Sunburns are a common part of summertime. They can cause pain, inflammation, itching, and peeling that make your skin feel miserable. Thankfully, there are a number of natural remedies that can help soothe your symptoms. Keep reading to learn about some of the best ways to treat sunburn at home for much-needed relief.
1. Take a Cool Shower
For any burn, including a sunburn, one of the first things you should do is cool down the affected skin. As soon as you notice that you are getting a sunburn, get out of the sun and take a cool shower, soak in a cool bath, or apply a cool compress. This will help bring down the temperature of your skin to prevent further damage and start the healing process. It will also help reduce inflammation and pain.
2. Apply Aloe Vera Gel
One of the most popular choices for treating a sunburn is aloe vera gel. It provides immediate relief when applied to sunburned skin and helps it heal. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation, pain, and irritation. You can apply the gel straight from an aloe vera plant, or purchase 100 percent aloe vera gel from the pharmacy. Store it in the refrigerator for even more cooling relief.
3. Hydrate Your Body
When you have a sunburn, your body draws moisture from within your body to your skin’s surface to promote healing. This takes away moisture from other areas of your body, which can lead to severe dehydration if fluids are not replenished. It’s essential to drink plenty of water and eat lots of fruits and vegetables to hydrate your body and skin to prevent dehydration.
4. Soak in an Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal is a great natural remedy for sunburn because it has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe inflamed, irritated skin. When applied to the skin, oatmeal can help restore your skin’s natural barrier so it can stay hydrated. This is especially beneficial if your sunburn is causing your skin to peel. Grind one to two cups of oats into a fine powder, then mix it into a cool bath. Soak in the oatmeal bath for 15 to 20 minutes to soothe your skin.
5. Moisturize Your Skin
Once your skin has fully cooled, you should apply moisturizer to combat dryness, minimize peeling, and encourage healing. Use an alcohol-free moisturizer with vitamin E or aloe for the best results. Avoid moisturizers with scents or dyes, as these can irritate your damaged skin. Apply moisturizer throughout the day to keep your skin as hydrated as possible.
6. Apply Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a common ingredient in skincare products because it has anti-inflammatory properties, promotes healing, and reduces redness. The tannins in witch hazel can reduce swelling and irritation as well as help prevent infections for damaged skin. To use as a sunburn remedy, wet a clean cloth with witch hazel and dab it on the affected areas. You can reapply as needed for soothing relief.
7. Brew Tea
Much like witch hazel, tea has natural tannins and antioxidants that can help relieve irritating symptoms of a sunburn. Green tea, chamomile tea, and black tea can all soothe the pain and swelling of your damaged skin. Brew the tea of your choice and let it cool in the refrigerator. Use a clean cloth or cotton pad to apply the cooled tea to your sunburned skin.
More Skin Ailment Solutions
In addition to sunburns, summer also often brings other irritating skin ailments, ranging from bug bites to heat rash to poison ivy and allergic reactions. If you have an itchy rash, find out how to stop the itch with these simple skin rash solutions.
