Ah, summer is indisputably the best time of the year. It is the time that we can get to enjoy a range of outdoor activities including fishing, swimming, and enjoy your dream beach holidays amongst others. But it is also the time of the year when sunburn becomes a real problem due to excessive exposure to the sun.
With the sun getting quite hot during summer, it is difficult to avoid sunburns. But since we cannot keep indoor, the secret is how you deal with the problem when it occurs. Although conventional treatments are widely used for treating sunburns, home remedies are increasingly becoming popular due to various reasons.
First, home remedies have numerous health benefits to the skin over the conventional treatment. That is one thing that is making them popular. Second, they are not associated with severe side effects. But which are the most effective home remedies for sunburn? Well, We have rounded up five best home remedies for sunburns.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is the ultimate solution to almost all skin conditions. The succulent plant is widely used in the cosmetic industry due to its incredible health benefits to the skin. Aloe vera has antibacterial, anti-inflammation and phytochemical properties and that is what makes it a perfect sunburn treatment. It is an excellent moisturizer thus soothes and keeps the skin hydrated. However, raw aloe vera gel is highly recommended.
Direction: Extract the gel from the aloe vera leave and put it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Apply the gel on the sunburned skin and allow it to dry on its own for the skin to fully absorb it. Do this for 5 to 6 times in several days for several days.
2. Honey
Honey is one of the best gifts to humanity from nature. Apart from being highly nutritious food, it is known for is incredible medicinal properties. Honey has both antibacterial and hydrophilic properties making it perfect for both mild and severe sunburns. The hydrophilic properties enable honey to draw water out from the tissue to treat blisters while the antibacterial properties kill and prevent bacteria from causing infections.
Direction: Honey should be applied on the affected part of the skin. You can apply unheated organic honey directly on the surface or mix it with other organic products such as oatmeal to improve its effectiveness. Apply it at least three times a day for several days.
3. Baking Soda
If your skin is sunburned, baking soda would be the perfect home remedy alternative. Due to its alkaline and antiseptic nature, baking soda soothes the sunburned skin thus reducing pain and irritation.
Direction: There are two ways that you can use baking powder. First, you can fill the bathtub with cold water and add one cup of baking soda and stir well. Soak in the water for at least 15 minutes and allow your body to air dry. Alternatively, make a paste by mixing at least four tablespoons of the baking soda with enough. Apply the paste directly on the skin and leave it for 10 minutes before washing it off.
4. Oatmeal and Lavender oils
If you have a large area of your skin sunburned, then a combination of oatmeal and lavender essential oils would be the perfect home remedy. Oatmeal works by soothing, moisturizing and reducing skin irritation. On the other hand, lavenders essential oil relieves pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties. With such combination, it will be easy to manage even the most severe sunburn.
Direction: Fill the bathtub with cold water and add one cup of the oatmeal to it. Add about 15 drops of lavender oil and mix thoroughly. Soak in the bath for about 30 minutes and let your body air dry after getting out of the water.
5. Milk
Milk is one of the readily available home remedies for sunburns. Due to its fat, protein, and pH, milk is gentle on the skin making it a perfect for various skin conditions including sunburns. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help to relieve pain during the treatment process.
Direction: First, you need to wash the affected part of the skin with water and air dry it slightly before the milk is applied. Then apply cold milk using a cotton pad and leave it out for at least 5 minutes. If you don’t like the milk smell, consider adding a few drops of essential oils such as lavender or peppermint.
The Bottom Line
If you start feeling a slight discomfort on the skin after basking in the sun, don’t ignore it. It could be sunburn, and the best thing you can do is treating it immediately. However, avoid conventional treatments since they are ridden with chemical elements. Try any of the five listed home remedies since they have been proven to work incredibly well. Whether it is mild or severe sunburn, these home remedies are suited for all types of sunburns.
Photo by Federico Giampieri on Unsplash
