Nothing feels like summer quite like a day at the beach under a sunny, cloud-free sky. However, the aftermath of such joy can be much less enjoyable: a painful sunburn. That’s where natural home remedies for sunburn come in.
Instead of enduring the pain and discomfort until it goes away or treating it with some kind of topical medication, resort to common household pantry items that naturally and effectively alleviate the pain, redness, and discomfort associated with sunburn. The following 5 natural remedies for sunburn relief will make all the difference.
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1. Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E protects the skin from the adverse effects of oxidative stress and has anti-inflammatory properties1. Vitamin E oil comes in gel-capsule form, which you use to squeeze the oil onto the affected area of skin. Lightly rub the oil into the skin so that it thoroughly covers the sunburn. Repeat 3-5 times per day for one to two days.
2. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are incredibly therapeutic to the skin and are among the best (and cheapest) natural sunburn remedies out there2. They soothe skin irritations, reduce swelling, and relax and alleviate sunburn’s pain. Put 1-2 cucumbers through the juicer and place the resulting juice into the refrigerator to cool. After about 30 minutes to one hour, apply the juice to the sunburnt skin. Reapply a few more times throughout the day.
3. Milk
The fat, protein, and pH of milk together create a soothing, anti-inflammatory effect on the skin3. Soak a clean cloth in a bowl with equal parts milk, ice cubes, and water. Hold the cloth on the burned area for about 5 minutes. Repeat three times per day.
4. Cornstarch
The cool, silky texture of cornstarch treats sunburn and is a very practical solution. Mix cornstarch with cool water until it reaches a paste-like consistency. Smear the paste over the sunburn and leave it on until the sunburn is less painful. Rinse and repeat 2-3 times daily.
5. Vinegar
Vinegar is a common treatment for sunburn. Place apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz onto the burned area after a shower and whenever the pain peaks.
Natural Home Remedies That May Replace Prescription Drugs – Organic Authority
5 All-Natural Home Remedies for Poison Ivy – Organic Authority
5 Natural Home Remedies to Get You Through the Winter Cold and Flu Season – Organic Authority
Research:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4976416/
- https://drhowardmurad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Evaluating-the-potential-benefits-of-cucumbers-for-improved-health-and-skin-care.pdf
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351995268_Milk_Proteins-Their_Biological_Activities_and_Use_in_Cosmetics_and_Dermatology
