It is summertime and the season to head to the beach, spread out and get tanned. It is also the season for sunscreens, sun blocks and SPF-fortified lotions. The sun can be a friend and a foe. Sunburns can be an extremely painful result of a day spent outdoors. Their severity can differ from person to person, with some experiencing a mild, irritating rash and others experiencing painful blisters and even skin peeling.
We may try our best to avoid sunburn, applying tons of sunscreen lotions on our bodies. Sometimes, we just get unlucky and then have to deal with the agony and irritation. Of course, in case of severe sunburns, it is necessary to see a physician. However, take a look at these simple home remedies to relieve of the discomfort, before you start popping those painkillers.
Top 10 Home Remedies For Sunburn Relief
Aloe Vera
A multipurpose plant, aloe vera is known to be helpful in a number of ailments. One of these is burns and wounds. You easily get an aloe vera plant from a local nursery or grocery store. Slit open a leaf and apply the cooling gel that oozes out.It is known to soothe burns and will definitely provide relief from sunburn. This plant has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can further help healing. If getting a plant is a hassle, you can get lotions and gels made from or enriched with aloe vera.
Oatmeal
An old remedy for soothing sunburn, oatmeal can give you much needed relief for mild sunburns. Just grab some from your kitchen or pantry, you don’t even need to step out for this easy-to-make home treatment. Sunburn can leave your skin dry as well.Applying cooked oatmeal can help moisturize the skin. Add some cooked, and cooled off, oatmeal to lukewarm or cool bathtub water and soak in it for some time. You can also make face mask using oatmeal, egg whites and olive oil to moisturize a sunburnt face. It is advisable to use non-processed, organic oatmeal for this treatment.
Dairy
Another quick and easy remedy for sunburn is dairy products. Milk, buttermilk and yoghurt have been proved to provide relief from sunburn. Dab cool milk, buttermilk or plain yoghurt on the affected area using gauze or cotton cloth.You can also take a relaxing bath in cool milk and water. This will also relieve sunburnt skin. Applying plain yoghurt to sunburnt areas and then rinsing with cool water is also effective.
PotatoesÂ
Yes it’s true. Applying grated potato or peeled potato skin can be helpful in treating sunburnt skin. An old remedy for sunburn relief, potato can give you immense relief from pain and irritation. The starch in potato gives it soothing and cooling qualities.You can use the skin to dab the affected areas on your skin. Besides this, you can make a liquid mixture of potatoes and cool water and use it as lotion on your sun burnt skin. Then you can take a cool shower to wash it off.
TeaÂ
Topical tea can be another highly effective remedy for sun burnt skin. The main reason for this is the tannins in tea, which lend it soothing qualities.Make a pot of strong black or green tea and put it in the refrigerator to cool off. Then, using a soft towel, dab the cool tea on the affected areas. You can also apply used tea bags to sun burnt skin. Another remedy is to soak tea bags in bathtub water and take a cooling bath.
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Top 10 Home Remedies For Sunburn Relief
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint is naturally cooling. You can use peppermint oil as an effective remedy for sun burnt skin. Just add a drop or two in your lotion or moisturizer before applying to your skin.Be careful, the peppermint oil can be strong, so it’s advisable to start with a drop and testing the reaction on your body. It is recommended for sunburns that have not blistered. You can make a peppermint infusion, rather than applying the oil, which will be a milder application.
Lavender OilÂ
Besides its appealing fragrance, lavender oil will provide you relief from the pain and irritation of sunburn. This essential oil is known to be helpful in treating burns. The oil has natural calming and relaxing properties that will soothe your sun burnt skin as well as your whole body and mind.It is also one of the few essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin. However, it is recommended you test the reaction on an unaffected part of your body and then proceed.
Baking SodaÂ
Another convenient home remedy for painful sunburn, baking soda is an effective treatment to soothe your misery. Just add some baking soda to bathwater and take a cooling bath.What makes this common household item such a good balm for sunburn is that it helps balance your skin’s pH level. So, basically, it soothes your skin. It is recommended to let the baking soda dry on your skin, as this will be more effective than if you towel it right off.
Apple Cider Vinegar
One more simple solution to counter sunburn woes, apple cider vinegar is an effective remedy to soothe your skin. Take a bath with apple cider vinegar and warm or tepid water.You can also soak a cottonball in a mixture or apple cider vinegar and water and apply it to smaller affected areas. It is known to prevent peeling of sunburnt skin. As it has astringent qualities, the vinegar will give you relief from the burning sensation.
Chamomile
You may best remember chamomile as a relaxing and calming tea. It is these and other properties that make it another remarkable treatment for sunburn. Ideal for treating inflammations, chamomile helps calm and soothe your swollen and burnt skin. Besides, it will also be a balm to your stressed nerves.You can make an easy compress using chamomile liquid extract and chilled water and apply it to your skin. Use refrigerated, cool chamomile tea bags to apply on affected skin for relief. Besides, you can add chamomile flowers to your bathwater, which is another way of using this herb’s relaxing properties.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.