Get Sunburn Relief Naturally!
Try these Natural Remedies for Sunburn Treatment
We all know the best home remedy for sunburns is to avoid them altogether. Using sunscreen of at least spf 30 and avoiding the sun at peak hours between 10 am and 2 pm assure that sunburn relief isn't needed.
However, despite our best intentions somethings we need natural sunburn remedies.
Here's a list of natural remedies for sunburn
- Aloe gel - be sure to get 100% aloe gel or aloe ointment. Repeat frequently to reduce the sting of burn, inflammation and amount of peeling. Aloe vera ointment contains oil so it won't evaporate. If your sunburn in severe, keep area moist at all times. Aloe is a great home remedy for any type of burn and should be kept on hand in your natural remedies first aid kit. You can also combine aloe juice with ½ the amount of vitamin E and apply to your burn. Vitamin E is a great moisturizer and speeds healing. Read about the many uses of aloe vera.
- Drink plenty of water - this keeps the body hydrated to decrease peeling and speed healing. Nutrients needed for repair and regeneration of skin cells are carried through the blood by staying well hyrated.
- Apple Cider Vinegar - Keeping the skin moistened with apple cider vinegar has a cooling effect that relieves pain and prevents peeling and blistering.
- Yogurt - Apply plain yogurt with live cultures, let it stand for a few minutes, then rinse off with cool water.
- Tea - Sponge sunburned area with strong chilled tea - green or black. The tannins in tea provide a natural sunburn remedy.
- Baking soda - Dissolve 1/2 cup baking soda in water. Making a compress with a clean cloth, apply to burn. Another great sunburn remedy is adding 1/2 cup baking soda to a tepid bath and then soaking. When you get out of the tub, let skin air dry. Baking soda has a cooling effect and helps the skin retain moisture.
- Epsom Salts - dissolve 1/2 cup epsom salts into a tepid bath and soak as a great home remedy for sunburn.
- Milk - Using whole milk, make a compress and apply the the sunburned area for about 20 minutes, repeating every 2 to 4 hours. Rinse milk off to prevent sour milk smell.
- Apply ice to affected area - This is a standard burn treatment for any burn so is a great natural sunburn remedy.
- Calendula - Calendula also is a great treatment for any burn. It softens skin and helps heal the sunburn, besides being an antiinflammatory. Calendula is available in creams, gels, salves or tincture. For a natural remedy for sunburn, put 20 drops of calendula tincture in four ounces of water and bathe the skin. This helps relieve pain. Calendula will help soften and heal burned skin. It is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, and can be used long after the burn to heal the skin.
- Oils to add to your bath water - Lavender, chamomile, peppermint or bergamot- Mix 20-25 drops of essential oil in one cup of water and bathe the sunburned area.
Supplements which act as a sunburn remedy:
- These supplements help speed healing: 1,000 mg of vitamin C, 400 I.U. of vitamin E, 15 mg of beta carotene, and 1-2 tablespoons (or about 3 capsules per teaspoon) of flaxseed oil, which contains omega3 fatty acids. Omega 3 oils are anti-inflammatory and also help the body generate new healthy skin cells. Take these for a few days after burning.
- Aspirin helps with the pain while reducing inflammation. Take it for a full 24 hours after the sunburn occurs. Avoid taking Ibuprofen or Tylenol as these are hard on teh liver.
Remember - If you experience chills, fever, or get blisters or a rash, you may have sun poisoning and need to see your physician!
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