Natural Remedies For Sunburn

When you have a sunburn, you don’t want to wait to get relief. Even a slight amount of sunburn can lead to redness, tenderness, and swelling of the skin for a few days. Your sunburned skin may lead to itching as it is healing, particularly if it starts to shed.

There are various means available to you to relieve the soreness and itch without having to go very far, whether they be found in your own home or in a local grocery or pharmacy. Therefore, you can promptly find relief from sunburn.

How Does Sunburn Happen?

When the skin has been exposed to too much sunlight, the body produces melanin in order to provide protection from additional sun exposure. This is what gives the skin a tanned look. But this can only help so much. When the skin is out in the sun longer than it should be, it can result in sunburn. This happens when ultraviolet radiation causes harm to the genetic material of the skin. The body detects the injury and dispatches a flow of blood to the wounded area to start the healing process, initiating inflammation.

No matter how much sunscreen is applied or how naturally dark your skin tone is, being exposed to the sun for extended periods of time will put you at risk of burning.

Natural Home Remedies for Sunburn

Careful sun exposure can be very beneficial. I have discovered that my wellbeing improves when I have consistent sun exposure and when I consume a dietary plan that reinforces skin health and sun resistance, I don’t get sunburnt whatsoever.

When I go somewhere like the beach, I absolutely prefer to get sun exposure carefully, use natural sunscreen when needed, or (better) cover-up or leave the sun when I’ve had enough, but these are the remedies I use if my skin gets a little pink:

Hydration

A sunburn is a form of burn, causing the skin to be particularly dried out, and spending time in the sun to get the burn often leads to dehydration. It is essential to have a healthy diet to minimize the risk of getting sunburned, and drinking plenty of fluids is essential to assist in the healing process. I consume a great deal of water, herbal infusions, kombucha, and water kefir to stay properly hydrated.

Aloe

Aloe vera is an age-old remedy for sunburn. I have found that the plant works better than a gel or cream to provide a cooling sensation. If you are going to use a gel, make sure it is of good quality and doesn’t contain any preservatives. I’ve used this one with good results .

ACV & Herbs Spray

This is the best cure that I have used to ease the suffering of a sunburn. Mixing apple cider vinegar (in a diluted form) with an herbal tea has been found to be more potent in treating sunburn than just using the vinegar alone. Here’s how I make it:

This remedy has a cooling effect, so it can be used to relieve the hot sensation of a sunburn. The herbs and apple cider vinegar are both advantageous to the skin in terms of healing and calming.

CBD Spray

I discovered that CBD oil is incredibly useful for stings, bites, and burns so I created a DIY cooling spray for sunburns. This remedy is quick to prepare (if you’re prepared and have CBD stocked), and it can provide comfort right away; additionally, it will stay effective for up to twelve months.

Essential Oils

Fragrances such as lavender and helichrysum may be beneficial in calming the burn and accelerating the healing process. I combine them in a container of water and spray it onto the skin when required.

Coconut Oil

I use coconut oil as a mild sunscreen. I have observed that the sun protection factor ratings of coconut oil vary from 5 to 10. It won’t adequately protect your skin from the sun over a long duration, but it is a great choice for keeping your skin healthy when spending time out in the sun during milder conditions. Some people believe that it is very effective in easing and treating sunburns. I don’t suggest testing it on a sunburned day, yet I have attempted it a couple of days after and it appears to diminish the peeling and decrease the redness faster.

Vitamin E

This nutrient exhibits strong antioxidant properties which are beneficial for preventing and repairing damage inflicted on the skin from sunburns. Incorporating foods enriched with vitamin E, such as lettuce, avocados, nuts, and seeds, can help to protect from harm, and applying vitamin E directly to the sunburned skin can help to relieve the pain. Mix a few drops of vitamin E oil with some aloe vera gel before applying it to your skin.

Raw Yogurt

No scientific evidence exists to demonstrate that raw yogurt or milk can be used to reduce the effects of a sunburn, though many individuals have experienced positive results. It seems rational that the chill from yogurt or milk could provide comfort to the skin. It is also believed that the beneficial bacteria in the yogurt and the active enzymes in the milk can assist in repairing the skin.

Cool Bath or Compress

Icy water can help reduce the burning sensation and discomfort of a sunburn. Taking a bath that is either cool or warm is one option for this. Include a few cups of chamomile tea or calendula tea, or a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar to provide comfort and help the skin heal. A couple of portions of baking soda placed in the bathtub can be comforting. Black tea has the potential to reduce inflammation and can be used to soothe the discomfort of a sunburn. Make a strong cup with a few tea bags. Include the essential oil in the bath, mist it on your body, or soak a cloth in it and apply it to your skin.

Oatmeal Baths

There is evidence to suggest that oatmeal baths may be helpful in treating sunburns. Studies concerning oatmeal and how it impacts sunburn pain and other symptoms have not been conducted yet, but research suggests it has properties that are anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and have the ability to repair skin damage. These abilities could prove to be useful when attempting to treat skin that has been burned from the sun, making it a great additive for baths when dealing with atopic dermatitis (eczema).

You have the option of purchasing pre-made oatmeal bath products or creating your own mixture by blending oats with water using a blender.

Over-the-Counter Therapies

If the homemade remedies around your home aren’t working, you can purchase a few items from a supermarket or pharmacy. It would be a good idea to get ready beforehand and make certain these products are in your drug cabinet prior to the swimming pools starting for the summer season.

Aspirin & NSAIDs

Taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) can help to reduce the redness and soreness caused by a sunburn. Animal testing has indicated that aspirin is the optimum selection since it shields one’s epidermis from sunlight exposure that can lead to skin cancer.

