Summer is finally here, and most of us are ecstatic about spending as much time outside in the coveted sunshine as possible, to soak in those golden rays. However, time in the sun comes with the risk of a nasty sunburn.
There are many things you can do to protect your skin from a sunburn, but if you do happen to find yourself red, itchy and in pain, the following 12 remedies can help immensely.
Drink water
The most important thing you can do if you have a sunburn is to stay hydrated. Your body needs to cool down, and sipping plenty of cold, fresh water is the best remedy. Sunburn dehydrates the skin, and you’ll need to replace your body’s lost water content.
Cool down
When you come inside, apply washcloths soaked in cool water to your sunburnt skin. Alternatively, hop into a cool shower to cool off, and then relax with a fan blowing cool air onto your skin.
Witch hazel
Add a dab of witch hazel to a clean cotton cloth and gently smooth it over your sunburn. This can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
Apple cider vinegar
Add approximately one cup of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath. This helps to balance the pH of your skin, and encourages the healing process.
Lavender essential oil
A few drops of high-quality lavender essential oil added to a bath can help relieve some of your skin’s itchiness and pain. The aroma of the lavender can also help you to relax and get into a good state for sleep, which your body needs to heal.
Oatmeal
If your skin is itchy, add a couple of cups of oatmeal to your bath. This can help soothe the irritation.
Baking soda
If your sunburn feels especially irritated, add a cup or two of baking soda to your bath to ease the sting.
Tea
Tea has anti-inflammatory properties, so add a few bags of black tea to your bath to help soothe the sunburn. You can also put cold tea bags over your eyes to help cool and soothe the area.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is one of nature’s most effective sunburn relief serums. The best source is straight from the plant. If you have an aloe vera plant, simply cut off one of the leaves, squeeze out the gel inside and apply to your sunburn.
If you don’t have an aloe plant, then opt for a high-quality 100 percent aloe gel. Check the ingredients to make sure there are no additives.
Cucumber
As an alternative — or a supplement — to aloe vera, try applying some blended cucumber to your sunburn. Cucumber is soothing, cooling and anti-inflammatory, and can help your stinging skin feel eased and revitalized.
Coconut oil
After you take a cool shower or a soothing bath with apple cider vinegar, lavender oil, oatmeal or baking soda, you’ll need to moisturize your skin. Organic extra-virgin coconut oil is a great skin moisturizer. It’s soothing, anti-inflammatory and light, so your skin won’t feel greasy. Simply smooth on a thin layer after cleansing your skin.
Leg elevation
If you have a bad sunburn, you’ll need plenty of rest. If you have significant sunburn on your legs, or swollen feet, it may help to elevate your legs using a pillow or two while you relax or recline. This may help to alleviate the swelling.
These 12 remedies can take care of most sunburns from the comfort of your own home. However, if you feel your sunburn getting worse, blistering significantly, developing purple patches, spreading or itching intensely, or if you start feeling faintness, nausea or chills, it’s time to call a doctor.
Stay safe out there this summer!
—Tanya Rakhmilevich