A Bunch of Remedies That Can Help Soothe and Heal Sunburn: Natural Solutions

Summertime is meant for fun in the sun, but sunburn can quickly ruin all of the enjoyment. Anyone who has ever spent too much time in the sun knows how painful a sunburn can be. Not to mention, sunburns can ruin your vacation. If you're unlucky enough to get a sunburn, don't worry - we've got you covered. In this blog post, we'll discuss a bunch of remedies that can help soothe and heal sunburn. We'll also talk about some natural remedies that can help speed the healing process. So sit back, relax, and read on for information on how to heal your sunburn! 

Firstly what is sunburn? Sunburn is damage to the skin caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. UV rays can also cause sunburns. 

There are a few different types of sunburns, including first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree sunburns. First-degree sunburns are the most common and typically result in red, painful skin that is slightly swollen. Second-degree sunburns are more severe, and can cause the skin to blister. Third-degree sunburns are the most severe type of sunburn, and can cause extensive damage to the skin. 

Now that we know a little bit about sunburn, let's discuss some remedies that can help soothe and heal sunburn. These remedies can be used for first, second, or third-degree sunburns.

First and foremost, it is important to stay hydrated when you have a sunburn. A sunburn draws fluid to the skin's surface and away from the rest of the body. Drink plenty of water and any type of sports drink to rehydrate as well as replace those electrolytes you've lost. You should avoid alcohol as it will only dehydrate you further. Signs that you maybe dehydrated are a headache, dizziness and fatigue. Why not make your own electrolyte drink by adding a little pinch of salt, sugar and lime juice to water. 

Now lets talk about moisturising you skin. Sunburn dries out the skin so it is important to put some moisture back in. After a sunburn, your skin will be dry, tight, and possibly peeling. To help relieve these symptoms, use a gentle moisturizer that has aloe vera or soy. These ingredients can help to soothe sunburned skin. You should avoid using lotions that contain petroleum or mineral oil (baby oil), as these can trap heat in the skin and make sunburn symptoms worse. If you want to use oils it is advised to use them later in the healing process to keep the skin hydrated. The best oils to use are, coconut oil as it is rich in fats like lauric acid and linoleic which help to heal the skin as its moisturising and has antimicrobial properties.  

In addition to these remedies, there are a few natural solutions that can help sunburned skin heal faster. For example, essential oils like lavender and chamomile has been shown to have healing properties. To use these essential oil for sunburn relief, add a few drops of lavender oil to a cool bath or dilute them with a 'carrier' oil like almond oil or you can even add to any of your moisturiser. You can also add a few drops of lavender oil to a spray bottle filled with water and spritz it on sunburned skin throughout the day. 

Another natural remedy for sunburn is chamomile tea. Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe sunburned skin. To use chamomile tea for sunburn relief, steep a cup of tea using two chamomile tea bags. Once the tea has cooled, apply it to sunburned skin using a clean cloth. However, its advised not to use if you are allergic to pollen as your skin could further react causing discomfort and irritation.  

Cucumbers! Yes that is another natural remedy that you can use to soothe your sun burn. Cucumbers have cooling and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to relieve sunburn symptoms. To use cucumbers for sunburn relief, cut a few slices of cucumber and place them on sunburned skin. You can also add some sliced cucumbers to a cool bath or make a cucumber compress by soaking a clean cloth in cold water and cucumber juice. If you have a larger area of sunburn you can chill and mash the cucumber in a blender, then apply the paste on the affected area and leave it for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off. 

Next, you'll want to apply a cool compress to the sunburned area. Something so simple can be so effective, this will help reduce swelling and pain. You can make a cool compress by soaking a clean cloth in cold water and then applying it to the sunburned area.   

Shaving cream is also a sunburn remedy. Though there aren't any scientific proof that it works, it is jam packed with goodness such as hydrating and moisturising ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E which can help soothe sunburned skin and prevent peeling. To use shaving cream for sunburn relief, apply a thin layer of shaving cream to sunburned skin. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse it off with cold water. 

Lastly, one home remedy that sunburn sufferers have sworn by for years is plain old yogurt. Yogurt contains probiotics which can help to soothe sunburned skin. To use yogurt for sunburn relief, apply a thin layer of plain yogurt to sunburned skin and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Rinse it off with cold water and then apply a moisturizer. 

There are also a few things you should avoid doing when you have a sunburn. First, do not use soap on sunburned skin as it will further dry out your skin. Second, do not apply ice directly to sunburned skin as this can cause frostbite. Third, do not pop sunburn blisters as this can lead to infection. Finally, do not use tanning beds or sunlamps as this can further damage sunburned skin.