Home Remedies To Help Treat Mild Sunburns

Moderate exposure to sunlight is the chief source of vitamin D and can also get you a beautiful tan. However, prolonged sun exposure through the years can contribute to age spots, premature wrinkling, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

Moreover, spending excessive time under the sun, especially without sunscreen, can result in a painful sunburn.

The treatment for a sunburn depends on the degree of burn. While severe sunburns require medical treatment, you can manage mild sunburns with home-based interventions.

# Apply aloe vera gel

Aloe vera gel is a popular home remedy for various skin problems, including burns. It possesses anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and anti-itch properties that can help manage the symptoms of a sunburn.

How to use: Wash the affected area with cold water and pat it dry using a clean towel. Apply fresh, cold aloe vera gel or aloe-based lotion to the area twice a day until it heals. Avoid using alcohol-containing products as they may irritate the burnt skin.

# Take an oatmeal bath

Oatmeal is effective in treating sunburns due to its moisturizing properties that can help alleviate the discomfort associated with flaky, dry skin. Moreover, colloidal oatmeal contains antioxidants that help control inflammation.

How to use: Mix colloidal oatmeal in your bath water and soak your body in it for 15–20 minutes. Avoid using oatmeal scrubs.

# Apply honey

Honey can help heal wounds and treat mild burns, among its various uses.

Since the sunburnt skin often turns flaky and dry and develops blisters, the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of honey can support recovery and prevent infections associated with blisters.

It is vital to use only medical-grade honey, which is sterilized, for the treatment of burns.

How to use: Wash the affected area with cold water and pat it dry. Apply honey gel or paste to the burn and wash after 15 minutes. Discontinue use if it stings.

# Use a cool tea compress

The tannins in tea act as an anti-inflammatory agent, thus helping in the treatment of sunburns.

How to use: Brew a cup of green or black tea and cool it in the refrigerator. Soak a clean cloth with the tea and apply it to the affected area. Pour some more tea on the cloth. You can also add mint leaves when brewing the tea to enhance its cooling effects.

# Dab some witch hazel

Witch hazel is rich in polyphenols that help reduce inflammation and promote wound healing. It is suggested that witch hazel-based emollients can help boost skin recovery in mild sunburns.

# Use yogurt

Yogurt has been a popular anecdotal remedy in the treatment of sunburns, although no scientific evidence supports its use.

How to use: Wash the affected area, pat it dry, and apply cool yogurt. Rinse after a few minutes and apply moisturizer.