Summer brings in a lot of fun outdoor activities, but it also brings in the risk of getting sunburned. Sunburn can lead to blistering, peeling skin, and long-term skin damage.
Wearing sunscreen and protective clothing is the best way to prevent sunburn, but when it does occur, it’s essential to treat it to avoid further damage. Here are the top 30 safe methods to treat sunburn:.
1. Cool Compress
The first thing you should do when you notice a sunburn is to apply a cool compress to the affected area. Soak a clean cloth in cold water and place it on the sunburn. This will help reduce the heat and inflammation from the sunburn.
You can also use a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel. However, don’t apply ice directly to the skin as it can cause further damage to your skin.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known for its healing properties, and it is one of the most popular remedies for sunburn. The gel from the aloe vera plant contains anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce pain, redness, and swelling.
Apply a generous amount of aloe vera gel on the affected area several times a day.
3. Cool Bath
You can also take a cool bath to soothe your sunburned skin. Add a cup of apple cider vinegar or baking soda to a cool bath to help neutralize the pH of your skin. However, avoid using hot water as it can further damage your skin.
4. Milk
Milk is another effective remedy for sunburn. The proteins and fats in milk help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation and redness. Mix equal parts of milk and water and apply the solution to the affected area with a washcloth for 15 minutes.
Rinse with cool water.
5. Hydrate
Drinking plenty of water is essential when you have sunburn. Sunburned skin needs more hydration than usual, and drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day to help your skin heal faster.
6. Baking Soda
Baking soda is an alkaline substance that helps restore the pH balance of your skin. Make a paste by mixing baking soda with water and apply it to the affected area for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
7. Anti-Inflammatory Medications
If you are experiencing severe pain and inflammation from sunburn, you can take anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or aspirin. Always read the label and follow the recommended dosage.
8. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps reduce itching, redness, and irritation from sunburn. Add colloidal oatmeal to a cool bath or mix it with water to make a paste and apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse with cool water.
9. Take Rest
While sunburn can be uncomfortable, it’s essential to give your body time to heal. Avoid activities that can further irritate your skin, such as swimming or contact sports. Get plenty of rest and avoid exposing your sunburn to direct sunlight.
10. Use Sunscreen
The best way to prevent sunburn is to use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you are swimming or sweating.
11. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that help moisturize and promote skin healing. Apply a small amount of coconut oil to the affected area several times a day to help soothe your sunburned skin.
12. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a natural astringent that helps relieve pain, inflammation, and redness from sunburn. Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel and apply it to the affected area several times a day.
13. Potatoes
Raw potatoes have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and redness from sunburn. Peel and shred a raw potato and apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
14. Cucumber
Cucumber has hydrating and cooling properties that help reduce inflammation and irritation from sunburn. Blend a cucumber into a paste and apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
15. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe sunburned skin. Brew a cup of chamomile tea and let it cool. Soak a cotton ball in the chamomile tea and apply it to the affected area several times a day.
16. Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil is a natural antioxidant that helps protect and heal damaged skin. Apply a small amount of vitamin E oil to the affected area several times a day to help reduce pain, redness, and inflammation.
17. Calendula
Calendula is a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory herb that helps soothe sunburned skin. Mix calendula oil with aloe vera gel and apply it to the affected area several times a day to help reduce pain, redness, and inflammation.
18. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil has natural antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties that help soothe sunburned skin. Mix a few drops of lavender oil with coconut oil or aloe vera gel and apply it to the affected area several times a day.
19. Comfrey
Comfrey is a natural herb that has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help relieve pain and inflammation from sunburn. Mix comfrey oil with aloe vera gel and apply it to the affected area several times a day.
20. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory oil that helps reduce pain, inflammation, and redness from sunburn. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with coconut oil or aloe vera gel and apply it to the affected area several times a day.
21. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect and repair damaged skin from the inside out. Eat foods that are rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, kiwi, and bell peppers.
22. Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a natural ingredient that helps soothe skin irritation and itching. Mix cornstarch with water to make a paste and apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
23. Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, help promote skin health and healing. Eat foods that are rich in essential fatty acids, such as nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and avocados.
24. Honey
Honey has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help promote skin healing. Apply honey directly to the affected area and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
25. OTC Sunburn Relief Products
Over-the-counter sunburn relief products like aloe vera gels, lidocaine sprays, and hydrocortisone creams can help reduce pain, redness, and inflammation from sunburn.
Always read the label and follow the recommended dosage and application instructions.
26. Vitamins A and E
Vitamins A and E are natural antioxidants that help protect and repair damaged skin. Eat foods that are rich in vitamins A and E, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, almonds, and sunflower seeds.
27. Green Tea
Green tea is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps soothe sunburned skin. Brew a cup of green tea and let it cool. Soak a cloth or cotton balls in the green tea and apply it to the affected area several times a day.
28. Avoid Sun Exposure
Avoiding sun exposure is essential when you have sunburn. Stay indoors or in the shade until your sunburn heals. Wear protective clothing and a hat when you are outside, and use an umbrella or canopy to create shade.
29. Cabbage leaves
Cabbage leaves have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help reduce pain and inflammation from sunburn. Crush cabbage leaves and apply them to the affected area for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
30. Sleep
Sleep is crucial for your body to repair and heal. Get plenty of rest to help your body recover faster from sunburn.