Natural Ingredients to Soothe Sunburn
While many enjoy the feeling of the sun on their skin, there is such thing as too much of a good thing when it comes to sun exposure. Sunburn, and more serious sun poisoning, are a painful result of inadequate protection against UV rays, and can result in redness and irritation of the skin, peeling, blisters, and in extreme cases, nausea and fatigue. While the best way to prevent sunburn pain is to avoid getting sunburn altogether by using SPF, layering clothing, and taking breaks in the shade, there are natural solutions to irritation when it does accidentally occur. Join us at Advanced Biotech as we take a look at holistic cures for sunburn relief.
Aloe
Aloe is ideal for sunburn because it helps to relieve pain and redness by reducing inflammation. To treat a sunburn with aloe, spread a layer of gel extracted from the inside of an aloe leaf over the affected area as often as needed. Aloe can be sustainably grown at home, conveniently on hand throughout the summer, or purchased in stores or online. It is best used in 100% pure gel form and kept chilled to optimize its pain-relieving effects. Aloe also stimulates the production of collagen, which helps the healing process by improving skin firmness, dryness, and elasticity.
Coconut Oil
Versatile and widely available, coconut oil may help to moisturize sunburned skin and minimize itching and peeling, but should only be used after the affected skin has already cooled. To safely use coconut oil on sunburn, cool the skin using cool but not cold water with a dampened washcloth or in the shower or bath then apply coconut water to the moistened skin. It will gradually absorb into the skin and soothe the burn, leaving behind a moisturized skin and a pleasant scent.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a well-known holistic solution for skin irritation. To treat sunburn, create a paste using ground oats, milk, and honey and apply to the affected area as often as needed. This tactic is especially useful when treating sunburn on the face, as it is non-toxic, free of chemicals, and will not irritate sensitive areas like the skin or lips. Another way to use oatmeal to treat sunburn is to create a sachet of oats using a cheese or dish cloth and allow it to steep in a warm bath. The oatmeal-infused bath water will soothe and soften burned skin, and is also great for moisturizing hair, as well.
While sunburn is sometimes inevitable, there are many natural, budget-friendly solutions to provide relief to tired and irritated skin that can already be found in most pantries!