The sun is an amazing source of vitamin D, which is essential for good health. It can also be dangerous, however, if you get too much of it. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause sunburn and increase your risk of skin cancer.
One of the best ways to prevent sunburn is to use a good quality sunscreen. But what if you’ve already been burned?.
You don’t have to run to the drugstore or pharmacy to buy expensive after-sun lotions or ointments. The kitchen is a great place to find natural remedies for sunburn.
Here are some easy and cheap ways to treat and prevent sunburn using kitchen materials:.
Prevention Tips:
1. Drink Plenty of Water:
Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Drinking plenty of water can help prevent sunburn and skin damage.
2. Apply Sunscreen:
Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every time you go outside. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you sweat or swim.
3. Wear Protective Clothing:
Wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt, and pants to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
4. Seek Shade:
Avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.
Treatment Tips:
1. Cool Water:
Cool water is one of the best ways to ease the pain and swelling that come with a sunburn. Fill a tub with cool water and soak for 15-20 minutes. You can also apply a cool compress to the affected area.
Avoid hot water, which can cause more damage to the skin.
2. Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory and can help soothe sunburned skin. Apply aloe vera gel to the affected area as often as needed. You can also cut an aloe vera leaf and apply the gel directly to the skin.
3. Vinegar:
Vinegar can help restore the pH balance of sunburned skin. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and apply to the affected area with a cotton ball.
4. Oatmeal:
Oatmeal is great for soothing and moisturizing sunburned skin. Mix a cup of oatmeal with enough water to make a paste, then apply to the affected area. You can also add oatmeal to your bathwater.
5. Baking Soda:
Baking soda can help ease the pain and itching associated with sunburn. Mix baking soda with cool water to make a paste and apply to the affected area. You can also add baking soda to your bathwater.
6. Tea:
Tea contains tannins, which can help reduce inflammation. Steep a few tea bags in boiling water, then let cool. Apply the tea to the affected area with a cotton ball.
7. Honey:
Honey is a natural moisturizer and can help prevent peeling. Apply honey to the affected area and let sit for 30 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.
Conclusion
Preventing sunburn is always the best course of action, but if you do get burned, there are plenty of natural remedies that can help ease the pain and speed up the healing process.
By using kitchen materials, you can save time and money on expensive after-sun lotions and ointments. Remember to drink plenty of water and apply sunscreen regularly to prevent sunburn in the first place.