Summer is the time of the year when people get to enjoy the warm weather, the beach, and, unfortunately, the experience of feeling painful, inflamed skin resulting from sun damage. In addition to feeling a painful, itching sensation, sunburns can actually cause sun poisoning and can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
By taking necessary precautions, you can help protect yourself from harmful UV rays. For those of you who have already fallen victim to a sunburn, there are plenty of natural remedies to help ease the pain.
Natural Remedies for Sunburn
Try using these simple household ingredients to help reduce the pain accompanied by sunburns:
1.Black Tea
Black tea is full of antioxidants that are essential for treating irritated and sunburned skin. The tannins present in this tea help protect the skin from UV radiation damage and reduce inflammation. As an added bonus, black tea can also help in restoring the skin’s pH balance.
Try: Brew two to three tea bags and allow them to sit for a few minutes until they cool. Soak a cloth in the solution and apply the cloth on the affected skin. Leave it on until the solution dries and reapply three to four times; you don’t need to wash it off.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has exceptional anti-inflammatory properties that help combat the various symptoms accompanied by sunburn. It also has soothing properties that can subside the pain associated with sunburn.
Try: Removing the gel within the aloe vera leaf, place it in the refrigerator until it is cool and apply a light coating onto the affected area. Allow it to dry on its own and repeat about five to six times a day.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent astringent. It can help soothe sunburn pain and also aid in the healing process. Apple cider vinegar also contains acetic acid that can help ease the inflammation and itching accompanied with sunburn.
Try: Add one cup of apple cider vinegar to a lukewarm bath. This will help balance the pH level of your sunburned skin and promote healing. Follow this remedy once a day, as needed.
Sunburn Prevention Tips
The best way to avoid sunburn is to prevent it. Although we all love to bask in the ambiance of the sunlight, try your best to stay out of the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is the strongest. Wear light and loose fitting clothing that covers your skin as well as a wide-brimmed hat and a pair of sunglasses.
Make sure that while you’re applying your favorite summer body oil, you also apply your handy sunscreen over it, several times a day. Always keep in mind that sunburn can develop on your skin before you even notice it, so re-apply your sunscreen even if it doesn’t look like you’re getting burnt.
