Even though we keep accentuating the importance of preventing the sunburns from occurring by applying sunscreens and avoiding the exposure to the sun from 10am-4pm, it can be quite hard to resist the temptation when on holiday. When we finally go to the vacation, all we want is to relax on the beach and get some tan. After a long winter period without the sun, our skin’s first contact with it may result with sunburns. That is why it’s important to know some natural remedies that might help you with sore skin.
Baking soda
Thanks to its alkaline and antiseptic properties, baking soda gently soothes the burnt skin and relieves the itchiness. Simply fill the bathtub with cold water and baking soda (one cup will do) and bathe in it for at least 15 minutes. Do this on a daily basis until your skin is regenerated. You can also make a baking soda paste. Simply mix a few spoons of soda with water and apply the paste to the sore skin. Wash it off after 10 minutes.
Yogurt
Yogurt contains probiotics which are crucial for restoring the skin’s natural barrier. Get yourself a cold yogurt and apply over the burnt skin. Let it stay for about 10 minutes and then gently rinse it off.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory characteristics make it perfect for treating sunburn problems. Break a leaf of aloe vera and extract the gel from it and cool it off in the fridge for half an hour (you can also buy the gel at the market). Then apply it to the skin and let it dry. This way the skin absorbs all the beneficial properties. Repeat this for 5-6 times a day until you feel better. But, be careful, you need to check if you’re allergic to aloe vera. Try testing a small area of the skin first.
Apple cider vinegar
Another soothing remedy, apple cider vinegar is a good astringent that helps with the healing. It’s very helpful with soothing the inflammation and itchiness due to one of its properties, the acetic acid. Fill the bathtub with cold or lukewarm water and sip a cup of vinegar in it. Bathing in this water will balance the pH level of the damaged skin. Another way of using vinegar is to mix it with the same amount of cold water and dip towels in it and then apply those towels over the sunburns. Leave them on until they dry off.
Black tea
Antioxidants present in black tea are very helpful when fighting sunburns and irritated skin. Black tea, thanks to the tannins in it, actually protects the skin from the damage caused by the dangerous ultraviolet rays and reduces inflammation. Moreover, it also helps with retrieving the skin’s natural pH level. Prepare the tea adding 2/3 teabags to the warm water and let it cool to room temperature. Soak a cloth in it and then apply it to the skin. Let it stay until it dries off and repeat at need.
Nessie L.B.