Sunburns can be very painful, and they leave a mark on your skin if not dealt with carefully. A sunburn can also make it harder for you to get an adequate amount of vitamin D from the sun. If you are looking for natural sunburn relief as quickly as possible, here are some tips:
Cold Water
When you get burned, you should immediately run a cold shower and switch to warm water (for a short duration) to relieve pain. After the shower, apply a cool compress to reduce inflammation. You can use soothing gel or cream to relieve pain and keep your skin hydrated while it heals.
Cool water helps soothe sunburn inflammation, irritation, and pain. It will also stop the sunburn effects from getting worse. Sunburnt skin is highly sensitive so make sure to avoid chlorinated water in this case. It will do more harm than good.
Another bath that could help is the baking soda and oatmeal one.
- In a bathtub full of cold water, add a few tablespoons of baking soda.
- Soaking in this concoction for about 20 minutes will help treat sun damage.
- For added moisturization, add a cup of oats to help soothe irritated skin.
Let your skin air dry rather than rub yourself with a towel to avoid friction.
Aloe Vera
If you want to reduce scarring, Aloe Vera is a good option. Aloe Vera gel is known for its antibacterial properties and can be applied directly on the skin, which helps keep it moist. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help heal wounds and cuts. Apply Aloe Vera gel at least three times a day—after your shower or bath, before bedtime, and after washing your face in the morning—to speed up healing time.
Try to avoid aloe vera-infused moisturizers and lotions. Apply aloe vera gel directly to the sunburned area to soothe and moisturize the skin. Follow it up with vitamin E oil or lotion to the sunburned area to help moisturize the skin and promote healing.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an antiseptic and can help reduce inflammation. It may also prevent infection, which can help speed up the healing process of your burn.
You should apply apple cider vinegar to your skin as soon as possible after you’re burned, but before going to bed for at least 20 minutes. You can buy it in a bottle or use just about any kind of vinegar if you don’t have any handy!
Look into your pantry
Some regular grocery items to alleviate sunburn include:
- Black tea: Brew a pot of black tea and let it cool. Dip a cloth into the tea and place it on the sunburned area for 15 minutes at a time.
- Cucumber: Cut a cucumber into thick slices and place them on the sunburned area. Cucumbers have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce pain and discomfort.
- Yogurt: Apply plain yogurt to the sunburned area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse it off with cool water.
Sunburn Drink
It is important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help your skin heal from the inside out. But in case of sunburn relief, you need a stronger concoction. Sunburn drink is formulated with vitamins and minerals that not only help you heal faster but protect your skin from sun damage. For better results, consume it before and after sun exposure.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that severe sunburn is an injury to the skin, so it’s important to take care of the affected area and keep it clean to prevent infection. Consult a doctor if the sunburn is severe or if you have symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, or rash.
Sunburns are not fun, but they are a normal part of life. So, if you do burn, don’t forget about these simple natural tips for sunburn treatment and preventing new ones from happening.
