It is summer of 2018, and you have sunburn. It is not that we don’t know that sunscreen and protective wear are how we should protect our skin; events can overtake us, and soon we’re caught up in activities and forget to do the right thing. For some, you did all these things and still ended up with sunburn. You’re likely to have missed a spot or forgot to reapply as the day wore on. Either way, it is the end of the day, and you’re left dealing with painful, itchy skin that will start pealing in a few days.
While there are plenty of market and home remedies to soothe the skin, the sad fact remains that the UV rays have damaged your skin. This fact should, therefore, be a reminder to place sunscreen at the forefront of your to-do list before walking out the door on any given day. However, know that there are plenty of ways to provide relief to scorching part of your skin using some home remedies without feeling the urgency of calling up an ICBC injury lawyer to file a claim against the sun.
Take a good bath
The first thing you’ll probably do upon getting back to the house is want to run a bath and soak the skin. That’s not the best idea given that your skin is sensitive after exposure from the sun. The ideal way to clean up is to take a bath in lukewarm water. Swap your daily soap for a mild alternative so as not to irritate the skin further. Give you’re likely to try other remedies on this list, the less product you use, the better.
Baking soda
An alternative to the mild soap that you use as a precursor to other remedies is adding baking soda to your bath water. Baking soda is widely used in the beauty community and for other home remedies. Among its many uses, it will reduce itching and inflammations on the sunburnt area as well turn the area alkaline, an aspect that promotes faster healing. For it to work effectively, air-dry and let the baking soda left on the skin do its magic. It both soothes the skin and helps it retain moisture.
Alternatively, you can form a paste with baking soda and water and apply to the affected area once clean.
Apple cider vinegar
Another multipurpose home remedy is apple cider vinegar. As an alternative way to soothe your sunburn, can add about a cup of vinegar into your bath and soak it in. The other option is soaking a cotton ball in ACV and dabbing it on the affected area. Though no human studies are showing that it heals sunburns, most people swear by it due to its ability to sooth the skin.
Aloe Vera
Studies on the plant show that it can help in healing mild burns and sunburns. The added advantage is that it acts as a moisturizer, meaning that the skin won’t peel as is often the case. You can purchase the plant and extract the sap for use to apply to the area. Place it in the fridge for a bit for that extra soothing feeling. Alternatively, you can purchase the extract from your local store.
Yogurt and milk
Ancient Turks use yogurt to soothe sunburn. Though no credible scientific evidence supports this claim, the hypothesis of the yogurt it to soothe and moisturize the skin. That stops the itching and the peeling as well as gives skin a protective layer as during that time it is sensitive. Cold milk serves to provide a similar effect, and it also contains anti-inflammatory properties.
Cold press
We all know how uncomfortably hot and painful sunburns can feel. You can use a cold press, frozen peas (or other veggies) or a soft cloth dunked in ice water to sooth the area. That can do this for more than 15 minutes or when you attain relief. Doing it several times a day perhaps for a few days keeps the discomfort at bay. You can use a cold press before trying other remedies.
Wrap up
If you’re not one for home remedies, then you can make your way to the local pharmacy and inquire about products that work best. There are also other products in your local stores tailored for sunburns that you can pick up during your regular shopping. However, should the burn be severe, avoid taking any of the steps mentioned and visit a doctor immediately as you may exacerbate the situation.
