With temperatures breaking all kinds of records this summer, the threat of sunburn is very real. Not only does it leave you with a nasty tan, but also red, itchy and stinging skin. If you’re suffering from sunburn or if you’re preparing for the worst in this weather, these tips can help you get rid of that stubborn bane of the sun in no time.
1. Aloe Vera
Traditional as this may seem, Aloe Vera helps ease that awful burn and reduces redness as well. It helps to have a plant at home, since Aloe Vera is a go-to option for any skin-related issue. If not, Aloe Vera gel from your local chemist, works just as well. If you’re using a plant, slit a leaf down the middle and scoop out the gel before applying it to the burnt areas. Wash this off with cold water and repeat several times a day.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Cost effective and easy, vinegar is known to help relieve sunburn overnight (although we’d take that with a pinch of salt)! Dab some onto a wet cloth and place it on the burnt area. Follow this up with coconut oil and repeat a few times a day.
3. Curd
Natural and easily accessible, grab a bowl from the fridge and slather it on 4 times a day to help ease that nasty burn. Curd is said to be full of active cultures, calcium, protein, zinc that helps in rejuvenating skin. Lactic acid in curd is known to dissolve dead skin cells.
4. Ice
Image Source: Science All
If the thought of something cold against burnt skin is relieving, the application of it is even better. Wrap some ice cubes or an ice pack in a cloth and place it against the affected area. Be wary of placing ice directly on the skin. This causes blood vessels underneath the top layer of skin to narrow or constrict thus leading to less blood flow and delayed healing.
5. Coconut Water
We’ve all been told, time and again both by our parents and doctors, that coconut water is directly related to healthy skin. To heal your skin from that awful burn from within, consume coconut water twice a day, for one week. Keep yourself hydrated your skin will thank you.
6. Mint and Green Tea
Image Source: Extract Green Tea
Tannic Acid and Theobromine in green tea helps heal damaged skin topically. Mint is naturally cooling. Steep four bags of green tea in water and add mint to it before dabbing this on to the burnt areas. You could also pour this tea over the affected region.
7. Potato
Image Source: Washington State Potatoes Commission
If potatoes are your favorite vegetable, you’re about to love them even more. Potatoes in both, juiced and sliced forms, are great pain relievers. They are known to reduce inflammation and reduce scratches and burns. Grate potatoes in their skin and apply to affected areas with a cotton ball.
8. Milk
Another cost-effective and easily accessible method to treat a sunburn. Chilled milk works well to soothe aching skin. Soak a compress with chilled milk and let the excess drip out. Place it on the burnt region and let it stay for as long as you’d like before repeating.
9. NO Sunscreen
Yes, you heard it right. Stay indoors for the first 72 hours (at the least) of being sun burnt and do not apply sunscreen over burnt areas. Do not rupture any blisters, and once the skin has healed, do not step out without dabbing on some sunscreen with a high SPF and UVA as well as UVB protection.