Sunburn is a common issue during summer. It happens when skin gets too much sun. Luckily, there are many natural ways to help your sunburn feel better. This article shares tips to soothe your skin and help it heal faster.

Sometimes, even staying in the shade doesn’t fully protect us from sunburn. But, don’t worry. Things like cool water, aloe vera, baking soda, and oatmeal can make you feel better. Aloe vera is especially great for sunburn. Many people say it works really well.

Using some home remedies might sound good, but not all of them are safe. For example, some say vinegar can help, but others warn it might not. When you’re sunburned, wearing loose clothes made of cotton or bamboo can also help you heal.

What Is Sunburn?

Sunburn is a kind of burn you get from too much sun or tanning beds. This happens when the skin gets more UV light than it can handle. The result is red, painful skin.

Understanding Sunburn and Its Causes

Sunburn can start in just 11 minutes in the sun. It keeps getting worse for the next few days. How bad it gets depends on how long and how intense the UV light was.

Getting too much sun can lead to skin cancer and make your skin age faster. Lighter skin turns red while darker skin may just get darker. You might feel pain, itching, and even have more serious symptoms like a fever.

After sunburn, a rash shows up within hours, peaks days after, and then peels. Some people are more likely to burn, like those with certain health conditions. Certain medicines can also make sunburn worse.

You’re at more risk of sunburn close to the equator or at high altitudes. It’s also more likely on clear sunny days and near water, ice, or snow.

sunburn

Signs and Symptoms of Sunburn

Getting too much sun can lead to painful sunburn. This can range from a light pink to a severe red. It is important to know the signs of sunburn to treat it fast.

The first signs of sunburn are red skin and feeling hot. You might also have a headache, fever, and small, painful blisters. These signs show up a few hours after too much sun and can last days.

Some might get a second-degree sunburn. This is more severe and shows as more redness, swelling, and big blisters. It is very painful and takes longer to heal.

In very rare cases, a third-degree sunburn might happen. The skin looks dull and feels like leather. You might feel numb and sick, with dizziness and confusion. If this happens, get help right away.

 

It’s key to treat sunburn quickly, no matter how bad. Know the signs so you can protect and heal your skin. This helps avoid more serious skin issues later on.

Cool Water Therapy

One of the best ways to help sunburned skin is cool water therapy. Going in cool water like the ocean or a lake can make redness go down. It also gives fast relief. Don’t swim in pools with chlorine. They might make your skin hurt more.

Another option is a cool shower or bath. Don’t scrub your skin hard. This could make things worse. After, dry off gently. Then, put on some lotion. This keeps your skin from getting too dry.

It’s super important to drink a lot of water when you have a sunburn. This fills up the fluids you lost. Staying hydrated helps your skin heal faster.

cool water for sunburn relief

But here’s the trick. Cool water is good, but not too cold. Always go with gentle coolness. Pat yourself dry softly. And slide on some lotion to keep the good feeling in your skin.

Baking Soda and Oatmeal Baths

When you get a sunburn, you want relief fast. Baking soda and oatmeal baths are great choices. They help calm your skin, ease pain, and support healing.

Natural Soothers for Sunburned Skin

Put a bit of baking soda in a cool bath to lessen damage from the sun. Baking soda also fights germs, protecting your skin if you have blisters. For even more comfort, turn oatmeal into fine powder and add it to the bath. Oatmeal has things in it that help reduce swelling and keep your skin moist.

To enjoy these remedies, fill a tub with cool water. Add either baking soda or oatmeal. Soak for 15-20 minutes. When done, softly dry your skin. Don’t rub too hard. This might hurt your skin more. Then, use a moisturizer without a scent. This keeps your skin from drying out and helps it heal faster.

baking soda for sunburn

Baking soda and oatmeal baths help a lot if you have a sunburn. They are easy to use and safe. They make your skin feel better. Both are great ways to treat a sunburn and help it heal faster.

Aloe Vera: Nature’s Sunburn Soother

If you’ve been in the sun too long, and your skin is red and sore, aloe vera can help. This plant is known for calming sunburn. It’s natural and great for your skin.

Aloe vera loves warm, dry places. The gel inside its leaves is cool and soothing. It helps reduce the pain and redness of sunburn.

Studies show aloe vera helps heal burns quickly. It’s better for healing than some ointments. Aloe works well with other natural things like honey too.

Can’t get a fresh plant? Buy pure aloe vera gel. It’s sold in stores. Put it on your sunburn often.

Using aloe vera is good for sunburn. Drink water, stay out of the sun, and get help for bad burns. Aloe vera is nature’s way to help your skin feel better.

aloe vera sunburn treatment

Chamomile Tea Compresses

Chamomile tea works great for sunburned skin. It’s a natural remedy that’s very effective. Chamomile has things like anti-inflammatory and calming stuff. These can help ease redness, swelling, and pain from sunburns. Making a chamomile tea compress is easy. It gives your skin the help it needs to get better.

Brew a cup of chamomile tea, and let it cool. It has to be cool enough for your skin. Then, put a clean washcloth in the tea. Gently press it against your sunburn. This cool, damp cloth makes your skin feel better. It stops the burn and soothes you.

But, some folks might be allergic to the pollen in chamomile. If you know you have pollen allergies, talk to a doctor first. They can tell you if it’s okay to use chamomile on your sunburn.

Want to do even more with chamomile tea for sunburn? Here are some tips:

  • Make 4-6 cups of chamomile tea, let it cool, and turn it into ice cubes. These are great for cooling and soothing sunburn.
  • Soak a cloth in chamomile tea and let it sit on your burn for 30 minutes. Do this 2-3 times every day.
  • Use a cotton ball to put chamomile tea right on your sunburned skin. Once a day is good.

Using chamomile tea compresses speeds up your sunburn healing. But, don’t forget other care tips. Drink water, avoid more sun, and get help if the burn looks really bad. Or, if you start feeling really sick.

chamomile tea for sunburn

Home remedies for sunburn

Sunburn can be relieved by many natural home remedies. Cool water and aloe vera are well-known. But, you have other choices to soothe your skin too.

Witch Hazel for Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Using witch hazel helps with swelling and pain. Soak a cloth in witch hazel. Then, gently pat it on your sunburned skin.

Coconut Oil for Moisture Retention

Once your skin isn’t as hot or red, putting on coconut oil can keep moisture in. Coconut oil’s fatty acids are good for your skin. They can help it heal.

Baking Soda and Corn Starch for Soothing Relief

If your skin is peeling and itchy, a bath with baking soda or corn starch might help. Or, make a paste with them and put it on your skin. This could soothe the burned areas.

Tea for Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Black, green, or chamomile tea has tannins and antioxidants. These can cut down on swelling and pain. Using them as a cool compress feels soothing too.

Essential Oils for Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Benefits

Lavender and some other essential oils can ease the pain and lower swelling. Mix them with a carrier oil. Then, put the mix on your skin.

Don’t forget to drink lots of water. And, keep your sunburned skin away from the sun. Always get help from a doctor if your sunburn is bad or you see big blisters.

Staying Hydrated

Staying hydrated is key when you have a sunburn. The sunburn pulls water from your body. This can make you feel dehydrated. Drink lots of water and electrolyte drinks. They help fill up your lost fluids. Plus, they make your body heal better.

Hydration works wonders against sunburn. It helps fix your damaged skin faster. Without enough water, healing takes longer. This can cause other health problems. So, keeping hydrated while you have a sunburn is very important.

Eating watery fruits and veggies also helps. They are full of good stuff for your skin. This makes staying hydrated even more crucial when you’re sunburnt.

Drinking enough water is simple but powerful. It helps you heal from sunburn faster. It also eases the pain. So, always focus on staying hydrated with sunburn. This can speed up your recovery and stop other issues.

Protecting Sunburned Skin

When your skin is sunburned, it’s important to keep it safe from the sun. This stops more damage and helps it get better faster. Using these tips can help your skin heal without problems:

  1. Wear clothes that cover your sunburn but are light and soft. Clothes made of cotton or bamboo are good. They are easy to wear and don’t bother your skin.
  2. Try to stay in the shade. Don’t do a lot outside until your sunburn is gone. This keeps your skin from getting worse. It also helps your skin heal faster.

Sunburns go away in a few weeks. But, you should be careful during this time. By protecting sunburned skin, covering up sunburned areas, and staying out of the sun with a sunburn, you heal better and feel more comfortable.

After a sunburn, your skin needs extra care. Make sure to keep it away from the sun. Your skin will be better for it in the future.

