Many people enjoy spending time outside in the sun during the warmer months. However, a common consequence of hours spent outdoors in summer is sunburn. Sunburns can cause uncomfortable swelling, pain, itching, and peeling. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to treat a sunburn for soothing relief. Here are some of the top remedies for sunburn that actually work.
1. Cool Shower or Compress
Sunburn causes inflammation of the skin. One of the easiest remedies for sunburn treats this inflammation by cooling down the affected area. An effective way to immediately soothe a sunburn is to take a cool shower or to apply a cool compress. This will help reduce inflammation and pain. Avoid directly applying ice to sunburn, though, as it could cause more damage to your already extra-sensitive skin.
2. Aloe Vera Gel
One of the most well-known remedies for sunburn is aloe vera gel. You can find this gel by slicing open an aloe vera plant or in a bottle at the store. Apply aloe vera gel directly to the skin for immediate, cooling relief from the pain and irritation of minor sunburn. Make sure the aloe vera product you use doesn’t contain alcohol or added fragrance, as these may be irritating to your inflamed skin.
3. Oatmeal Bath
An oatmeal bath is one of the effective remedies for sunburn that uses ingredients you likely already have at home. Oatmeal is a natural anti-inflammatory that can soothe the symptoms of sunburn. Grind a cup of unflavored oats and mix the powder into two cups of warm water. Then, draw a bath and add the oat mixture. Soak in this calming oatmeal bath for 15 to 20 minutes to nourish your damaged skin.
4. Chamomile Tea
Not only is chamomile tea soothing to the soul, but it can also be used as a soothing remedy for sunburned skin. Brew a cup of chamomile tea and let it cool. Once it’s cool, soak a washcloth in the tea and apply it to the affected area. Chamomile can help reduce inflammation and cool your skin. You can add mint leaves to the tea for an additional cooling effect.
5. Cider Vinegar
Some people find that cider vinegar may be one of the top remedies for sunburn relief. Add one cup of cider vinegar to a cool bath and soak in the mixture. The vinegar can help take the sting out of a minor sunburn as well as ease inflammation and itching. It may also promote healing and restore the pH balance of your damaged skin.
6. Hydration
One of the most essential remedies for sunburn is to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Your skin loses moisture when it spends time out in the sun and battles damage from UV rays. Drinking plenty of water will help restore the moisture that your skin has lost and help promote healing.
7. Moisturizer
After you initially treat the burning and inflammation of a sunburn, your skin will need some help as it heals. If you want to keep peeling to a minimum, regularly apply moisturizer to your sunburned skin. To avoid irritation, make sure you use scent-free and dye-free moisturizer or one labeled for sensitive skin.
8. Over-the-Counter Remedies
There are a number of over-the-counter remedies for sunburn that can help you get back to feeling your best. Active Skin Repair Burn Hydrogel is a great solution for treating all types of burns and skin irritations, including sunburns. This formula is natural, non-toxic, and doesn’t sting. You may also benefit from taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen or aspirin to help relieve inflammation and pain as the sunburn heals.
Protect Yourself from Sunburn
These are some of the top remedies for sunburn that can help you feel better and heal after the sun damages your skin. The best treatment, however, is prevention. To avoid getting a sunburn in the first place, try following these best ways to protect yourself from sun damage so you can keep your skin healthy all year long.
