your libido when you enter different decades of life. Factors that affect your libido just tend to happen as you transition from your 20s to your 40s and beyond. Learn more about how libido changes with age, including typical times when sex drive may dip, treatment options, and when to contact a healthcare provider.What is my vagina supposed to smell like?Tangy, fermented, or sour. These are perfectly healthy adjectives to describe the vaginal odour created by your normal bacterial flora. Good bacteria help keep your vagina healthy by producing lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and other substances to keep harmful bacteria at bay.READ MORE: These Unusual PMS Symptom Treatments Actually Work – Minus PainkillersWhy do some women experience ovulation and not period pains? Ovulation pain is usually felt on one side of the pelvis, either left or right, depending on which ovary releases the egg. It can feel like a twinge or pop, and it may last for a few moments or longer. Other conditions that can cause similar pain to ovulation include: Endometriosis, Ovarian cysts, Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, Scar tissue from surgery near the ovaries, and An ectopic pregnancy.  Stress, anxiety, excessive exercise, and significant weight loss can also disrupt your menstrual cycle. Should I be taking probiotics daily for my vaginal health?There is no consensus on whether probiotic supplements are effective for vaginal health, and some experts say they are a waste of money. Antibiotics are the recommended treatment for conditions related to vaginal imbalance. However, some research suggests that probiotics may be helpful in certain situations:After taking antibiotics  

For recurring bacterial vaginosis  

For women who want to try a probiotic, some studies suggest that those containing Lactobacillus rhamnosusGR-1 may be beneficial  Before taking probiotics, you should consult a healthcare professional to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. READ MORE: Your Most Urgent ‘Down There’ Questions Answered By ExpertsIs there anything that I can eat to make my vagina smell good? There is no evidence that eating large amounts of fruits like pineapple or banana will significantly change the smell or taste of a vulva.What kind of vaginal discharge is normal?Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear, white, or off-white, and can be thin, sticky, elastic, thick, or gooey. It may have a slight odour, but it shouldn’t be strong or unpleasant. The amount of discharge can vary from person to person, and it can change throughout your menstrual cycle. Here are some other characteristics of normal vaginal discharge:It may increase two weeks before menstruation.  

It may change or increase with some birth control methods.  

It doesn’t cause itchiness or irritation.  

It may look yellow when it dries on underwear or a panty liner.Can I still have good sex after hysterectomy?A hysterectomy shouldn’t affect your ability to enjoy sex. Typically, it does not affect sensation in the vagina or a woman’s ability to have an orgasm. However, if your ovaries were removed during the procedure, it could affect your sex drive due to hormonal changes. More

Itching to give your pasty skin a little colour? Here’s what goes on when you step outside without protection… and what to do if you feel the burn.You slip into your bikiniYour skin is the colour it is because of melanin, pigment molecules produced by melanocyte cells in the basal layer of the epidermis. Melanin protects the cells in the epidermis by converting UV rays into heat. More melanin = darker skin = more natural sun protection. The problem is that most of us don’t have enough for complete protection. Where there’s no melanin, UV rays almost instantly start to damage the DNA in your epidermis by interfering with its chemical structure.READ MORE: Sunscreens For Every Skin Type And SituationYou’re going redOne response to the damage is erythema, the dilation of blood and inflammatory cells – your skin gets red, puffy and sore – as your body amps up blood flow to try and nourish cells and speed up healing. Through a process called melanogenesis, your body, now in protection mode, speeds up melanin formation. It will take around three days for these pigments – your tan – to reach the outer layer of your skin.You blisterWhen sun damage is really bad and cells in the dermis are affected, your skin blisters. Again, this is damage control – the blister (which contains plasma) protects new skin layers as they form underneath.You start to peelThe damaged surface cells die and flake off. Your body works overtime to replace them – particularly keratinocytes, which make up most of the epidermis – and cells are pushed up faster than normal. Without the regular processes of maturation and separation, they’re still bundled together when they reach the surface, causing your skin to peel. But it’s the deeper cell damage that can be a problem. Enzymes begin repairs almost immediately, but sometimes things go wrong – remember, UV rays have altered the cells’ chemistry – and mutations occur. Over time those mutated cells multiply, which can result in skin cancer.OK, so now that you’ve got the lowdown on your burn, how do you treat it? Ease the sting with these easy steps:1. Hydrate WellSunburns are super dehydrating. Heal and hydrate from the inside out by guzzling liquids, ASAP. Drink water with electrolytes (try adding an electrolyte packet or a squeeze of fresh lemon). Or try some unsweetened iced tea: The antioxidants in green and black tea may help repair free radical damage from the sun. You’ll know you’re fully hydrated when your urine runs pale yellow.READ MORE: Stay Active And Hydrated With Stanley’s New Range2. Load up on AloeAloe vera is a healing wonder, especially for sun-parched skin. It’s laden with anti-inflammatory compounds to calm angry skin, heal burns, and boost immunity (which takes a beating under the sun). Look for pure aloe vera (that is, 98 to 100% aloe vera) to avoid feeling sticky. And store it in the fridge so it goes on cool – sweet sunburn relief!3. Bathe with Baking SodaBaking soda is fabulous for two reasons: It helps balance your skin’s pH to aid healing, and when dissolved in water, it feels super cool and nourishing against hot and irritated skin. Add a few heaping tablespoons of baking soda to a cool bath and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. If you don’t want to take the plunge, add a heaping tablespoon of baking soda to a bowl of cool water, soak a washcloth in it, gently wring and use as a compress to treat tender areas.4. Avoid Soap and Skip ScrubbingSoap can be drying for skin and when you’re burned, you don’t need anything stripping away moisture. Keep soap use to a minimum (like, say, just suds up your pits and privates) and skip the washcloth or loofah for now. And forgo shaving (or waxing – ouch!) for a few days to minimise irritation. If you must shave, be sure to lube up thoroughly with a rich, moisturising shaving cream, gel, or lotion.5. Moisturise to the MaxReach for the richest moisturiser you can get your hands on to soothe skin and prevent peeling. Avoid moisturisers with alcohols, retinols and AHAs (alpha hydroxyl acids), which can dry and irritate sensitive skin. Slather up immediately after bathing for maximum absorption, and chill the bottle in the fridge for cooling comfort.6. Dust with PowderFitted clothes can make a sunburn even more painful. Dust your shoulders, ribcage and bikini lines with body powder or baby powder to prevent chafing and irritation from the elastic in bras and underwear. Look for a powder free from artificial fragrances, which can irritate sensitive skin. More