Sunburn is an annoying skin irritation caused by being out into the sun for too long, and sunburn remedies need to be performed immediately in order to prevent scarring. There are many sunburn remedies found in the kitchen or in the garden of your own home, and you don't even need to go to a drugstore to buy expensive sunburn medications.
1. Water
Remember that sunburns generate tremendous amounts of heat that could cause further skin dryness and potential scarring. The resulting dehydration may also cause dizziness and confusion, which could lead to coma and even death in severe cases. It is very important to increase your intake of water and other fluids to keep sunburned skin (and the rest of your body) adequately hydrated.
2. Vitamins C and E
Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that induce growth of new tissues and hasten the healing of sunburned skin. Examples of vitamin C-rich foods include guavas, strawberries, lemons, Brussels sprouts and broccoli. Sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, hazelnuts, almonds and wheat germ are rich in vitamin E.
3. Aloe Vera
The pulp and juice of aloe vera has a cooling effect and anti-inflammatory enzymes that help to relieve redness, itchiness and pain. For even greater relief, it is advisable to refrigerate the aloe vera leaves.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is also known for its effectiveness on sunburn. The enzymes in apple cider vinegar not only relieve the pain and redness, but they also hasten skin healing and exfoliation of dead and damaged skin tissues. In the absence of apple cider vinegar, regular vinegar can be used as a substitute, although it may not be as effective.
5. Ice Compress
Ice compresses on the sunburn will help soothe redness, itchiness and pain.
6. Cold Milk Compress
Having the same anti-inflammatory effects as ice, a cold milk compress has the added benefit of moisturizing sun-damaged skin to promote skin healing.
7. Oatmeal Bath
One cup of oatmeal placed in warm bath water for 15 minutes not only soothes the symptoms of sunburns, but also hastens skin healing by its gentle exfoliating action on dead or damaged skin tissues. In the absence of oatmeal, baking soda can be used as a substitute.
8. Yellow Mustard
Aside from removing the heat being generated from and relieving the pain of sunburns, yellow mustard has strong antibacterial properties, which will prevent the development of scarring blisters and skin infection.
9. Yogurt
Yogurt not only soothes red, irritated skin caused by sunburns, but also helps to keep the skin hydrated and moist to promote quick healing.
10. Lavender or Peppermint Oil
Lavender or peppermint oil gives sunburned skin a soothing, cooling effect and helps to relieve pain and itchiness.
11. Grated Cucumbers or Potatoes
Grated cucumbers or potatoes help to reduce redness and pain from sunburns. Enzymes in these vegetables help in removing dead and damaged skin tissues.
12. Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil soothes redness, itchiness and pain. Rich in proteins, cod liver oil also promotes new skin tissue growth and repair of damaged skin tissues.
