Summertime is definitely the best season for a lot of people because there are so many beautiful things that happen, including travel, trips to the beach, family get-togethers, barbecues, late night cocktails, etc.
However, though it has so many beautiful things to offer, summer is the time when people get frequent sunburns. Even though many apply sunscreen with every outing, UV rays often find a way to sneak through and cause painful and itchy sunburns.
Of course, sensible sun exposure is crucial for our vitamin D amounts; however, excessive exposure can cause sunburns and sun poisoning that can elevate the risk of cancer and premature wrinkles.
If you have been dealing with sunburns, you should know there are beneficial sunburn remedies that are effective and natural.
How Do We Get Sunburned?
When the sun or other ultraviolet source of light hits our body and exceeds the amount which the body can handle, the skin begins to release melanin, a protective pigment. Usually, sunburn lasts for several days until the inflammation from the overexposure reduces.
A person with a fair skin can get sunburned in less than 15 minutes if exposed to intense, midday sun. The skin will become red or pink, it will feel warm or hot, painful and tender, and it may also be itchy and swollen.
In severe cases, the individual may have blisters, fever, headaches, and tiredness.
What Are the Conventional Treatments for Sunburns?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, these are the most effective conventional sunburn remedies:
- Cool baths and showers and applying moisturizer on semi-wet skin too boost hydration
- Aloe vera topical application
- Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream
- Pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen,
- Increase of water intake
- Not picking at skin blisters because they are aiding the skin’s recuperation and prevent infection
Best Natural Sunburn Remedies
- Milk
To lower the pain and heat, use milk. Make a cold compress by wetting a cloth in cooled milk and applying it onto the affected areas or soaking in a lukewarm bath water mixed with cup of cold milk.
- Cornstarch
Sprinkle some cornstarch on your sheets to lower the friction and decrease the chaffing which can be quite painful. This will create a barrier between the sheets and skin and ease your sleep at night. But, prepare to do some laundry the next day!
- Oatmeal
Oatmeal has the ability to reduce itchiness, dryness, and inflammation. Blend dry oats in a blender until smooth and adding one cup to a lukewarm bathwater. Soak for 20 or 30 minutes for optimal relaxation and pain reduction.
- Yogurt
Thanks to the lactic acid and probiotics, yogurt is a great option for alleviating redness and to soothe the skin. Opt for plan, full-fat yogurt and apply a thin layer gently onto the sunburned areas. Wait for 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
- Black tea
This tea is not just a great beverage, but it can also be used for topical relief of redness and pain. Soak several bags of this tea in boiled and cooled down water and then dip a cloth in it and apply it onto the painful area. Do not rinse the skin.
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