Happy Sunny day friends!!
I hope it’s sunny where you at. It’s been so nice here in the inland Northwest with lots of sunshine. Since summer is approaching and the sun is most definitely shining now more days than not, tanned skin is bound to happen or red, sunburned skin.
I love to lay out in the sun and catch some rays, careful not to burn. Lucky for me I don’t burn easily, but when I do I take care to treat the burn immediately. I have found and researched many natural remedies for sunburns over the years, which have been great.
Believe it or not, most of the remedies for treating sunburns can be found in your kitchen. My goal is to not have a burn that peels. I hate feeling like a snake shedding skin. It’s gross and it doesn’t look appealing. My remedies for sunburns help soothe the burn, while helping to prevent peeling.
I would avoid the lotions sold in stores advocating sunburn relief. The less the ingredients the better. These lotions are typically full of other toxins and harsh chemicals, which cause more harm than good to your body.
Remedies for Treating Sunburns:
- Aloe Vera – The most widely used source of treatment for sunburns. Aloe promotes rapid healing and tissue repair. It does the trick, but there’s some important points to remember when buying aloe vera gel. Buy fragrance free gel and 100% pure aloe vera. Organic is the best, because it doesn’t have any harmful chemicals in it. The less ingredients in your aloe the better. I suggest an aloe vera plant. They are handy to have around for any type of burns. Aloe from the plant is great to add to dry skin as well and to help freshen up skin and soothe it. Some people say they feel sticky after using aloe, but I think it truly depends on the type of gel. I never feel sticky. Also, aloe plants help to purify the air.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) – Of course ACV would be great for burns. What is it not used for?! ACV helps to balance the body’s pH, and with a balanced pH the body is able to heal. It doesn’t have the greatest of smells, but after awhile the smell dissipates. I always put it on at night, since I won’t be going out in public. I use straight ACV on a cotton ball or cotton facial pad, softly patting the sunburned area of skin. It draws the heat from the skin, literally. You can feel the heat leaving your skin. It doesn’t sting as one would think, but actually feels quit refreshing. I typically do it twice before bed. It takes the sting out of the burn. Or you can fill a bath with some water and pour some ACV in the bath and soak for 10 minutes, letting the healing powers of ACV work their magic.
- Tea Tree Oil – This is great for burns of any kind. It helps to reduce inflammation. I use tea tree oil cream and apply it directly to my skin. It helps to soothe and heal the burned skin, and reduces blistering and peeling. You can add the oil to coconut oil and spread on skin, or into your aloe vera for a more cooling affect. I like to add some drops to water using a mister to spray on my body when I want some relief. It’s a lot better smelling then ACV.
- Coconut Oil – Again this has so many uses!! Coconut oil also serves as a natural sunblock with a SPF of 4. Rubbing some in the skin works great. It helps to hydrate the skin, making the burned area feel less tight. It is great to use in the morning since the smell is less intense then the ACV.
- Olive Oil – Again, it works much the same ways as coconut oil. It will help to prevent peeling that most often occurs with sunburns. It hydrates the skin as well, and serves as a natural sunblock as well.
- Green Tea – Yes believe it or not this can be used topically or taken internally. Green tea contains polypenols and tannic acid, which help to soothe and heal sunburn, reducing redness and inflammation, while protecting the skin cells. All you have to do is steep some green tea for 20 minutes (using leaves is best). Let it cool and then soak a clean cloth in the green tea and apply to sunburned skin
I suggest using the Apple Cider Vinegar at night, drawing the heat out of your skin. Then hydrating in the morning with coconut or aloe with some drops of tea tree oil mixed in, applying as much as you like throughout the day.
Whenever I go to the lake with my family, I always remember to bring aloe vera and Apple Cider Vinegar. My family thanks me for it. And of course I bring coconut oil (it’s what I use for lotion and for my nightly facewashing routine). I told you that you didn’t have to go any farther than your kitchen cupboards for some sunburn relief.
I think it’s safe to say that coconut oil, aloe vera, and Apple Cider Vinegar should be on hand at all times. You won’t be using these for just burns, but for so many other things!!
Go and enjoy some sun the safe way, and if you get a little pink, don’t fear because you now know how to treat your burn safely and effectively.