Fortunately, we as Indians have an abundance of Homemade Remedies for Sun Burn. Going out and soaking the sun is exposed to it is a common habit of us. But do you know with all those spent outside being exposed to the sun on a hot sunny day comes inevitable sunburns?
It is always advised to avoid sunburn rather than treat it. Seek shade and avoid getting out in the sun directly, one can use an umbrella to avoid contact with the sun rays directly.
Dress up for the sun, one should always try to cover most parts of the body while getting out in the sun directly like wearing full clothes, sunglasses, and hats. One should avoid getting out at the sunniest part of the day that is around mid-time of the day.
However, of all these tips the most recommended one is to wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or above while getting out in the sun as it is the most effective way to prevent your skin from sunburn.
In case one gets affected by sunburn must try any of the 10 homemade remedies better and quick recovery:
1. Cold Compress or Water Bath:
Consider it as the first and must-have step. After getting sunburnt, at first prepare ice water or cool water for a cold compress. Never put the ice directly on your skin instead use a washed and clean cloth to do it.
It is also recommended to take a bath with lukewarm water if it is not the case of severe sunburn. High intensity of sunburn can cause an immense amount of pain.
2. Aloe Vera:
If you don’t have an aloe vera plant then what are you waiting for? Due to high medical benefits, it’s a must-have plant in every home. It has been used for centuries for treating many ailments including sunburn. Breaking off a chunk from the plant and after extracting the gel from inside applying it directly to is the affected area can immediately provide some relief from sunburn providing soothing relief, speeds up healing, and gives cooling sensation reducing the pain.
If one is not able to get their hands on a plant, then they should try any 100 percent aloe vera gel (remember not to use any aloe-based lotion or ointment). These are easily available in most pharmacies.
3. Honey for Sun Burn:
The sticky substance has been used to treat sunburn since Egyptian days by the people leaving in the desert. It adds moisture to the skin while treating it from sunburn. The moisture present in the honey is absorbed by the skin after applying it over, resulting in the swelling and redness to heal. It also contains all the basic nutrients which are required to repair the broken tissues after sunburn.
In fact, “Studies suggest that it may work better than some antibiotic creams against sunburn, at speeding up healing, reducing infection, and minimizing pain,” says Kathi Kemper, M.D., author of The Holistic Paediatrician.
Note: Do not try this remedy for babies younger than 12 months, as accidental ingestion of honey could put them at risk of developing infant botulism.
4. Green Tea:
Green tea is one most useful remedies used against sunburn as it contains tannic acid and theobromine, which help greatly in relieving pain and healing damaged skin when applied topically to the area with sunburn.
Take a cup of boiled water, add a tea bag or two and let it soak in the water for an hour inside the cup or bowl, make sure to cover the ball. Now remove the tea bags and let the water cool. After this apply it to the areas affected with sunburn with the help of a towel or clean cloth and leave it there till it dries of its own.
Note: A person allergic to pollen should skip this sunburn remedy.
5. Coconut Oil for Sun Burn:
One of the reasons that coconut is effective against sunburn is due to the fats found in it which can help protect and soften burned skin. The correct way of using coconut oil is using it as a moisturizer on the area affected with sunburn, one should first cool the affected area properly with cool (but not cold) water, using a damp cloth or in a bath or shower depending on the seriousness of sunburn. After that coconut oil could be applied slowly to the affected area. It will gradually absorb into the skin and soothe the burn.
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6. Baking Soda or Corn Starch:
Baking soda or corn starch can be used as a home remedy for sunburn. One can create a paste by mixing water and either baking soda or corn starch and applying it gently to the area affected by sunburn. Another way of using it is to put baking soda in a lukewarm bath and let it soak in it for relief from inflammation and itching after sunburn.
Dusting your skin with corn starch is another method of using it and though it can be a bit messy, it reduces painful friction which will happen between the skin and the clothes, making it easier for the sunburnt person to get dressed or to sleep on sheets.
7. Vinegar for Sun Burn:
According to some studies, acetic acid in the vinegar helps in reducing pain, itching, and inflammation caused due to sunburn. The correct steps to using vinegar are, first pour one cup of apple cider vinegar into the lukewarm bathwater and let it get soaked by your skin. You can also apply vinegar to sunburned skin with a washed cloth damped into it for 10-15 minutes at a time. Make sure to use a clean cloth and do not go too hard on your skin as this can worsen the condition.
However, opinions are mixed about using vinegar as a remedy for sunburn. Some experts say adding two cups of vinegar to cool bath water can help take the sting out of the burn and reduce inflammation, while others believe the high acidity in vinegar only makes things worse. If one hasn’t tried the treatment before on smaller, lighter sunburns, it’s best not to try it for larger, more serious burns.
READ MORE: 8 Ways to Treat Keratosis Pilaris Naturally
8. Apple Cider Vinegar:
Adding a cup of apple cider vinegar to the bath can help balance the pH (acid or alkalinity) of sunburned skin, and promote healing.
The steps for using it are the same as vinegar. Soaking in a vinegar bath can ease the pain, inflammation, and itching caused due to sunburn.
9. Oatmeal for Sun Burn:
Finely grounded oatmeal works as an anti-inflammatory substance when applied to the area affected with sunburn after mixing it with the bathwater. One can easily prepare it by pulverizing a cup of instant or slow-cooking oatmeal in a blender or food processor until it has a smooth, fine consistency. Once it is grounded, pour it into the tepid (lukewarm) bath water and soak. It is one of the best home remedy for sunburn.
10. Witch Hazel for Sun Burn:
Witch hazel and tea both contain tannins, a natural compound that can help reduce inflammation, making them great choices to use topically on a sunburn. Witch Hazel-based creams can be found at drugstores and are very effective in treating sunburns.
If a person is suffering from mild sunburn, it will likely heal by itself without any medical treatment. However, the person may need to visit a doctor if your burn is severe.
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FAQs on Remedies for Sun Burn:
How to avoid sun burn?
Seek shade and avoid getting out in the sun directly, you can also use an umbrella to avoid contact with the sun rays.
Is aloe vera beneficial in treating sun burn?
Breaking off a chunk from the plant and after extracting the gel from inside applying it directly to is the affected area can immediately provide some relief from sunburn and provides soothing relief, speeds up healing, and gives cooling sensation reducing the pain.
Can we use baking soda to treat sun burn?
You can make a paste by mixing some water and baking soda and then apply it gently to the area affected by sunburn.
How does apple cider vinegar treat sun burn?
Adding a cup of apple cider vinegar to the bath can help balance the pH (acid or alkalinity) of sunburned skin, and promotes healing.
How to treat severe sun burn?
If a person is suffering from mild sunburn, it will likely heal by itself without any medical treatment. However, the person may need to visit a doctor if your burn is severe.
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