Home remedies for sunburn
As the temperatures heat up, it’s time to bask in the summer sun! Yet along with those carefree days of fun come a common downside: sunburn. Don’t worry though – there are plenty of household items you can use to ease your burning skin and help heal your painful redness. Read on for different home remedies that will bring relief from the scorching effects of too much sunlight exposure.
Cool water
Sunburn is a type of skin inflammation, which can be quickly relieved by cooling the affected area. If you’re outdoors and in need of some sunburn relief, take a dip in an ocean, lake or stream – just remember to avoid pools as chlorine can further irritate your skin! Additionally, it’s important not to directly apply ice to reduce any risk of worsening the burn. A few trips into cool water throughout the day should help keep your sunburn from getting worse.
Though it can seem attractive to apply something cool on your sunburnt skin, doing so could possibly make things worse. An alternative is taking a bath that will help relieve and chill the burn.
Baking soda and oatmeal
To minimize sun damage, take a soothing bath with several heaping tablespoons of baking soda and a cup of oats added to cool water. Soak yourself in the solution for 15-20 minutes before getting out without scrubbing your skin; simply dab yourself dry using a towel instead. By doing this regularly, you will be able to protect and soothe irritated skin while helping it maintain natural moisture levels.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera plants are a must-have for any home. This succulent plant has been used throughout history to treat various ailments, such as gastric disorders and kidney infections. Moreover, aloe gel is the most popular sunburn remedy available over the counter! By simply breaking off a piece of this resilient plant and applying its inner gel directly onto your skin, you can enjoy immediate relief from minor sunburn discomfort. If an aloe vera plant isn’t accessible to you at present, don’t despair; 100% natural aloe gels can be found in most drugstores instead!
Chamomile tea
If you’re looking for a natural, soothing remedy for sunburns and other minor skin irritations, look no further than chamomile tea! Simply brew it as normal and let cool. Once ready, apply the dampened cloth to the affected area to find instant relief. Nonetheless, those who suffer from pollen allergies should avoid this treatment; there is a risk of an allergic reaction if used on your skin in such cases.
Vinegar
The jury is still out on whether or not vinegar can provide relief from sunburns. Some swear by the practice of adding two cups of vinegar to a cool bath, yet others assert that its high acidity only worsens your situation. Therefore, if you’ve never tried this method for minor burns before, it’s best to avoid testing it on more serious ones.
Wear loose clothing
As your skin is in the process of healing, it’s essential to choose clothing that isn’t tight-fitting and doesn’t stick to your body. After all, our skin happens to be the largest organ we possess! So why not offer it a bit of breathing room whilst recovering from something as severe as sunburn? Natural fibers such as cotton or bamboo are an excellent choice for post-sunburn coverings since they’re light and airy.
Drink lots of water
As your skin battles the effects of ultraviolet radiation, it’s vital to replace any moisture lost during sun exposure. Make sure you’re getting your daily quota of hydration – if not for yourself, then at least after suffering a severe sunburn! Eight glasses of water each day should do the trick and ensure that your body is kept in tiptop condition.
Don’t forget the moisturizer
Even after your treatment is complete, you must take extra steps to ensure that the skin remains in good condition. Applying a gentle moisturizer on the affected areas will go far in preventing any peeling or irritation. Opt for one which is scent-free and dye-free; these are usually marketed as being suitable for “sensitive skin”. This practice will not only keep your complexion supple but also preserve its health and beauty!