The Best Ways To Treat A Sunburn
There are few things better in life than long beach days. Summer quickly becomes the best season of the year when you feel the sand beneath your feet, hear the waves hitting the shore, and can relax in the sun’s warmth. No doubt you’ve heard a number of primary physicians warn against the dangers of too much sun exposure, but if you forget to reapply (or apply at all) the sunscreen, what’s the best way to treat a sunburn?
General practitioners will explain that getting burnt just once every two years can triple your risk of melanoma, which makes a yearly routine health exam crucial to recognizing potential health challenges.
Life happens. Whether you’re rushing out the door and leave the SPF behind or it wears off in the water, sunburned skin is no fun. Check out our natural ways to treat sunburn.
Natural Ways To Treat Sunburn
- Ice: An ice pack or wrap is good for immediate relief. Use frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel on the burned skin after applying a topical sunburn treatment.
- Milk: Cold milk is a natural way to treat sunburn as the liquid creates a protein film that helps reduce heat and relieve pain. Damped a wash cloth or cotton pad with cold milk and apply directly to your skin.
- Oatmeal: Colloidal oatmeal can be added to lukewarm bath water to soak your skin. This treatment helps relieve the itching and burning. (Tip: Make your own oatmeal by putting one cup of instant or slow-cooking oatmeal into the food processor and grind until you have a smooth consistency.)
- Olive Oil: Organic extra virgin olive oil is a great sunburn treatment. For best results, mix a few drops of the oil with aloe vera. Use just a few drops of water if you don’t have any aloe vera. The oil locks in the moisture to help your skin avoid peeling while the aloe vera soothes the burning.
- Pure Aloe Vera: Aloe vera for sunburn treatment is best when you use a food grade to ensure no chemicals or preservatives have been added. Many primary care doctors recommend this plant as a sunburn treatment because it can be applied as often as needed. Your skin will naturally drink in the moisture, so as your skin’s temperature begins to warm, apply more aloe vera.
- Witch Hazel: Relieve the pain and itching of sunburn with witch hazel. Dampen a cotton ball or washcloth with the ingredient and use three or four times a day. The astringent has anti-inflammatory properties and will help relieve pain and itching.
Peeling your skin after a sunburn can leave room for infection and further pain. Avoid scratching or rubbing too much so the skin won’t peel off and expose the sensitive layer. Apply your natural sunburn treatment and use ice to ease the discomfort. If the pain from your sunburn doesn’t lessen with time and treatment, visit your general practitioner.
