5 Home Remedies To Relieve Sunburn Immediately

Sunburns are generally not a serious problem, but in the long run they can lead to premature aging, the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes, and even skin cancer.

In most cases, the first signs of sunburn are dry skin, redness and increased sensitivity in the affected areas.

Symptoms worsen over the hours, and the person may experience irritation, itching, and even pain. In addition, it is common for the skin to “peel off” or peel off after a few weeks.

Depending on its severity, sunburn can disappear in a few days, as long as the affected skin is hydrated with nourishing agents for the dermis. However, one of the reasons they are best avoided is because they cause damage to the skin that can be permanent and harmful in the long run.

Almost all people who suffer from sunburn experience pain between 6 and 48 hours after exposure to the sun. Babies and children are even more vulnerable to the sun’s action.

Fortunately, there are some natural remedies that can be applied to the skin to speed up its recovery. In addition, they relieve pain and give a feeling of refreshing relief.

1. Milk dissolved in water to relieve sunburn

The lactic acid present in milk has a moisturizing effect on the skin, nourishing it after losing its protective layer due to excessive sun. 

One way to make milk even more refreshing is to mix it with a portion of ice water or at room temperature.

How to make?

• After diluting three parts of milk in water, dampen a clean cloth in the liquid and apply it to the affected areas.
• Repeat the application several times a day, every day, for good results.

2. Apple vinegar

One of the best ingredients for restoring the skin’s natural pH and reducing the effects of the sun is apple cider vinegar. Cheap and easy to find, you may already have it in your pantry at home.

This product has a significant amount of natural acids, which help to retain natural moisture and stimulate skin regeneration.

How to make?

• First, mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of ice-cold water.
• Apply over burned areas.
• Another option, for those who have a bathtub at home, is this: mix two cups of vinegar in the bath water and leave the body in the water with vinegar for 20 minutes.

• Use this treatment until the skin is completely healed.

3. Aloe Vera Gel

Direct application of aloe vera (aloe) gel to the skin aids healing and brings immediate relief.

This plant is known for its many applications in cosmetics and medicines, as it is a wonderful source of antioxidants and other important nutrients that help to restore the body’s damaged cells, both internally and externally.

Regular use of aloe vera on the skin can reduce blemishes and other signs of aging caused by the sun and pollution.  In addition, aloe vera can prevent the skin from peeling and blemishes and scars from forming.

How to make?

• First cut one or two leaves from the aloe vera plant, remove the side thorns with a knife. Cut the sheet along its length, forming two halves. Use a spoon to get all the gel.
• Gently apply to the affected area, three times a day, and let it dry onto the skin. Continue treatment until the affected regions recover.

4. Water with ice

It seems simple, however, ice water is a holy remedy for any type of burn, not just the sun.

How to make:

• Take a large bowl and pour water with some ice cubes.
• Soak the affected areas for as long as you like, but remove them before you feel pain.
• Ice water acts as an anesthetic and will also stop cell degeneration caused by heat.
• If you have a bathtub at home, put a few ice cubes in the water so you don’t cause hypothermia.

5. Chamomile tea

Chamomile is a plant with great anti-inflammatory and soothing potential, which can ease the pain and irritation of sunburned skin.

How to make?

• First, prepare some chamomile tea as you normally would. Do not sweeten.
• Afterwards, soak a clean cloth or cotton in cold or iced tea and apply to the burned area.
• Another good option is to make ice with chamomile tea to massage damaged skin.
• Repeat the application as many times as you like. This treatment has no side effects.

The importance of sunscreen

Avoid sun exposure during peak hours, and use a good sunscreen, with an SPF suitable for your skin tone (ideally, use an SPF of at least 20).

Also, it helps a lot to wear protective clothing, caps or hats and a pair of sunglasses.

If the burn is very large and uncomfortable, see a dermatologist immediately. Never apply butter, coffee grounds, petroleum jelly or greasy ointments on burns.