Getting scorched by the sun can be very common during summer when people stay in the beach for too long and realize late that they have been burnt. Fortunately, there are a number of easy and effective ways to soothe sunburn through home remedies. Here are some of them:
1. Take a cool shower or bath
Taking a cool bath can soothe the skin but it is advised not to use soap and loofah because these can irritate the skin. Adding some tablespoons of baking soda or oatmeal to bath water can provide some comfort. It is best not to linger in the water longer than 20 minutes because this may dry out the skin.
2. Apply lotions with aloe vera
Aloe vera lotions can help soothe sunburnt areas. Alternatively, if there's an aloe vera plant found at home, the gel can be squeezed out of the leaves and rubbed gently into the burn. This will cause the blood vessels to constrict and soothe a painful burn.
3. Use cucumbers
Cucumbers contain natural antioxidant and analgesic properties. Mash chilled cucumbers to create a paste and apply this to the affected areas.
4. Pat burned skin with potatoes
Some sunburn treatments are just a walk away from the pantry. If you're sunburned, blend two tomatoes into liquid form and add some water. Pat the mixture into the burn once it is completely blended. Allow to dry. Rinse the potatoes by taking a cool shower.
5. Use tea bag
Teas are not just helpful when you have a cold. They can also be used for treating a burn. Soak tea bags in cool water and apply on the skin. The best tea to use contains calendula because it has soothing properties.
6. Hydrate your body
Drink water. It will help you by replacing the moisture you lose after basking under the sun.
7. Take a regular dose of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can reduce sunburn-caused inflammation. Use vitamin E oil on one's skin or take a regular dosage of the supplement.
8. Soak cloth in a vinegar solution
Many people swear by the effectiveness of soaking a cloth in a half vinegar and half water solution and applying into the burn. Apple cider vinegar is best for this purpose.
9. Apply milk
Applying cool milk with a cloth to the skin can also provide relief to sunburn. The milk produces a protein film that alleviates the discomfort caused by sunburn.
10. Use peppermint oil
As long as the skin is not blistered, applying peppermint oil can help cool a sunburn.
11. Apply yogurt
Yogurt with live cultures can also be applied on the affected skin.
12. Apply cold water or ice
Water is virtually everywhere. Use it to soothe burnt skin.
Photo: Beatrice Murch | Flickr
