It has happened to all of us at least once. Sunburn is the result of having too much fun in the sun without proper protection. A misconception about sunburn is that people with fair or darker complexions cannot get it. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, anyone with skin can get sunburned. While most cases of sunburn are mild, some cases can be severe enough to cause blistering, swelling, dehydration, and fever. If this happens please seek medical attention immediately. However, if you find yourself with a minor burn, use some of these home remedies for sunburn to treat it!
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains the hormones auxin and gibberellins that have anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe and cure skin ailments. Therefore, aloe vera gel is best for treating sunburn. You can either extract gel from the aloe vera leaf or you can purchase a bottle of it here.
- For this, the gel is best applied to sunburn when it is chilled.
- Place the gel in the fridge for about half an hour before using.
- Then, apply the cold gel to the sunburned skin.
- Let the gel absorb into your skin and soak up its healing properties.
- Repeat this process twice a day for the next couple of days.
Black Tea
Black tea is high in antioxidants that help to heal skin. The properties in black tea treat irritated skin and reduce inflammation including sunburn.
- To treat your rash with black tea, brew two or three bags of tea.
- Then, let sit until it cools to room temperature. Take a cloth and soak it in the tea and tap it on the affected areas.
- Repeat this three to four times a day until the sunburn improves.
- Another way you can heal sunburn with tea is with a nice tea bath.
- Just pour the brewed tea in cool bathwater and soak for about 30 minutes.
Apple Cider Vinegar
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The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar acts as a topical pain reliever, and it accelerates the healing process of sunburn.
- To do this, add one cup to a bath full of lukewarm water and soak for half an hour.
- Do this daily until the sunburn has diminished.
- Another method you can use with apple cider vinegar is by mixing equal parts of vinegar and water.
- Next, soak a paper in the solution and place on the affected areas.
- Leave the paper towel on the area until it is dry.
Oatmeal
Like the other treatments on this list, oatmeal has healing properties when applied topically. It helps to retain the skin’s natural moisture and reduces inflammation.
- To treat your sunburn with oatmeal, fill a bathtub with cool water.
- Add one cup of raw oats and mix well.
- Soak in the bath for about half an hour.
- To get rid of the sticky feeling, rinse off with cool water.
- To dry off, blot your skin with a soft microfiber towel to ensure you don’t irritate the sunburn further.
- Another healing method by cooking the oatmeal until it has a runny consistency.
- Then, let it cool and apply to the affected areas.
- Leave it on your skin for about 30 minutes.
- Rinse off and dab dry with a microfiber towel.
Baking Soda
Due to its alkalinity, baking soda makes for a great topical treatment for sunburn. Not only does it soothe your skin, but it relieves the itchiness as well.
- First, fill your bathtub with cold water. Then, pour in baking soda and stir well.
- Soak in the solution for about 15 minutes.
- Repeat this once daily until the condition improves.
- As an alternative, you can mix equal parts of water and baking soda to make a paste.
- Using a cotton ball, dip into the paste and apply it to the affected skin.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes and wash off with cool water. Dad area dry with a towel.
- Repeat this process twice daily.
Milk
Milk is high in vitamin A, C, and D alpha hydroxy acids, protein, and antioxidants which helps to heal skin ailments and reduce inflammation. One way to provide pain relief from sunburn it to draw up a milk bath.
- Fill a bathtub with cool water. Then add one cup of whole milk to the water and mix.
- Soak in the milk bath for 20 minutes.
- Repeat this daily until the sunburn is healed.
- If you don’t want to soak in a milk bath, combine one cup of milk and four cups of water.
- Dip a cloth or cotton ball in the solution, and dab on the sunburned skin.
- Repeat these steps every four hours for a couple days until the irritation lessens.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is packed with fatty acids that moisturize and heal the skin. The vitamin E in coconut oil is a powerful antioxidant that greatly reduces inflammation. You can easily apply it to your skin and let it soak up its benefits.
- Since coconut oil usually comes in a solid form, scoop out as much as you need and warm it in the microwave until it liquefies.
- Next, using a cotton ball or your fingers, gently rub it on the irritated skin.
- Repeat this process three times daily.
Cold Compress
The most straightforward way to relieve sunburn pain and hasten its healing is by applying a cold compress. Cold compresses work by causing tiny blood vessels to contract which reduces inflammation. You can grab a bag of frozen peas out of the freezer or you can wrap ice cubes in a towel and hold it on the affected area. Some argue that taking an ice bath can also help heal sunburn; however, applying ice directly on your skin will cause further damage.
Preventing Sunburn
There is a way for you to enjoy the summer months without enduring painful sunburns. The most obvious way is to stay out of the sun for prolonged periods of time without protecting your skin. Applying sunscreen is crucial in the summer months. Not only does it prevent sunburn by reflecting away harmful sun rays but it helps to reduce the risk of skin cancer. When you’re enjoying time in the sun, be sure to have sunscreen on standby and apply throughout the day. When purchasing a sunscreen, consider sticking to those with natural and organic ingredients, for most sunscreens contain toxic chemicals.
Some advise that you wear long sleeve shirts and pants during the summer to prevent sunburn, but how comfortable is that? Wearing wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses is oftentimes enough to reduce the risk of getting sunburn. In addition, the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m and 4 p.m. Therefore, try to stay indoors during this block of time. If you can’t avoid the sun, try to stick to spots with ample shade.
