Summer is right around the corner. That means a lot of warm sunny days, lounging by the pool, and you guessed it…the inevitable sunburn. 🙁
Having a sunburn is uncomfortable, painful and in some cases, can last for days. Fortunately, there are several home remedies to soothe your skin and heal a sunburn quickly and naturally.
Here are 10 of the best home remedies to heal a sunburn quickly and effectively.
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Being a natural ginger with fair skin, I’ve had more sunburns than I care to admit. However, that means I’ve also learned to take a few extra precautions to prevent a sunburn.
More importantly, I’ve nailed down all the perfect home remedies to heal a sunburn and avoid permanent sun damage.
Proper skin protection is the only way to avoid a sunburn, however, sometimes is it easier said than done. And if you spend enough time outside, a sunburn will happen sooner than later. So knowing how to treat a sunburn is beneficial for you and your skin.
Let’s get started!
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10 Effective Home Remedies to Heal a Sunburn Quickly
1. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera has long been used to treat various skin conditions, including sunburns. It helps reduce inflammation and can be applied topically straight from a plant leaf or store-bought gel.
Apply the gel directly to the affected area and allow it to soak in for 20 minutes before washing off with cool water.
Note: If you do buy store-bought gel, make sure is it 100% aloe vera and doesn’t contain any other ingredients.
Here is one of my favorite 100% Aloe Vera gel. And this is my favorite skin enhancer that contains Aloe and feel so refreshing and cooling on your face after long summer days outside.
2. Cold Compresses
Relief from sunburn pain can be found through cold compresses.
Gently apply a cold compress, such as cucumber slices or a damp cloth, to the affected area for several minutes and repeat as needed for soothing relief.
You can also try store-bought cooling sprays to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from sunburn pain.
3. Oatmeal Bath
Taking an oatmeal bath can reduce the stinging sensation caused by a sunburn. It can also reduce the inflammation of your skin.
To make an oatmeal bath, add 1-2 cups of ground oats to warm bathwater and mix until the water is milky in color. Soak in the water for 15-20 minutes before drying off with a soft towel.
For more ease, I like to use the Aveeno Soothing Natural Colloidal Oatmeal bath soak. Simply add one packet into your bath and relax.
4. Hydration
Drinking plenty of water can help your body heal itself if you have a sunburn. Staying hydrated helps replenish the fluids that are lost due to dehydration caused by too much sun exposure and helps keep your skin moist and nourished.
If a sunburn has caused blisters, increasing your water intake may also help reduce the risk of infection.
5. Moisturizer
A lot of sun exposure dries out your skin especially if you suffer from a sunburn. To combat this, apply moisturizer regularly to the skin to seal and lock in moisture. Many dermatologist recommend using a soothing moisturizer that is alcohol-free with vitamin E or aloe.
Hydrocortisone cream is especially useful if the sunburn is painful, as cortisone helps to calm things down quickly and soothe pain and irritation.
6. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is known for its hydrating properties and has been used to treat many skin conditions. Because sunburned skins tends to be dry and itchy, applying coconut oil can help to relieve those symptoms and renourish the skin.
Don’t apply coconut oil immediately after the sunburn. Instead, work to cool the skin (which may take a few hours) and then the coconut oil can be applied to the affected area.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar Bath
Apple cider vinegar can be added to your bath to provide relief from a sunburn.
It is known for its anti-inflammatory effect and will help soothe the burning sensation caused by a sunburn.
Add one-half cup of apple cider vinegar to your bath and soak in the water for 15 minutes. Afterwards, be sure to rinse off in cold water and apply moisturizer.
8. Tea
Tea contains tannins and antioxidants which have anti-inflammatory properties to relieve the skin of pain, take the sting out and help to repair the skin.
Katie Beleznay, MD, a dermatologist says that black tea has the highest concentration of tannins whereas green tea may feel more soothing on the skin and has anti-aging benefits.
However, either green or black tea can be used to treat a sunburn.
You can either apply the tea bag directly to the skin or soak it in water and dip a cotton ball or wash cloth in the tea water to apply on your skin. Repeat several times a day or in combination with aloe and another sunburn treatments.
9. Loose clothing
As your skin is working to heal itself, try wearing looser clothes that are not itchy or scratchy. Give your skin room to breathe so it does not rub against your damaged skin.
Clothing with natural fibers such as cotton, linen or silk is best.
10. Aspirin or Ibuprofen
Aspirin or ibuprofen is commonly found in most people’s home and can be help to reduce pain and inflammation of a sunburn by blocking the prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins are pro-inflammatory molecules that your body releases to help manage the damage caused by UV rays, however they can be painful.
Hope this helped! Let me know in the comments which of these home remedies is your favorite.
Thank you ma’am!