7 Simple Hacks To Treat Sunburn The Natural Way

Summer’s here, and that means it’s time to head outside and soak up the sun. But along with the all those hours spent outdoors during the summer season, there usually comes one inevitable thing: sunburn. Fortunately for all of us, there are plenty of household items you can use to cool the burning, itching, and peeling that come with damage from the sun.

To prevent the harm the sun’s UV rays can do to your skin, it’s very important to apply a palm-sized amount of sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on your skin before you head out, and reapply it every 2 hours or so. You probably already know this, but it’s important to point out that even the most devoted sunscreen users slip-up from time to time, and end up with sunburn.

You probably already know this, but it’s important to point out that even the most devoted sunscreen users slip-up from time to time, and end up with sunburn.

With that said, if you suffer from sunburn, here are a couple of hacks that will help you soothe the itchiness and pain.

#Baking soda and oatmeal

Throwing a few heaping tablespoons of baking soda into a bathtub full of cool water and soaking for about 15 to 20 minutes helps minimize sun damage. Adding a cup of oats to the bath also soothes irritation and helps the skin retain its natural moisture.

Don’t scrub your skin, either in the bath or after getting out. Dab yourself dry with a towel — don’t rub.

#Use apple cider vinegar on your skin

Apple cider vinegar consists of a variety of ingredients that help reduce skin inflammation. And so, in the summer months, it’s best to keep a bottle of apple cider vinegar in your home. If you suffer from sunburn, soak a clean cloth in a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water, and wipe down your skin with it. You could also put this mixture in a spray bottle, and spray it on your skin when it is itchy, for some instant relief.

# Aloe vera

If you don’t have an aloe vera plant in your house, you should get one. The gel inside this succulent plant has been used for centuries for all sorts of ailments, from upset stomachs to kidney infections. It’s also the sunburn relief most commonly found over the counter.

Breaking off a chunk of the plant and applying the gel directly to the skin provides immediate, soothing relief from the sting of minor sunburn. If you can’t get your hands on a plant, try a 100 percent aloe vera gel (not an aloe-based lotion or ointment). You can find these gels in most pharmacies.

#Apply raw honey on your skin

One of the many powers of raw honey is that it’s a natural antiseptic, which is why it can help heal dried, burned, damaged skin. Gently rub raw honey over the burned area, cover it with gauze, and you’ll feel relief in minutes.

#Use milk on your skin

The protein and fats in milk are great for soothing sunburn, as they create a protective film over the skin.

#Dab cooled black tea on your sunburn

As tea is filled with tannic acid and can help maintain the pH balance of your skin, it’s a great way to calm irritated skin. All you’ll need to do is brew some tea bags, pop them into the refrigerator to cool, and then dab the cooled tea bags on sunburned skin. Furthermore, tea bags are really easy to carry around, and so, when you’re traveling, you won’t have to carry an entire bottle of aloe vera gel with you— all you’ll need to do is pack a couple of super-light tea bags, and you’ll be set!

# Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea can be soothing to your spirit, but it can also soothe your sunburned skin. Brew the tea as you normally would and let it cool. When it’s ready, soak a washcloth in it and apply it to the affected area.

If you are allergic to pollen, you shouldn’t use this treatment. It may cause an allergic reaction in your skin.