Sunburn is a type of radiation burn that affects some tissue such as skin due to overexposure to the ultraviolet radiation, usually the sun. The sunlight is made up of so many different types of radiations which include infrared radiation which makes the sunlight feel hot, visible light that makes the sun visible, and lastly, the ultraviolet radiation. These types of radiations are somewhat harmless except the ultraviolet radiation which causes the sunburn. This type of radiation is very harmful to human’s health and can even wreak havoc to the human immune system.
The ultraviolet radiation tries to damage your cells which make them produce warning signals and catalyze your body to produce an inflammatory response. Due to this reaction, many different types of blood cells are sent to the affected area and that makes your skin become red and sometimes, painful to touch.
As we gradually approach the hot summer months, sunburn will become a common occurrence with people who love to spend time on the beach, and outdoors generally; especially in the gulf region where temperatures could soar above 50 degrees Celsius.
Luckily, there various ways to nurse sunburn at home using some of the things you can naturally find around you. Here are the 10 best home remedies for sunburn.
1. Cool Bath
Having a warm bath when you have a sunburn won’t improve your health state which is why you have to do what will provide immediate relief to you; cool bath. Having a cool bath when you have sunburns can do wonders to your health and what’s most amazing about the cool bath is when you add some baking soda to your bath water. Baking soda in this case usually helps your skin return to its usual pH levels by balancing acid and alkaline levels. If the cool bath seems too far-fetched, you can just wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply to the area of the burn. Never try to place the ice directly on the affected surface as it can cause more damage.
2. Aloe Vera
As you may probably have heard, Aloe Vera is used to treat different types of skin diseases and some cream manufacturer often include it in their products because it is a natural skin food. For a skin burn, you can apply any topical products that contain Aloe Vera although it is highly advisable to use the Aloe Vera leaf and remove the sticky gel in it which can be applied to the affected surface. If you’re vulnerable to sunburns, never run out of the Aloe Vera leaves as they will quickly relief you of your sunburn pains when they start to become unbearable.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
The apple cider vinegar contains malic acid which is an AHA that stimulates circulation to speed up any healing process and that’s why you need it to completely heal up the burns on time. Apple cider vinegar is also very helpful when it comes to maintain the skin’s PH level which will in turn reduce peeling and blisters. Always ensure this is one of the very first things you need to get as you as you realize you have sunburn as it helps prevent infection in damaged skin tissue.
4. Lots of Water Intake
It is very essential that you stay hydrated for the first few days after you have the sunburn. Very harsh sunburns always force the blood vessel to become wider which causes you to lose moisture from your skin faster than usual; leaving you dehydrated and on the worst case could lead to heatstroke.
5. Honey
Another home remedy for sunburn is the application of honey to the area of the sunburn as it will also hasten the healing process. History has it that honey has been used as a burn remedy since the Egyptian and it still very much works like the old times although it is advisable to skip this remedy for children younger than 12 months as it might put them at risk of developing infant botulism.
6. Oatmeal
This is one of the most effective home remedy for sunburn relief especially when you choose the traditional oatmeal over the instant oats. Cook the oatmeal as directed and allow it cool off before you apply the paste to your skin although you have to be careful how you do that because the oatmeal can be grainy.
7. Milk
Milk is filled with protein and you can do a lot to relief yourself of the pain from the sunburn by placing a washcloth or a cotton you’ve soaked in cool milk on the burn area as it will help reduce the heat. This is also of the most popular home remedy for sunburn and you shouldn’t hesitate to try it as soon as you start having reddened skin you feel might be as a result of sunburn.
8. Greek Yogurt
Due to the presence of the lactic acid, yogurt is widely considered an anti-inflammatory and can also be used to moisturize a sunburned skin. This is one of the best home remedies as you can apply it plain on the sunburned surface, then rinse after 15 minutes.
9. Essential Oils
Essential oils are actually essential in cases of sunburns and you definitely should keep one of them. These oils are one of the most natural home remedies for sunburn. Some of the most commonly used oils for sunburn are sandalwood, eucalyptus, and lavender.
10. Green Tea
Green tea contains polyphenols which are said to be anti-inflammatory. You can make the best of the green tea by steeping the leaves into a clean container and soak a clean cloth in it. You can only begin to apply it on the affected area after you must have allowed the steeped tea to cool off in the fridge for a while.