Using one of these medications before sunburn occurs can help to avoid inflammation and the discomfort that comes along with it.

Itch-Reducing Powder

If you have an itching sensation due to sunburn, you can relieve it with a specially-made powder meant to reduce irritation caused by rashes. It is possible to use this product on your skin straight away, incorporate it into your bath or add it to the water for a cold compress.

Hydrocortisone Cream

Hydrocortisone cream is advantageous when it comes to soothing pain and alleviating irritation. Apply a small amount to the most problematic spots to get some respite. Do not apply it to extensive areas on the body or to children unless a medical professional has instructed you to do so.

Things to Avoid

At times, being aware of what not to do can be just as essential as understanding what needs to be done. There are some unexpected things that can make your sunburn symptoms worse.

Perfumes

The vast majority of fragrances, aftershaves and body mists contain ethyl alcohol, which can have a dehydrating and irritating effect on the skin. It is advisable to abstain from using scents when you have a sunburn. If you feel like wearing some, try applying it to areas of your skin that haven’t been affected by the sun instead of spraying it all over a large area.

It’s a wise decision to avoid perfumes that contain ingredients that may cause increased sun sensitivity when you’re out in the sun.

Soaps

It is advisable to stay away from soaps when you have a sunburn, because these products can strip away the natural oils from the skin, leading to dryness. Soaking in cold water should be enough for a few days. If you find you require a more thorough clean than just water, pick a mild and odorless soap or facial cleanser.

Medicines Ending in -caine

Certain ointments and topical ointments designed to provide relief may contain medicines ending in the suffix “-caine,” such as benzocaine or lidocaine. It is not advisable to use this item to treat sunburns since it can cause further distress to the skin, even though it may help with certain types of pain. Some people may have allergic reactions to the sunburn, including things such as hives and itching which could make it even more uncomfortable.

Peeling Your Skin/Popping Blisters

Between three to seven days after getting sunburned, your skin may start to peel off.

This happens as a result of the cells being harmed and having a possibility of transforming into cancer. Cells have an internal system for dealing with damage, which is known as apoptosis, or “cellular suicide.” This shedding of skin is the consequence of a great amount of cells dying off.

If your burn is moderate to severe, it may cause blisters. It is possible that sunburns could cause skin blemishes to appear soon after, or it might take some time for them to become visible.

Both peeling skin and blisters have a protective function. The fresh skin underneath the current layer is more delicate and can be easily harmed. Although it might be difficult to avoid, abstaining from removing your skin or squeezing your blisters helps that new skin layer to form. In addition, popping blisters can lead to infection.

Safe Sun Practices

It is essential to take preventive measures when discussing any issue regarding health; this is even more important than treating sunburn. It is vital to have a balanced level of contact with UV light for good health, however, the majority of us are uncertain about what proper exposure to the sun is considered to be. Here are some guidelines:

• Get a short dose of midday sun – At midday UVB rays (the ones that produce vitamin D) are at their highest concentration so the body can get more vitamin D in less time.
• Eat a healthy diet – Not surprisingly, diet plays a large role in how healthy the skin is, and therefore, how it responds to sun exposure. Healthy fats, antioxidants (from vegetables and fruit), and healthy proteins are important for healthy skin and avoiding sunburn.
• Work your way up – If you are very pale like I am, start with just 5-10 minutes of sun exposure at a time and work your way up from there. Because a deficiency of vitamin D in the body can make burning more likely, it’s important to start slow.
• Avoid the sun after you get enough – After getting enough sun exposure for optimal health, stay in the shade, use cover-up clothing or put on natural sunscreen when needed.

It is essential to uphold safe sun habits (not just relying on sunscreen!) to steer clear of harm to the skin, and for me it is the go-to way before using sunscreen.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

You should get medical attention for a sunburn if you have:

• Fever
• Chills
• Vomiting
• Severe blistering
• Severe pain
• Signs of infection
• Worsening symptoms

Is it Sun Poisoning?

If you suffer from a severe sunburn or have an severe allergic reaction to being in the sun, you may have sun poisoning instead of just a sunburn. A sunburn will heal over the course of a few days without any intervention, but sun poisoning requires medical treatment. Symptoms include:

• Blisters, especially on the lips
• Rash
• Nausea
• Dehydration
• Dizziness/lightheadedness
• Confusion
• Shortness of breath

A Word

When it comes to sunburns, avoiding them is of greatest importance, but if one does occur, the proper treatment should be given afterwards. You can help reduce your odds of developing skin cancer by wearing sunscreen, limiting your exposure to direct sunlight, and wearing protective clothing when you know you’ll be in the sun for an extended period of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a sunburn last?

The duration of a sunburn depends on its severity.

• A mild sunburn lasts about three days and is sometimes followed by peeling skin.
• A moderate sunburn lasts five days and is usually followed by peeling skin.
• A severe sunburn can last a week or more and usually involves blistering and peeling skin.

The peeling of skin that has been burned usually won’t begin until the burning sensation has gone away and it typically happens five to seven days after the burn was sustained.

How do I get rid of peeling skin after a sunburn?

Do not remove any of the sunburned skin through peeling or rubbing. The most effective way to deal with peeling skin is to handle it carefully, hydrate it thoroughly (e.g. using aloe vera gel) and let it come off naturally.

Does a hot shower help a sunburn?

It is untrue that taking a warm shower can provide relief from the discomfort of a sunburn. Actually, having a hot bath will exacerbate the sensation of a sunburn. Taking a cold shower can be beneficial for a sunburn.