Sunlight is made of several different types of radiation, such as the Infrared radiation (that makes sunlight feel hot), the visible light (the radiation that allows us to see the sunlight), and the ultraviolet radiation. The ultraviolet radiation causes sunburn. There are some home remedies for sunburn relief and we are going to know about these remedies in the following array of the article.
16 Effective Home Remedies For Sunburn Relief:
The ultraviolet radiations cause sunburns. These UV radiations from the sun can disrupt crucial molecules and wreak havoc on the immune system of our body. When the ultraviolet radiation or the UV radiation hits our skin, melanin pigment absorbs it to shield our DNA from harm. Melanin pigment is the pigment that gives the skin its color; now, when our skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation, the melanin production speeds up and that’s the reason why our skin tans when we are exposed to sunlight for a long time. Sunburns can make your skin red and also painful to touch.
There are a lot of home remedies for sunburn relief that might work for most of us, especially if there is a mild case of sunburn. So, let us discuss some of the home remedies here below.
1. Cold Water:
Sunburn is generally the inflammation of the skin and one of the simplest ways to treat inflammation is to cool down the area that is affected. So, an effective home remedy to help you with sunburn immediately is to hop in the cold water. Dipping in and out throughout the day in water can help you keep the effects of sunburn from turning worse. This way you could help cool and also soothe your skin.
2. Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera gel inside the aloe vera plant has been used as home remedy for centuries in treating all sorts of ailments, such as upset stomachs, and also kidney infections. However, one of the best use of aloe vera juice is its use in relieving sunburn.
You can break off a chunk of the aloe vera plant and apply the gel directly on the affected skin to get immediate sunburn relief. If you do not have aloe vera plant at home you can also try a 100% aloe vera gel from pharmacies.
3. Cold Compress:
You can also try the home remedy of a cold compress to get relief from sunburn. A cold compress can help in absorbing heat and offer you immediate cooling comfort for any sort of painful burns, especially caused due to sunburn. You can just wrap a towel around a plastic bag filled with ice and place it directly on the skin.
NOTE: Do not place ice directly on the affected area as it can make things worse.
4. Baking Soda And Oatmeal:
You can put a few tablespoons of baking soda into your bathtub full of cold water and soak in the tub for around 20 minutes. This would help you to minimize the pain from sunburn. Apparently, you can also add a cup of oatmeal to the bath and that would soothe irritation and also help your skin retain its natural moisture.
NOTE: Make sure not to scrub your skin, either in the bath or even after getting out.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar:
You can use apple cider vinegar as an effective home remedy to treat sunburn at home. Apple cider vinegar or ACV contains an AHA or the Malic acid that stimulates the blood circulation to speed up the process of healing. It also helps in maintaining the pH levels of the skin which can help in reducing blisters and peeling of the skin. Apple cider vinegar is naturally antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antifungal and thus is a great remedy to prevent infection in any damaged skin tissue.
6. Chamomile Tea:
Chamomile tea is something that soothes your spirit and also soothes your skin that has been affected by sunburn. You need to brew the chamomile tea and let it cool down. When it’s cool, soak a towel or cloth in it and apply it to your affected area.
NOTE: You should not try this home remedy if you are allergic to pollen, as it might cause an allergic reaction in your skin.
7. Witch Hazel:
Witch hazel is a liquid extract that is derived from the witch hazel plant. This liquid extract contains tannins and oils that are known to reduce inflammation, draw your skin tissue together for improved healing and for fighting free radicals.
You need to apply witch hazel to your sunburn area of the skin to get relief from itching and pain.
8. Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil is known to be a natural sunscreen to help prevent sunburn. The oil contains a saturated fat known as Lauric acid. As per a review of 2014, in vivo and in vitro studies have shown that this lauric acid has got some real essential antibacterial abilities against a lot of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.(1) Hypothetically, applying this coconut oil over sunburn might help in preventing any infection.
An earlier study conducted on rats and mice has shown that coconut oil has got fair anti-inflammatory and analgesic abilities.(2) This also showed the ability of the oil to reduce body temperature.
Though the research is encouraging, it is still required that we need to have more evidence on the fact that coconut oil can be an effective home remedy for sunburn.
9. Potatoes:
Potatoes can be one of the most essential home remedies for sunburn relief. The starch that is present in this root vegetable can help take the sting out of a burn.
So, for getting instant relief from sunburn, just rub a few slices of potato over your affected skin area. However, if you have an extremely painful burn on your skin, blend small chunks in a blender and make it nice and thick and then soak paper towels with this paste of potato and apply it to your affected area.
10. Tomatoes:
Tomatoes can also be applied to your sunburn skin as a home remedy to get enough relief from the sun damage. Studies have shown that consuming tomatoes help in protecting you against dangerous ultraviolet radiation of the sun.(3) So, it is better to eat some slices of tomatoes before you step outside in the sun to prevent yourself from sunburn.
11. Black, Green And Grey Teas:
These herbs are loaded with tannic acid and are known to use for soothing sore throats. However, they can also ease the pain due to sunburn. Just brew 5-8 tea bags in a pot of water and once it cools down, soak a cloth in the tea and apply it to the affected area for 30 minutes. This could help you get good relief from sunburn.
12. Coriander Oil:
Several studies have suggested that rubbing essential oil like coriander oil on to the affected area of your skin might help in reducing inflammation. So, try this out!
13. Yogurt:
You can take chilled yogurt and apply it generously to the affected area of your skin. This useful home remedy will help you soothe your sunburn.
14. Make Use Of Moisturizer:
One of the most essential things that you can do to prevent your skin from peeling, or at least to minimize the cases of peeling, is to apply moisturizer on the affected skin area daily and keep it well moisturized.
NOTE: Make use of dye-free or scent-free moisturizers to keep away from any sort of skin irritation.
15. Wear Loose Clothing:
While your skin is repairing itself from the sunburn damage, ensure that you are wearing loose clothing and not tight-fitting clothes sticking to your skin. Give your skin enough room to breathe as it is healing from a traumatic episode like sunburn. You also need to wear natural fibers, like cotton clothes.
16. Stay Hydrated:
It is very much important for you to remain hydrated as your skin is battling with the damage from sun radiations. This is because the skin requires moisture that it lost because of the extensive exposure to the sun.
Conclusion:
These were some of the home remedies for sunburn relief. Hope these could help you if you ever suffer from mild cases of sunburn. However, be very much sure to talk to your doctor in case you have severe cases of sunburn and not rely on home remedies.
Also Read:
