We hope you remembered the sunscreen this weekend but if you got too much sun, we have you covered! While your skin is healing, be sure to keep the skin covered, wearing loose fitting clothing, AND using sunscreen even if the skin won’t be directly exposed to the sun. Invest in a good moisturizer and DRINK A LOT OF WATER to keep your body hydrated.
Sunburn signs and symptoms include:
- Pinkness or redness
- Skin that feels warm or hot to the touch
- Pain, tenderness and itching
- Swelling
- Small fluid-filled blisters, which may break
- Headache, fever, nausea and fatigue if the sunburn is severe
Here are five natural remedies that you probably have in your pantry or fridge to reduce the pain and redness of sunburn:
1. *Aloe. You can purchase bottled aloe at almost any supermarket or big box store or you can use your plant you’re growing at home. If using a plant, cut off a leaf and split it down the middle, scooping out the inside of the plant to rub on the skin. Keep your aloe in the fridge for an added cooling, pain relieving benefit. Aloe will help hydrate the skin and you can apply it just like you would lotion to the affected area.
2. *Tea (We have used Black or Green tea or Earl Grey). Soak the tea bags and place them directly on the skin or, if you have a bigger surface to cover, Brew the tea and allow it to cool. Soak towels in the tea and place them directly on the sunburn for at least 10-20 minutes. You can also place the tea bags directly into some luke warm or cool bath water. The tannins found in tea can help reduce inflammation.
3. *Baking Soda. Pour about a 1/2-1 cup of baking soda into a cool bath and soak for 20 minutes or more. When you get out, try to air dry or lightly towel dry to allow the baking soda to remain on the skin. Baking soda has both antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Be sure to moisturize with a gentle, unscented moisturizer after your bath as well.
4. *Milk. You can pour milk right into your bath or you can try soaking a towel in milk and applying it directly to the skin. Milk contains vitamins A and D, which help repair damaged cells, and lactic acid, a gentle exfoliator that will help remove the dead, peeling skin. Because it’s in the fridge, it will also give you a soothing, cooling sensation.
5. *Greek yogurt. Apply plain, organic Greek yogurt to the face and body as a mask and rinse after 15 minutes. Because it contains lactic acid, Greek yogurt has anti-inflammatory benefits and can be used to soothe and moisturize, as well as decrease skin sensitivity and redness.
*These remedies are meant to help soothe the pain and redness accompanied with sunburn, however if your sunburn is severe, with signs of bubbling or blistering skin, you should seek a medical professional for treatment. With any sunburn, it is a good idea to watch for unusual moles or skin discolorations that may be a sign of something more serious.