- Aloe Vera – Whether you choose to go with the store-bought gel or extract your own from the leaves of an Aloe plant, Aloe Vera is the classic, tried and true remedy for painful sunburns.
- Witch Hazel – Known to reduce swelling and repair damaged skin, Witch Hazel is an easy, topical fix for scrapes and burns. Using a soft cotton pad or cloth, gently dab the liquid on the affected area, being careful not to press too hard.
- Cold Milk Compress – This is an easy and cost-effective way to relieve a sunburn. Simply pour chilled milk into a bowl and dip soft gauzes in to absorb the liquid. Then place the gauzes across the affected area and leave on until it reaches warmer temperatures; repeat.
- Corn Starch or Baking Soda Paste – Slowly add water to either baking soda or corn starch until it achieves a pasty consistency. Apply the paste to the affected area and allow to soothe. Wipe off and reapply if desired. Rinse off completely with cool water when done.
- Hydrate – Sometimes we forget the obvious: A sunburn is actual drying and searing of our skin and therefore a lack of moisture will only make the problem worse. Drink plenty of fluids while you’re healing.
- Minty Green Tea – Mint’s naturally cooling properties combined with green tea’s power to relieve pain make this an ideal sunburn solution. Boil 5 bags of green tea (strings and tags removed) and 3 cups of fresh mint leaves in 1 quart of water, then allow to steep for approximately one hour. Strain the liquid once it has cooled completely and allow to chill in a refrigerator before applying the mixture topically to the affected area using cotton pads or a soft cotton cloth.
- Yogurt Compress – With clean hands, directly apply a cup (or more if necessary) of cooled plain yogurt to your burned skin. Gently spread with your fingers or use a soft, rubber spatula to avoid any nails scratching your sensitive skin.
- Lettuce Water Tonic – Boil lettuce leaves in water, strain, and allow the liquid to cool completely (or place it in the refrigerator for a reviving tonic) before applying to the burned skin with cotton balls.
- Vinegar Spritz – Vinegar has been a long-time staple in healing burned skin. Use pure, apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle to cool and then apply to the affected area. Lightly dap with a cotton pad or soft cloth.
- Cucumber Paste – This natural antioxidant is a refreshing way to relieve the burning sensation on your skin. If you need immediate relief, slice up 2-3 cooled cucumbers and apply directly to the affected area. Another option is to create a paste by tossing a few cooled cucumbers in a blender. Add a little cornstarch if you’d like a thicker paste. Apply directly to the affected area.
Do you have any tips for healing sunburned skin? What are your favorite solutions? Let me know!! xo
Keep doing
Angelika
( credit: L.R.)
