Anyone who has ever spent too much time in the sun knows how quickly you can end up with a painful sunburn. Although it’s tempting to reach straight for the aloe, there are plenty of natural remedies that can give you relief from your sunburn while also helping you avoid the harsh chemicals found in most store-bought products. These 7 natural remedies for sunburn relief will help you make it through your day without having to suffer any longer than necessary!
1) Cold Water
Cold water can help relieve the pain from a sunburn because it helps reduce swelling, takes away the heat, and cools the skin. This is a common home remedy for sunburn that has been used for centuries. If you don’t have cold water handy, try using an ice pack or applying frozen vegetables or fruits to the affected area. You can also try refrigerating your sheets before bedtime to provide some relief. You should avoid hot showers or baths because they may dry out the skin further and lead to more discomfort.
2) Cucumber Slices
Cucumber slices can be placed on sunburns to alleviate the pain and reduce inflammation. They are also a great remedy for acne or pimples, as they have anti-inflammatory properties which reduces redness and swelling. Cucumbers are high in water content, making them refreshing and cooling when applied to the skin.
3) Yogurt
Yogurt has long been used as a home remedy for sunburn relief, and it’s actually one of the most effective remedies on this list! All you need to do is slather some yogurt on your sun-exposed skin and let it soak in. The lactic acid in the yogurt will help soothe the burn, while also giving you an added glow.
Another option you can use is mixing a small amount of rosewater in plain yogurt and applying it as a paste to your sun-exposed skin. Rosewater contains anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and pain in addition to soothing inflammation after an injury like a sunburn. It’s also great if you have acne or pimples that are bothering you!
4) Vinegar
Vinegar is an excellent way to soothe sunburns because of the acidity in it. The vinegar will help bring down the skin’s pH level and alleviate the itching. Apply it to your sunburnt skin and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing off with cold water.
You can also soak in a mixture of apple cider vinegar, water, and salt to relieve sunburn pain as well as reduce inflammation. Mix four cups of water, one cup of apple cider vinegar, and one tablespoon of salt together in a bowl or bathtub. Soak until you feel better.
5) Tea
Tea is a natural remedy that can help soothe sunburn. Here are 7 different types of tea that can help to relieve the symptoms of a sunburn:
- Chamomile Tea– Chamomile tea is soothing and contains anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce skin irritation. Drink 3 cups of chamomile tea per day or apply the tea as a cool compress on the burn.
- Green Tea- Green Tea contains antioxidants that help to fight free radicals, which cause skin damage from UV rays and prevent further sun damage from occurring. Brew a cup of green tea and drink it daily, or use it as a compress on your burn for 20 minutes two times per day.
6) Potatoes
Potatoes are one of the most inexpensive and readily available natural remedies. They contain three different types of electrolytes: sodium, potassium, and chlorine. Home-made potato juice is a delicious way to soothe a sunburn. Start by peeling and dicing two potatoes then boil them until they are soft enough to mash. Once they’re done, drain the water off and use a fork or potato masher to mash them until they become thick liquid.
Add in some cool water if necessary to thin it out as desired. The best thing about this remedy is that you can use it right away without refrigerating it because raw potatoes have an anti-bacterial effect on your skin.
7) Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is one of the most popular home remedies for sunburn relief. Simply cut open an aloe plant and apply the gel to the affected area. Alternatively, you can buy a bottle of pure aloe from a pharmacy. Finally, some people like to mix yogurt with aloe vera gel to relieve pain.
Another popular remedy is baking soda. Mix about a teaspoon of baking soda into a pint of cool water and soak in it for about 15 minutes. You can also make a paste using baking soda and water and apply it directly to your skin to ease the pain. Finally, you can use crushed garlic on sunburns for its anti-inflammatory effects. It’s thought that garlic helps by triggering your body’s production of histamine, an inflammatory substance known to help reduce swelling caused by burns or insect bites.
