Skincare

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Sunburn

Payal Bhattacharya

extended exposure to the sun. While plenty of skincare products can help calm irritated and broken skin, home remedies popularised by our grannies can also do the job for you. Let’s look at some of the most effective home remedies for sunburn.

What is Sunburn?

The red skin that feels hot to touch is what we call ‘Sunburn’. It occurs with extended exposure to the sun and its harmful UV radiation. Exposure to artificial UV rays can also trigger and cause a sunburn. Depending on the severity, sunburns can be classified as – first-degree, second-degree and third-degree. 

While first and second-degree sunburns are treatable at home, third-degree sunburns require immediate medical attention, although they are rare. Multiple sunburns can also lead to premature skin ageing and skin cancer in some instances.
 

Sunburn Treatment at Home

Regardless of whether it is mild or severe, it can cause inflammation, irritation, redness and a burning sensation from time to time. Therefore, keeping a few homemade remedies can help soothe the affected areas. Here is the answer for ‘how to treat sunburn at home’:

 

1. Cold Shower

It is well-known that applying ice or cold water to inflamed skin or muscles can help reduce swelling, redness and symptoms. While it might not make the symptoms disappear entirely, taking a cold shower after getting a sunburn can ease the irritation and make you feel calm. Applying cold water to the affected skin can also catalyse the healing process and help other sunburn remedies to work more effectively.

 

2. Chamomile Tea

It is one of the most effective home remedies for treating sunburn. All you need to do is brew a cup of chamomile tea and let it chill down. Once the brew is chilled, apply it to the affected areas. Cold chamomile tea will not only soothe the sunburnt skin but also help in quicker healing of the inflamed skin. 

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a) Tea Treasure Organic Pure Chamomile Tea 

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3. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is an ingredient known for providing moisture to the skin. Adding moisture to the sunburnt skin can mollify the irritated skin and hasten the healing process. Applying generous amounts of aloe vera to the affected skin is recommended. It has two key enzymes that aid in repairing the broken and burnt skin cells, and the water contents help hydrate the moisture drained skin to the core.

To reap the most benefits of aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties and moisture contents, use pure aloe vera gel or a product having minimal added components. 

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b) Good Vibes Aloe Vera Nourishing Multipurpose Gel 

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The Good Vibes Aloe Vera Nourishing Multipurpose Gel is ideal for all your home remedies.

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4. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is the oldest and most prominent element of the beauty, skincare and haircare world, and for a good reason. It has numerous benefits for our hair and skin health, calming sunburn symptoms and treating it is one such quality of coconut oil. 

Applying a layer of coconut oil over sunburnt skin can reduce itchiness and prevent skin peeling. 

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c) Good Vibes Coconut 100% Pure Cold Pressed Carrier Oil For Hair & Skin

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5. Honey

Employing honey to treat sunburns is as good an alternative as the other home remedies that can help. The moisture from honey helps reduce the redness and decrease the inflammation and swelling of the affected area. It doubles up as a skin moisturiser while aiding in the healing process. Additionally, the antibacterial properties of honey ensure that the risk of developing any infection is nullified.

 

6. Oatmeal

While you might not have heard of using oatmeal to treat sunburn, it is one of the most efficient ways of soothing the effects of sunburn and speeding up the healing process. Applying a thick paste of oats and milk (oatmeal) to the affected area ensures that the degree of sunburn doesn’t worsen with time. And the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the oatmeal provide relief and relaxation to you.

 

7. Milk

Applying cold milk to the affected areas creates a sheen of a protective layer on the sunburnt skin. The coolness of the milk helps soothe the irritated skin while bringing the inflammation down. Dip your washcloth in milk, squeeze out the excess milk, and apply it to the affected areas for a few minutes. Repeating the process multiple times can contribute to better healing.

 

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

While according to the general convention applying acidic substances to inflamed skin might seem counter-productive, apple cider vinegar is an exception. Since the skin is sensitive when the sunburn is relatively fresh, the chance of getting infected increases. Applying diluted apple cider vinegar to the affected areas using a cotton pad can reduce the risk of infection and help quick healing. 

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Sunburn Prevention Cheatsheet

While you can always treat sunburns regardless of their degree, prevention is always better than cure. To add to that, the ways to prevent sunburns also require almost zero effort. These are some essential steps you can take to avoid sunburns:

  • Apply sunscreen. A broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen like the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 50+ PA+++ is preferred.
  • Whenever possible, seek shade.
  • Always wear a hat
  • Wear full-sleeved clothes
  • Sport sunglasses
  • Step out only when necessary, preferably before 10 am or post 4 pm.

 

Takeaway

While sunburn is one of the most common skin issues that tags along with prolonged exposure to the sun and its radiation, sunburn treatments at home are straightforward and quick. The home remedies for sunburn can help you soothe the symptoms and accelerate the healing process. Get all the ingredients for sunburn and other home remedies from the above recommendations. Our website can also help you with your beauty, haircare and skincare needs.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does sunburn last?

Depending on the severity, a mild sunburn lasts for approximately three days. Sunburns of moderate severity can last for five days, followed by skin peeling. Severe sunburns can last up to a week, and the person suffering might also need medical attention.

2. How to treat blisters and peeling?

If a blister bursts open, do not peel the dead skin covering the blister. Allow the fluid inside to drain and wash the blister with mild soap and water. Covering the area around the blister with dry and sterile dressing is essential to ensure there is no risk of the wound being infected.

 

Read More: 
- 10 Best Sunscreens & Lotions For All Skin Types in India

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About Payal Bhattacharya

Payal is an editor at Purplle.com. She believes that the world will be a much better place if everyone owns a cat, it’s bizarre but true. She’s very sensitive and particular about her skincare routines and never skips it even for a single day. She loves to read about intimate hygiene and educate herself about female and male personal care which clearly reflects in her writings.