Imagine enjoying the last days of summer at the beach when suddenly, you feel that all-
too-familiar stinging sensation—sunburn! Even though summer is winding down, the
sun is still blazing with full force. Sunburns are super common this time of year, so it’s
essential to learn some best natural remedies for sunburn. Don’t worry. Here, I have
listed the best, most effective sunburn fixes for instant relief!
You’re in the right place if you love easy, go-to home remedies. This is your sign to read
on and get your skin back to feeling great. So, let’s delve into these sunburn soothers
and the application method.
Best Natural Remedies for Sunburn: Know Your Best
Your summer beach party can go wrong with this painful sunburn experience. While seeking medical advice is always what I suggest, if your burn is not extremely serious, opting for some good ol’ home remedy from your kitchen pantry can help. Hence, here are some DIY sunburn remedies with household items that I personally use and highly recommend on any day!
Cool Down Fast
After sunburn, you should first take a cold-water shower, my friend. Not only does it provide instant relief, but if you’re quick, it can even reduce the amount of skin damage. Depending on your burning or discomfort, spend about 10 to 15 minutes in the shower or bathtub. And remember, you can repeat this process three to four times a day or as needed.
But here are some things to keep in mind. Yeah, I know it’s just water. Well, things can still go south if you are not careful.
- Avoid using high-pressure showers on sunburned skin. This isn’t just me saying it—a 2014 review from the International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Chemistry backs this up.
- Avoid anything irritating your skin, such as soap, shower gel, or other bath products.
- If your sunburn has already blistered, a bath might be a better option than a shower.
- After your bath or shower, don’t rub your skin with a towel. Be gentle—pat it dry or let it air dry.
- If the affected area is small, soak a washcloth in cold water. Then, apply it to the burn. Repeat every few hours as needed.
- Whatever you do, never use ice cubes directly on your sunburned skin. Experts do not recommend this hack.
Let the Aloe Vera Magic Happen
Aloe vera for sunburn recovery at home is my favorite go-to remedy. This magical gel is a natural sunburn relief solution that has been a trusted healer for ages. It keeps your skin cool and moisturized and helps speed the healing process.
However, be cautious. Most store-bought aloe vera gels contain chemicals and perfumes. I highly recommend going for aloe gel that’s 98-99% pure. Still, do a quick patch test to make sure you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients before applying it. Otherwise, it could make things worse. To add, look for alcohol—and mineral-oil-free versions.
Here are some quick tips:
- Keep your aloe gel in the fridge before applying it. You’ll thank me for the extra cooling effect!
- If you can get fresh aloe vera straight from the plant, that would be even better! Nevertheless, avoid the yellowish part of the plant’s gel—it’s toxic. Use only the clear gel after proper extraction.
- Of course, always do what feels suitable for your skin. You know your skin best, buddy.
And here’s a bonus tip: Aloe vera is an amazing moisturizer for oily and combination skin. Want to know more about oily skincare? Hop on to this recent blog now!
Oatmeal Bath Can Heal Your Skin
Surprised by this one? No need to worry; I’m not telling you to bathe in the oatmeal from your breakfast! I’m talking about colloidal oatmeal—a super-fine powder with soothing properties that’s one of the best natural remedies for sunburn relief and great for treating burns, itching, or multiple skin irritations.
If your sunburn is painful, an oatmeal bath could be a game-changer. To make it, grind up one cup of plain, unprocessed, and unflavored oats in a food processor until they become a fine powder. Then, mix two cups of warm water into the ground oats until the mixture has a smooth, milky texture.
Next, pour the mixture into a warm bath and soak yourself in it for about 15- 20 minutes. Trust me, your skin will love it!
- The anti-inflammatory properties of oatmeal help repair the skin’s damaged barrier.
- You can also use skincare products containing colloidal oatmeal if you prefer.
- But this DIY oatmeal bath is a nourishing and highly effective remedy for sunburned skin.
So, the next time you get sunburn, forget the store-bought chemical ointments and use this natural, soothing remedy. Your skin will thank you!
Hydration is Key
This is one step that’s often overlooked for sunburn treatment at home. But the truth is, after a sunburn, your body needs extra fluids to speed up the recovery process. According to Forbes Health Journal, when you’re sunburned, moisture is drawn to the skin’s surface, which can lead to dehydration and other uncomfortable symptoms.
So, increasing your water intake helps prevent dehydration and supports your body’s natural restorative progression. Moreover, if you experience excessive dryness, irritation, or itching, staying hydrated can help you recover quickly!
Trying to stay fit? Learn how to prepare healthy midnight snacks.
Grab some tea leaves!
If you’re a tea lover like me, here’s some good news for you! Over the years, I’ve discovered that our favorite cup of tea isn’t just an energy booster for those lazy Mondays. In fact, I’ve been using tea bags and loose-leaf tea for skin plus haircare for ages. And I can assure you about the anti-inflammatory and cooling properties of green and black tea.
Loose green and black tea can significantly reduce the symptoms of sunburn damage. Not only that, but they can also help protect your skin from getting burnt in the first place! So, what’s behind this magic? According to dermatologist Janiene Luke, MD, it’s all thanks to a secret ingredient called polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce the harmful effects of excessive UV exposure.
Now, let’s talk about how you can use tea to treat sunburn.
- Dr Luke suggests taking some tea bags and soaking them in room-temperature water for about 30 minutes.
- Once the water changes color, gently press the tea bags onto the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes.
- You can repeat this process whenever needed.
Before you know it, you’ll feel a cooling sensation from the tea that helps soothe the burn—simple, effective, and something every tea lover can appreciate!
Wrap up
And here you go! Now you have the best natural remedies for sunburn that are easy to find and gentle on your skin. However, don’t try to use all the remedies at once. I suggest starting with a cold compress and then choosing one or two other solutions based on what your skin needs. Remember, while these remedies are effective, prevention is always the best option. So be sure to follow the necessary sun protection tips. Lastly, stay safe from harmful rays, keep yourself hydrated, and enjoy your time outdoors without fearing the sun’s heated temper. Happy healing!