Moisturizing for Faster Healing

After the sunburn stops burning so much, use a soft, no-smell lotion to help your skin feel better. Stay away from butter and oil-based stuff. These can make the burn feel hotter. Try lotions with aloe or soy instead. Putting them on a lot can stop your skin from peeling and looking bad.

Keeping Sunburned Skin Hydrated

Skin that’s sunburned can get really dry and start peeling. That’s why it’s super important to keep it moist. Put lotion on a lot during the day to hold the moisture in. Here are some good tips for moisturizing sunburned skin:

  • Use a gentle, no-smell lotion made for sensitive skin.
  • Choose lotions with aloe, soy, or ceramides. These help your skin feel better and moist.
  • Put the lotion on right after you finish your shower. This keeps the moisture in.
  • Don’t shower or scrub too hard, as it can hurt your sunburn more.
  • Drink a lot of water to keep your whole body hydrated.

Moisturizing your sunburned skin helps it get better quicker. It also stops your skin from peeling too much or getting hurt. Just make sure to pick lotions that are gentle and have no smells. This way, your skin won’t get more upset.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Many sunburns get better at home with simple treatments. But, if a sunburn is very bad or you see odd signs, you should see a doctor. It can really help you heal well and avoid bad things happening.

You should see a doctor if you notice:

  • Rapid breathing and pulse
  • Dizziness
  • Chills and fever
  • Nausea
  • Painful blisters
  • Pale and clammy skin
  • No urine output

If you have bad sunburn signs, get help right away. These may mean you have a heat problem or something worse. Also, go to the doctor if your fever goes over 103°F (39.4°C) and you throw up, as it could be a serious infection.

Quick care is key for a bad sunburn. If you feel a lot of pain or have worrying symptoms, see a healthcare pro fast. Your health and happiness matter the most.

Conclusion

Sunburn is a big issue in the summer, causing hurt and harm to the skin. But, you can use home remedies to feel better. Things like cool water, baking soda or oatmeal baths, aloe vera, and teas or oils can help.

Remember to drink water and keep the sun off of your skin. Also, your skin needs to stay moist as it heals. If a sunburn is really bad or looks strange, see a doctor. These simple steps and treatments can make sunburn better quickly.

To keep your skin healthy all summer, stay away from too much sun and use these natural ways. This way, you can have fun under the sun without worry.

FAQ

What is sunburn and what causes it?

Sunburn comes from too much UV radiation. This can be from the sun or things like tanning beds. If your skin can’t protect itself enough, it turns red and hurts.

What are the symptoms of sunburn?

First-degree sunburn makes the skin red, tight, and hot. You might also have a headache or fever. Second-degree burns are worse, with more pain and big blisters. Rarely, third-degree burns can make your skin look leathery and cause other bad symptoms.

How can cool water therapy help soothe sunburned skin?

Dipping in cool water helps reduce pain and redness. You can also take a cool bath, but don’t scrub. Afterward, use gentle lotion to keep your skin moist and help it heal.

What are the benefits of using baking soda or oatmeal in a bath for sunburn relief?

Baking soda and oatmeal can help your skin feel better. They lower the redness and keep your skin soft. Just put some in a cool bath and soak for a bit.

How can aloe vera help soothe sunburned skin?

Aloe vera is great for sunburn. Its gel is very soothing and helps your skin heal. Use the fresh gel on your skin for quick relief.

What are the benefits of using chamomile tea for sunburn?

Chamomile tea has things that calm your skin down. After it cools, put it on a cloth and then on your skin. It lowers the redness and swelling.

What other natural remedies can be used to treat sunburn?

Witch hazel, coconut oil, and cool baths with baking soda or cornstarch work well. They stop the itch and help with peeling. Teas and oils can also make your skin feel better.

Why is it important to stay hydrated when dealing with a sunburn?

Sunburn uses up the body’s water, which can make you feel sick. Drinking lots of water and eating watery foods helps your body heal. It also keeps bad things like heat illness away.

How can you protect sunburned skin from further sun exposure?

Wear light, loose clothes to cover your burn. Use natural fabrics like cotton. Try to stay in the shade, and don’t do too much outside until you’re healed.

When should you seek medical attention for a sunburn?

Get help if your sunburn is really bad or you feel very sick. Signs like fast breathing, chills, and not peeing are serious. They might mean you need a doctor.

Source Links

aloe vera DIY sunburn treatments natural sunburn remedies skin relief