Sunburned? Try These Remedies

Sunburn can leave skin looking and feeling miserable, not to mention leaving you feeling lethargic. But there are home remedies that may provide some relief.

Drink Plenty of Water

Water is the ideal sunburn remedy, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Drinking plenty of it will prevent dehydration, which can make symptoms of sunburn worse, while also aiding recovery and healing. Alcohol and surgery drinks will dehydrate and may worsen matters further, so keep away from those.

Cold showers or baths may help soothe sunburned skin and reduce inflammation, while applying non-comedogenic moisturizer (not oil-based ointments that trap heat) will be especially soothing. Aloe Vera gel can be an effective home treatment for sunburns as it offers relief from pain and itching. Make this remedy even more efficient by placing in the fridge beforehand.

The Wonders of Aloe

Not to get all technical, but aloe vera contains bradykinase, which helps relieve excessive inflammation when applied topically. Furthermore, its antioxidant properties may reduce damage caused by UV rays.

Spread a thick layer of pure aloe vera gel onto the affected area to soothe it and accelerate healing. For best results, choose products without other added ingredients that may further irritate the skin.

Create a soothing facial mask by mixing together aloe vera juice, glycerol, water, and ground oat flakes until they form a paste-like consistency. Apply this soothing mixture directly onto your face and neck for soothing relief that’s said to improve elasticity and smoothness of skin.

Take a Cold Shower or Bath

Cold showers or baths can help soothe sunburn-induced itching while hydrating skin. But avoid hot water bathing which could irritate burned areas, and don’t use soap which could dry out skin further.

If you can’t access a shower or tub, putting ice cubes in a plastic bag and applying to the affected skin can help cool it down faster, or holding an ice pack against it can also provide cooling relief.

Take Painkillers

When treating sunburns, avoid products containing lidocaine or benzocaine as these may trigger allergic reactions. Instead, a spray such as Solarcaine which contains anesthetics that initially sting but later numb can provide soothing relief from sunburn.

Frequent cool baths or showers combined with moisturizing cream application may help decrease inflammation caused by sunburns. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may also provide temporary relief from pain and swelling.

Blistering may occur and is part of a normal healing process for skin. Do not pop or pick at blisters as doing so could lead to infection and lead to further issues with healing.

Drink Black Tea

Black tea can be an effective natural treatment for sunburns. Packed with tannins and catechins that reduce inflammation, it soothes your skin while relaxing your nerves thanks to caffeine presence.

Add further relief for your skin by drinking plenty of water and fluids that contain electrolytes, like coconut water. Also eat foods rich in Vitamin C and E and lycopene which promote healing of the skin – summer time options include citrus fruits, peppers, guava and watermelons as great choices!

Place Sliced Cucumbers, Oatmeal on the Affected Area

No matter the severity of your sunburn, cucumber is one of the best natural treatments to soothe it. Packed full of powerful anti-oxidants like lariciresinol, pinoresinol and secoisolariciresinol – which all work to protect the skin against further damage while slowing aging processes – cucumber offers much-needed relief.

Cucumbers are an effective natural astringent. They tighten pores, help regulate oil production, and decrease large clogged pores associated with acne. Furthermore, cucumbers have long been used as an eye puffiness remedy following sunburns.

Did you know? You can apply cucumber juice directly or create a paste out of chilled cucumbers combined with aloe vera gel for relief from sunburns.

Alternatively, oatmeal acts as an emollient, softening dry skin while helping lock in moisture. You can use oatmeal either as a bath soak or mask; its formula can either include whole oats or colloidal oatmeal, the latter of which has been classified by both the FDA and Health Canada as an NHP skin protectant.